Securing PVC (to aquarium stands)

[dreamcatcherr9]

Is there anything in particular (special) that is used to secure or support PVC lines to a aquarium stand??

I know there are a few options / methods. Just looking for simple solutions. Hopefully someone can help (pics help). Appreciated

 

[LBReefer]

Following along. I have bought a few clips, but I've found them to be less than helpful.

 

[naterealbig]

These are my favorite :

But them here :

Surface Mounting Clamp for PVC Pipe

Gray Surface Mounting Clamp for PVC Pipe Surface mounting clamps help reduce the strain on your plumbing fittings and bulkheads by properly and securely supporting your aquarium pluming. Designed for durability and ease of use, this clamp utilizes a simple clipping mechanism to hold your PVC...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Here's how I use them on my system :

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

These are my favorite :

But them here :

Surface Mounting Clamp for PVC Pipe

Gray Surface Mounting Clamp for PVC Pipe Surface mounting clamps help reduce the strain on your plumbing fittings and bulkheads by properly and securely supporting your aquarium pluming. Designed for durability and ease of use, this clamp utilizes a simple clipping mechanism to hold your PVC...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Here's how I use them on my system :

Thank you. Do you screw them into place first, then secure pvc??

I imagine it would be hard to do once PVC installed, so you planned ahead on locations of supports?

Sorry. I’m a total newb.

 

[naterealbig]

Thank you. Do you screw them into place first, then secure pvc??

I imagine it would be hard to do once PVC installed, so you planned ahead on locations of supports?

Sorry. I’m a total newb.

Yes, screw into place, and then clamp around PVC. Takes a little forethought, but the result is clean and useful. One method is to simply install 2 clamps in place and attach a piece of pipe to it. Then glue and attach everything to that in pipe. Dry fitting from there is incredibly easy, and it will be easy to Visualize where the additional clamps go. You may need to pop the pipe assembly off a few times while you are building it, but it's easy to pop back on. Let me know if you need help with the design...

Some pics / sketches of your potential plumbing layout might be helpful.

 

[JoshH]

These are my favorite :

But them here :

Surface Mounting Clamp for PVC Pipe

Gray Surface Mounting Clamp for PVC Pipe Surface mounting clamps help reduce the strain on your plumbing fittings and bulkheads by properly and securely supporting your aquarium pluming. Designed for durability and ease of use, this clamp utilizes a simple clipping mechanism to hold your PVC...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Here's how I use them on my system :

Not to side track here but what on earth are these things on your setup???

 

[Ligershark]

Plastic J hook pipe hangers work well and are inexpensive. You can cut them down and use them in any direction as the pvc snaps and locks into them. They are unsightly though.

 

[Dramad1]

Looks like flow meters

 

[naterealbig]

Not to side track here but what on earth are these things on your setup???

Why, they are Dwyer variable-area LFM-Series flow meters, of course.

My preferred alternative to the digital toys, common to the reef hobby.

Dwyer Home

Dwyer Instruments

www.dwyer-inst.com

 

[JoshH]

Why, they are Dwyer variable-area LFM-Series flow meters, of course.

My preferred alternative to the digital toys, common to the reef hobby.

Dwyer Home

Dwyer Instruments

www.dwyer-inst.com

Yeah I thought that's what they were, I'm going to have to get me a few of those! Thanks for the link!

 

[naterealbig]

Yeah I'm going to have to get me a few of those! Thanks for the link!

Reliable, accurate, and most importantly, they look super cool.

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

Are those return lines (not drained?)

I noticed the last one (far right) elbows back to stand to secure, then back out to match with other lines (manifold?). Is that commonly done?

 

[ca1ore]

Yes, those surface mounting clamps are the way to go. I mapped out all my plumbing and stenciled out squares for the clamps ... then forgot to attach them before getting the tank in place. Much harder to screw them on afterwards

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

Yes, those surface mounting clamps are the way to go. I mapped out all my plumbing and stenciled out squares for the clamps ... then forgot to attach them before getting the tank in place. Much harder to screw them on afterwards

2 questions.

How did you secure that right one to the tank??

The ones coming off the overflow box, did they happen to line up perfect with your stand? Or are the slightly angled to stand?

 

[naterealbig]

Are those return lines (not drained?)

I noticed the last one (far right) elbows back to stand to secure, then back out to match with other lines (manifold?). Is that commonly done?

You are right. The plumbing is unique as it actuality goes through the stand. I was going for a museum grade plumbing job. Not common, and not necessary. I added some complexity in trade for esthetics....

You can get a better view of the full plumbing setup in this video taken when the tank was pretty new. Under the stand is towards the end.