Plumbing Help - New to saltwater

ChicagoReefer · Oct 4, 2012

I'm new to saltwater and I'm having a hard time figuring out the best way to plumb my sump. I have a 90 gallon DT with a 30 gallon sump. It has a megaflow overflow with a 1" drain and 3/4" return. For the return I have an eheim 1262 and I'm using 1" braided vinyl tubing and 1" union with a 1"x 3/4" mpt adapter at the bulkhead. I went one size bigger on the tubing so flow wouldn't be restricted. The drain plumbing is where I'm completely lost. I need to plumb it to the right side of the sump where the skimmer sits. I bought spa flex, pvc, and vinyl tubing but I don't know the best way to run it. I'm also thinking of using filter socks. I don't have a lot of room under the tank which is making things even more difficult. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Pappy · Oct 4, 2012

I put 2 ball valves right under bulkheads and unions in case I needed to remove or move plumbing. I then ran a t and one part going to return area with skimmer and other part with another ball valve to fuge. Then return to union them ball valve and bulkhead. Note ball valve goes right on bulkhead and then union. The rest I ran all solid PVC. Hope this helps

ChicagoReefer · Oct 4, 2012

Thanks for the reply. How did you run your drain line? I was thinking of switching around the skimmer and the return pump and having the return drain straight down into the sump. I would then just use a longer hose for the return pump.