Looks like its made for what you are asking it to do.
Plumbing overflow question
- Thread starter Paul_N
- Start date
- Tagged users None
OP
OP
Thanks! Just wanted to make sure. I have been using the same HOB overflow box and return pump for years and have never really had to address this until now with the upgrade. I am going to make sure I get all my parts and pieces before I start my build/upgrade thread.
It took me 5 months to gather all the parts and assemble my current 100G reef system. I even took a side job so everything was paid for in cash along with the ceramic tile throughout the house. Thats the first thing i di was get rid of all the carpet when I sold my old systems. No more damp carpet when cleaning tanks, just wipe it up with a towel or steam mop and I'm done! Best thing I ever did.
Harry_Y
Valuable Member
Paul,
Take a look at my build thread (link in my signature) for ideas.
I used Glass-Holes Overflows and Spa-Flex
I used 2" from the returns to the sump and
I used 1" from the Pump back up to the display.
I put a Ball Valve and unions on both sides of the pump for maintence;
The valve on the pump output side can be adjusted for flow if needed.
Take a look at my build thread (link in my signature) for ideas.
I used Glass-Holes Overflows and Spa-Flex
I used 2" from the returns to the sump and
I used 1" from the Pump back up to the display.
I put a Ball Valve and unions on both sides of the pump for maintence;
The valve on the pump output side can be adjusted for flow if needed.
OP
OP
I was looking at the smaller overflow setups there (1500 and 700) but they use smaller bulkheads. Did you just drill their overflow box and make the holes bigger? The Flowstar is rated at 1500gph and It will also run a manifold for my Calcium reactor and carbon reactor.
OP
OP
I have hardwood floors through the entire house so they clean up easily with the amount of poly we have on them. I plan on using a shower pan liner for inside the bottom of my stand and even have an emergency drain in it with a small hose running down to the basement drain if the sump should overflow, just accidentally spill a bunch of water under the stand or for draining the tank for water changes.
OP
OP
I will just go with the 2000gph overflow box. My only concern is my holes are already drilled in the tank and I don't know if they are too far from the rim. I don't want my water level to be below the trim. I'll have to measure and see.
Harry_Y
Valuable Member
I think Spa-Flex is a trade name, I believe they are the same stuff.
I used Spe-Flex because that is what Lowes had when I went to buy it.
I was wrong on my sizes before I used
1.5" for the overflow and 1" for the return
OP
OP
The one web site says with flex PVC you can use regular pvc cement but with spa flex you should use clear primer and a special glue and they sold both types of flex pipe on the site.
OP
OP
I found these quotes from a forum:
"flex PVC is smooth, spaflex may have ridges which might cause cavitation bubbles."
"I've used normal PVC glue and had some joints pull out that weren't strapped. For normal non-pressure or low pressure uses, it should be fine. Some of my joints are 8 years old and counting."
It seems these were directed at using on a high pressure closed loop. I'm just using it for low pressure overflow plumbing so I would think neither apply so I should be good with either.
*edit* I was just thinking with the ridges the spa flex should be much easier to work with than the flex pvc.
"flex PVC is smooth, spaflex may have ridges which might cause cavitation bubbles."
"I've used normal PVC glue and had some joints pull out that weren't strapped. For normal non-pressure or low pressure uses, it should be fine. Some of my joints are 8 years old and counting."
It seems these were directed at using on a high pressure closed loop. I'm just using it for low pressure overflow plumbing so I would think neither apply so I should be good with either.
*edit* I was just thinking with the ridges the spa flex should be much easier to work with than the flex pvc.
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OP
OP
I figured it would be ok for the overflow. I just got the flex pvc from Savko since it was cheaper than spa flex I had found and also shipping from them was real cheap. I got 20' it's actually being delivered today. I think the flex pvc may be a little more rigid so we will see.
Sorry, Paul, I didn't see this till just now. I am still running the ATS and it is working. One of our club members, Huhhhhh built and awesome ATS that is much more efficient than mine is.
Algae Turf Scrubber & Frag tank build. - The Southern Colorado Marine Aquarist Society
The algae that the ATS develops is much a faster growing algae than macro algae is.
OP
OP
Thanks for the info. I would really like to incorporate one into my setup if I have the room.
