Requesting plumbing pics

[TriggerFinger]

I would like to see pictures of your bottom drilled tank plumbing. From the bulkheads down to the sump inlet! I have 2 holes on a 90g & would like some inspiration pictures to help me hook everything together. This is my first tank and I’m nervous about moving forward with plumbing!

 

[jlcamacena]

 

[TriggerFinger]

Thanks! In your picture, the red line is on a union? What is the blue line on?

 

[jlcamacena]

Thanks! In your picture, the red line is on a union? What is the blue line on?

Yea the red line is union and the blue line is me going from 1-1/2 to 1 inch pvc kuz my bulkhead was 1-1/2 and I had bought 1 inch unions and pvc

 

[naterealbig]

Not sure where you're at, but on the small chance you live in or near Tampa I'd be happy to walk you through it....

 

[TriggerFinger]

Not sure where you're at, but on the small chance you live in or near Tampa I'd be happy to walk you through it....

St. Louis here, but thanks for the offer! What about pictures of your overflow plumbing?

 

[Oshengems]

I would like to see pictures of your bottom drilled tank plumbing. From the bulkheads down to the sump inlet! I have 2 holes on a 90g & would like some inspiration pictures to help me hook everything together. This is my first tank and I’m nervous about moving forward with plumbing!

I was in the same boat as you never dealt with pluming I will take better pics when I get home mine is very simple and straight forward. But it was good practice I’m currently plotting a 120 and will see have better nicer looking plumbing section

The first pick I upgraded tanks and kept the old Sump and skimmer for quite some time the 2nd is basically the same setup just a bigger sump and skimmer

 

[Pntbll687]

Here's a better question...

What does the plumbing look like above the bulk head?

This would really determine what you need, or should use below.

If it is a durso style drain, you shouldn't use any type of gate/ball valve as it would make clogging the pipe easier to happen.

 

[TriggerFinger]

Here's a better question...

What does the plumbing look like above the bulk head?

This would really determine what you need, or should use below.

If it is a durso style drain, you shouldn't use any type of gate/ball valve as it would make clogging the pipe easier to happen.

That’s a very good question....I have this set up but my overflow box is offset on the back, not in the corner

 

[Pntbll687]

That’s a very good question....I have this set up but my overflow box is offset on the back, not in the corner

That is a durso setup.

I would advise against using a ball or gate valve on this setup. Less chance of obstructing the pipe and flow of water.

Getting a straight drop from the durso pipe to the sump is ideal, but as few bends as possible is advised. I myself prefer to use 45 elbows instead of 90's, this way there is less chance of an air pocket building up in the pipe.
You could even use flex tubing if you wanted to.

Some people complain of excessive nose from this design, but usually it happens when an oversized pump is used. The ones durso pipes that come with marineland/perfecto/aqueon tanks are rated for about 700gph.

 

[TriggerFinger]

That is a durso setup.

I would advise against using a ball or gate valve on this setup. Less chance of obstructing the pipe and flow of water.

Getting a straight drop from the durso pipe to the sump is ideal, but as few bends as possible is advised. I myself prefer to use 45 elbows instead of 90's, this way there is less chance of an air pocket building up in the pipe.
You could even use flex tubing if you wanted to.

Some people complain of excessive nose from this design, but usually it happens when an oversized pump is used. The ones durso pipes that come with marineland/perfecto/aqueon tanks are rated for about 700gph.

Thanks for the reply. Are you saying the pump that came with the set up is rated 700 gph or the pipes are? I have a jaebo 10000 for a return pump...

 

[Pntbll687]

The pipes are rated to handle 700gph

 

[TriggerFinger]

Thanks! How do you guys make clean cuts on your pvc and flex tubing? I have a hand saw I’ve used to cut pvc before and it turns out I can’t make a square cut...plus the cut is very jagged and rough. Flex hose...hah, I’ve broken two pairs of scissors trying to cut 1” hose.
Are there special tools or tricks I don’t know is about?
Anything else I need to know about plumbing hook up besides making as few bends as possible? I know unions are good to have.
Any pvc connections that NEED to be glued? I am starting out with a pretty basic set up so would like to be able to change the plumbing around when equipment is added later on.

You guys are the greatest...thanks for all your help!

 

[Oshengems]

I bought a $10 pvc cutter in Home Depot similar to the one in the pic mine is just black

 

[Pntbll687]

Thanks! How do you guys make clean cuts on your pvc and flex tubing? I have a hand saw I’ve used to cut pvc before and it turns out I can’t make a square cut...plus the cut is very jagged and rough. Flex hose...hah, I’ve broken two pairs of scissors trying to cut 1” hose.
Are there special tools or tricks I don’t know is about?
Anything else I need to know about plumbing hook up besides making as few bends as possible? I know unions are good to have.
Any pvc connections that NEED to be glued? I am starting out with a pretty basic set up so would like to be able to change the plumbing around when equipment is added later on.

You guys are the greatest...thanks for all your help!

Like it was suggested, a pair of pvc cutters is the way to go.

As far as gluing pipe together...

I use silicone on anything coming from the tank to the sump. The pipe isn't under any pressure, and it creates a water tight seal. It also can be changed pretty easily, usually able to undo the joints by hand sometimes a strap wrench is needed.

PVC cement or glue is preferred for anything coming from the return pump when using pvc piping, this is because it chemically bonds the pieces and prevents the pressure of the pump from forcing the joints apart.

You can also use barbed fittings and hose with clamps for connections. This is probably the easiest way to go.

 

[Pntbll687]

Here's mine

Mine is super simple. Three durso drains each with a flex PVC dumping into the sump. And braided nylon hose on the return lines going to barbed fittings.

I don't really care how my sump looks, it's the display tank that matters to me.

 

[Idoc]

Here's a link to my build thread where there are detailed drawings and pics of my plumbing...I kept it basic! I believe post #9 starts the plumbing stuff.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/idocs-first-reef-tank-build-75g.317135/

 

[Oshengems]

As they suggested my old drain pipe had silicone but after a few maintenance ended up not using it since there is not pressure but my return pipe was glued with pvc cement, primer then cement there is one that is safe to use for drinkable water setups. My new drain pipe has no silicone the pipes hold together fairly Strong

 

[Ben street]

Here

 

[TriggerFinger]

I bought pvc and cutters this weekend. The cutters are amazing! Now I just have to find the courage to assemble...