Plumbing ideas

[DarrenCar]

i am ready to install my plumbing this weekend. I have the aqueon mega flow kit that came with my aquarium and the bulkheads have the hose barb ends on them not a slip style. I have been racking my brain to come up with a super simple plumbing plan that does not contain to many different connections. With a variable speed return pump do I really need ball valves? Can I get some pvc fittings that will match the bulkhead threads in order to convert them to slip style?
The bulkheads ale the ones in this pic if you can see them.

 

[scriptmonkey]

I would not use a ball valve on a return unless I was building a manifold off the return and then it would not be on the return line to the tank. That is what the variable in variable pump is for, to control flow.

 

[KStatefan]

If all you are doing is returning water to the display tank then no you do not need the valve.

 

[DarrenCar]

No ball valve needed on the drain either correct?

 

[JR55]

You could replace the threaded bulkheads with slip ones. BRS has them.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/pumps-plumbing/plumbing/bulkheads.html

 

[DarrenCar]

Replacement is probably the best option. I just need to measure the hole to acquire the proper size bulkhead. I can not seem to find that info anywhere on aqueon web site..

 

[jgraz]

Just went through the same thing. I replaced the bulkheads with what I wanted. Then afterwards I replaced the whole drainpipe with my own built durso.

 

[jgraz]

Just went through the same thing. I replaced the bulkheads with what I wanted. Then afterwards I replaced the whole drainpipe with my own built durso.

If the holes are the same size, they are 1" bulkheads. Older tanks have 2 different size holes, IIRC they are 1" and 3/4"

 

[DarrenCar]

If the holes are the same size, they are 1" bulkheads. Older tanks have 2 different size holes, IIRC they are 1" and 3/4"

Yes the holes are the same diameter, one has a 1 1/4 barb and the other one a 3/4.

 

[jgraz]

Then standard 1" bulkheads will work.

 

[DarrenCar]

Thanks guys. Going to order a few and replace the ones from the kit. This will make the plumbing much easier to handle..