Red Sea Reefer plumbing upgrade

[R&J Reefs]

Switching from metric to standard plumbing with no adapters ! I used the og overflow box plumbing . Put a light sanding on 1” pvc pipe and fits perfectly!

 

[LittleMaui]

After adding parts below, how will you be able to remove the upper pipes in the future if they leak?

 

[Scurvy]

Sorry to add but my upper threads did leak after i replaced the gate valve. Had to tear it apart and use 20ish wraps of teflon to stop it. Might be worth planning for the worst now while its Dry. If its dry.

 

[R&J Reefs]

I know I did think of that . It is a risk . The tank is dry still I will wet testing them by installing them and filling the overflow with water prior to cutting them to length and installing unions . I did think about leaving them a Little longer in the event they did leak in the future so I would have room to recut them and remove them .

 

[LittleMaui]

The one problem I've had with my 450 is plumbing leaks. After adding a Spears gate valve I accidentally loosened the top pipe which was an easy fix. I have cracked upper pipe threads twice while attaching lower pipes and overtightening. R&J's hard plumbing would solve that problem though since the cracks take place on the bottom of the upper pipes. I would still be nervous not being able to remove pipes without cutting.

 

[R&J Reefs]

The one problem I've had with my 450 is plumbing leaks. After adding a Spears gate valve I accidentally loosened the top pipe which was an easy fix. I have cracked upper pipe threads twice while attaching lower pipes and overtightening. R&J's hard plumbing would solve that problem though since the cracks take place on the bottom of the upper pipes. I would still be nervous not being able to remove pipes without cutting.

Oh I agree , but Im willing to give it a shot . No reward without the risk.

 

[LittleMaui]

If not already doing so, I would recommend a Spears gate valve on the overflow. Much better than OEM.
Post pics as you progress!

 

[R&J Reefs]

I did think about using a internal coupler and 1” thread adapter on the end pipe .It should be able to slip threw still.

 

[R&J Reefs]

If not already doing so, I would recommend a Spears gate valve on the overflow. Much better than OEM.
Post pics as you progress!

Yes I’m using a new gate valve . All plumbing will be new with reactors ( with there own gate valves also ) I will definitely continue to post pictures. I’m just waiting for a cabinet panel from Red Sea . One was damaged in shipping .

 

[R&J Reefs]

Ok came up with this ! In the garage messing with different ideas so I can still remove the over flow box plumbing. This works and looks great . The pipe pictured is just test pieces . The piece with the female thread would be the overflow box plumbing the other with the male npt would be sump side . After some sanding and fitting , here you go .

 

[LittleMaui]

I like that idea much better. Keep the pics coming.

 

[R&J Reefs]

I like that idea much better. Keep the pics coming.

No problem. Will do .

 

[R&J Reefs]

No problem. Will do .

I also started a build thread .

 

[RDGzero6]

What’s the end result on this ? Would like to know more about it

 

[incloud design]

How did this work out. I have a brand new Reefer 450 sitting in my living room and can't run it because I can't connect my plumbing. Searching for a week online and reading every forum but haven't come up with a solid solution without Mickey Mouse mods. Hard to believe as popular as these systems are that someone hasn't made an adapter.

 

[LittleMaui]

Don't over tighten the pipes. Spear valve is the only way to go.

 

[incloud design]

I talked with BRS and ironically they had a meeting this morning having to do with the Reefer series and a solution. Below is what I ordered for mine and they said it will solve the problem without hacks.

25mm to 3/4" Metric to Standard PVC Adapter

SKU: 300261

2 $13.98
32mm to 1" Metric to Standard PVC Adapter

SKU: 300257

2 $13.98
3/4" Red Schedule 40 Pipe

SKU: 208339

1 $9.89
1" Red Schedule 40 Pipe

SKU: 208340

1 $11.69

And I ordered all my valves and such from Amazon. If all goes well I should be plumbing it by next week.

 

[incloud design]

Never heard back on this thread. Ordered from BRS and they insisted it would work, it didn't. Not even close. Cut the pipes, sanded for an hour, didn't work. Can't see how the above threaded option would work. How can it possibly be this difficult to connect a pipe as popular as the Reefer series is. I'd give anything to have not bought this and now I've just wasted money on it. Obviously this failed as there's no response here or YouTube.

 

[Wendy Eaton]

Did you end up returning the tank or did you get the bra supplies to work? I saw several blogs where Teflon tape worked with the leaking.

 

[incloud design]

BRS parts didn't work. I believe Red Sea part number 4608 is what I used. You remove the Barb fitting and use Teflon with a 3/4 thread to 3/4 or 1" slip depending on your setup. I'm up and running with no problems thus far. Call fishtanksdirect and they'll know what you need. Let me know if you have further questions. It's a lot more simple than I and many have made it out to be.