Seeking plumbing advice from the wise

[MONTANTK]

Completely agree, but most people don't want to run 2 returns either.

Theoretically, if I wanted 800gph couldn’t I just run 2 400gph pumps?

 

[homer1475]

Depending on head height, sure.

Theoretically, yes, but I would imagine you would want a little more oomph to push the water.

I personally would just buy the pump/pumps I wanted, and throttle them back. Either by valve, or DC pumps(not a fan of DC pumps just yet).

With dual returns, if one craps out, your entire life support isn't lost too.

 

[theMeat]

Theoretically, if I wanted 800gph couldn’t I just run 2 400gph pumps?

Yes, I’d recommend it if you want 2 returns. As long as you’re not talking about tee’ing together 2 pumps

 

[NowGlazeIT]

This may be a dumb question but how far does PVC generally slide into the fittings? I feel like knowing this up front will save a lot of headaches

It’s a good question and you’ll want to take a measuring tape to double check. When I use 1 inch pvc the fittings slide in 7/8ths of the way.

 

[dennis romano]

Buy all of the pipe and fittings from the same store. I have seen where the fittings from Home Depot are a hair different size from these from Lowes. This goes for the pipes also. A few times, I have seen where a pipe from Lowes won't fit a Home Depot fitting.

 

[theMeat]

Buy all of the pipe and fittings from the same store. I have seen where the fittings from Home Depot are a hair different size from these from Lowes. This goes for the pipes also. A few times, I have seen where a pipe from Lowes won't fit a Home Depot fitting.

You must have bought something wrong or a defect or…
Pipes and fitting are made to the same size and schedule standards

 

[NowGlazeIT]

You must have bought something wrong or a defect or…
Pipes and fitting are made to the same size and schedule standards

I’ve experienced similar issues when purchasing unions but the pipe and fittings have always worked universally ime

 

[NowGlazeIT]

How about some plumbing pictures?? Let’s give the OP some ideas!

 

[NowGlazeIT]

don’t forget the possibilities of adding a manifold!

 

[Hairyteeth]

Here’s mine, first timer though so maybe not the best reference

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Here’s mine, first timer though so maybe not the best reference

Super clean, well done.

 

[Hairyteeth]

Super clean, well done.

Thank you, glad to learned plumbing a lil bit ….I did have issues with my stock bulkheads leaking, and after a few fixes got all but one leak free, got new bulkheads in the mail…upon holding the new ones a feeling the quality difference I replaced all 3 and we are off to the races leak free.

 

[MONTANTK]

don’t forget the possibilities of adding a manifold!

What is the purpose of the manifold?

 

[NowGlazeIT]

What is the purpose of the manifold?

To power other equipment with one single pump. This manifold feeds my bio pellet reactor, brs reactor and Avast marine reactor as well as my DT return.

 

[MONTANTK]

To power other equipment with one single pump. This manifold feeds my bio pellet reactor, brs reactor and Avast marine reactor as well as my DT return.

That’s very cool! I would definitely consider it but I don’t think I’d get much use out of it since I usually don’t run reactors

 

[NowGlazeIT]

That’s very cool! I would definitely consider it but I don’t think I’d get much use out of it since I usually don’t run reactors

I see, if you don’t plan on adding any reactors or algae scrubbers etc then you won’t need one. Some people build one or add extra valves, to have the availability to add equipment later on.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Appropriate sized PVC pipe, CLEAR primer, PVC glue, measuring tape, unions, elbows, a saw of some sort to cut it(those handy dandy PVC cutters that look like large scissors work well).

Lots of beer, some swearing, a few pinched fingers, and your all set.

This. I just redid my manifold setup to be cleaner so I can mount my UV outside of the stand and I forgot how much of a pain PVC can be. Measure, soft fit, measure again, cut, soft fit again, measure again, glue and curse up a storm that something was too short or too long, lol. It isn't pretty, but ALOT more functional and compact then it was before! Downside it wasn't as cheap as it was when I last did a manifold. I reused the gate valves and the check valve and still dropped 50 bucks+ in PVC last week.

 

[shakacuz]

Always.... Always buy more fittings then you need. It sucks having to run down to grab a single anything because you messed up. Unless of course your local plumbing store is right across the street. lol

i made the mistake of ordering “exactly” what i needed. boy what a mistake that was… delayed my first build by a week due to shipping

 

[DeniseAndy]

My plumbing will not help as it is run through a wall and down into the basement. Few tips though as I have done a lot...

Measure like 4 times and then always dry fit.
Pipe will go into any fitting more than you can push in once glued up.
Only have seconds to line up while gluing pipes and fittings, so use a marker to line up the pipes. Do this with the dry fit and run marker where the pipes join so easy to line up. This has saved me much when needing specific angles.
Use ball valves around pumps you intend to clean. Easier to pull out to do so.
Use gate valves on any pipes you need for fine tuning (such as on a bean or herbie overflow).
I like using the pvc glue from gorilla glue. Less odor and no prime needed.
Use as few 90s as possible and go for sweeping 90s or two 45s. Helps with head pressure and water flow.

Use reliable ball valves and not cheap ones. Same with gate valves and especially check valves. I use the Y versions, never the in line (straight) ones.

Good luck. Plumbing is an adventure and just try to have fun with it rather than throw everything across the room. Smile, and say, I got this.

 

[Sdot]

Oh man... this was me nearly two years ago. I plumbed my 1st system.

1. Plan Plan Plan!!

2. Get extra parts...trust me you will need them

3. Dry fit everything before you glue, and mark the area. This will make fitment a breeze later, when you glue.

4. Be prepared for leaks. Not the end of the world, but be ready to cut pieces out and replace

5. Plan for the future! Meaning build a manifold to easily add future equipment. You may not use it immediately, but super convenient when you do.

6. Make sure your pump can deal with applicable head pressure. Each 45 or 90 degree adapter will add additional head pressure to your pump.

7. Use lots of unions!!! Or Union ball valves

8. Plan!!!


Here are my results:

This was before I added a UV to the system, see number 5.