Setup Question

[kkgaskin90]

New to the hobby-started in August with a 29g BioCube, this week starting out a 75g - bought a "kit" and was told (and kinda shown) how to set it up. They said everything was included. I mcgivered (sp?) the connection to the sump with some PVC, thread tape, and emergency leak tape I found, but the connection from the pump to the return ... ? It's currently just set inside the pipe, not secure or tight whatsoever. Two different sizes (obviously). I'm a total newbie and not handy at all with plumbing... Should there be a way to connect these or is more DIY in order? Also, any suggestions on improving the intake to sump connection?

 

[rworegon]

Yep, looks like female npt to barbed adapter is needed. Probably just like whats on the output of your return pump. Can't tell sizes from the pic but you should be able to pick one up from Lowes or HD. Use the teflon tape on the threads for sealing. Also on the overflow into the sump, replace the bushing you have on ther with one of the apropriate size. No need to tape it on. The flex you are using is just like the one on my 90 and many other tanks. It is designed to slip over the fitting not inside. you can use a stainless steel hose clamp to secure it if it makes you feel better.

 

[ChristopherKriens]

+1 it should look something like this for the return:

 

[kkgaskin90]

Ok thanks so much! The threaded pieces are 1 1/2" and the tubes are 1 1/4" (to sump) and 3/4" (from pump) so I will go look for appropriate bushings ad secure with hose clamps. I really appreciate it!

 

[kkgaskin90]

Where do I find ones that look like that/what are they called? The bushings I have found have all looked like this:

 

[TJ's Reef]

? is the photo shown just rotated to the right 90* ??? Is the vinyl hose attached to your return pump below and only ran through bulkhead fitting ? Could you take and post a full pic of your entire sump to better understand your situation.

Cheers, Todd

 

[rworegon]

If there is no water in your system yet, you could replace the bulkheard on the overflow with a 1 1/2" slip to 1 1/4" slip. That is probably your best bet. Bulkheads should be available from your better lfs or online if you're willing to pay shipping and wait for it.

 

[kkgaskin90]

Yes, it's rotated. I tried to fix it but my smartphone outsmarted me The flexible hose is attached to the sump, the vinyl hose is attached to my return pump below and only ran through the bulkhead fitting (to show size, I definitely was by no means planning on running it like this!). Here is all pictures. Everything shown came with the kit (minus the hose clamp). There will be a skimmer in center section of sump. There IS water in the system and water in the sump, but nothing running/no water in overflow. Water is only there because sand/live rock is in (Since we thought we had everything )

 

[rworegon]

In your second picture the way its plumbed your filter socks are completely useless. Not sure how they expect that to work but you need to run your overflow into the socks or take the socks out of there. You could put a wye fitting on it to split your return into each filter sock but I would probably take the dual filter sock holder out and replace it with a single 7" filter sock holder or just fill the return section with rock.
If you look at the way the overflow in connected to the pvc going into the sump, that is basically what you want on the other end of that flex. Thats what I was talking about when I suggested replacing the bulkhead with a slip to slip bulkhead.

 

[TJ's Reef]

One more ? What does the Return bulkhead do/look like inside overflow box ? Are both bulkheads threaded above or slip ? Is the return plumbed into a fitting through overflow box terminating into a loc-line nozzle in tank ??? I'm thinking that maybe this is for a Herbie style dual drain ???

Cheers, Todd

 

[kkgaskin90]

I think this is what you are asking:

 

[TJ's Reef]

Yes perfect, thank you it is set up for a Durso style. So you will indeed need to find a fitting like in post #3 but with a 1-1/2"? female slip instead of threads. Or.... a reducer bushing like in post #5 with female threads then a matching male thread/ 3/4" barbed fitting to go with. Isn't plumbing fun....lol
If you weren't 2000 miles away I'd just give you a hand, am sure that I have all needed fittings sitting in plumbing parts bins.

Cheers, Todd

 

[TJ's Reef]

After looking at picture again, how is the return 3/4" pvc pipe fitted to the bulkhead ? Is it just slipped in, glued in or ??? Don't see any threaded fitting. This will be under some pressure and you would not want it to come loose and shoot return water up to your ceiling.........

Cheers, Todd

 

[kkgaskin90]

Any hints on where I could find those fittings? I've looked at Home Depot/Lowes and didn't see anything in the pvc sections with a barbed end-maybe I'm looking in the wrong area?
The return PVC to bulkhead is glued-I know it looks funny my husband said the same thing but it's secure. I didn't build that part (luckily)

 

[rworegon]

Do you have a Local Fish store around there? If not I have found them at pond supply stores, general hardware stores, sometimes farm & ranch supply, or maybe horticulture stores. It might take some looking but you should be able to find them somewhere local. If not there is always online.

 

[kkgaskin90]

Found it!

Now that we are plumbed correctly, I have 1 corner overflow... How much water should I put into tank/sump before turning it on? I really don't want a huge mess...

 

[TJ's Reef]

Great news, and now your off to the races :car: You will need enough water in to where it floods the overflow box and won't run the return chamber dry in the sump.

Cheers, Todd

 

[kkgaskin90]

Awesome! After a few minor leaks we are finally running. Now... What part of the tank should I look at for water level to figure out top-off? My husband and I can't agree...

 

[Mr tooheys]

I would look at the return section on your sump to work out top off

 

[kkgaskin90]

Great! Thank you everyone!