fernalfer
Valuable Member
I bought the Sicce 5.0 for my 120 gallon dual overflow tank. Just want opinions. Do i use Tubing from return pump and then convert to PVC? Or do i just go PVC from pump with a union just above it for maintenance?
Sicce 5.0 return plumbing
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dbl
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I prefer PVC throughout. Many recommend a small section of flexible tubing directly off the pump to help with vibrations, then switch over the PVC if that's your preference. Unions anywhere you can fit are always a good idea for maintenance.
dbl
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I'm assuming you're referring to a true union ball valves like this, which is an option for a union, just more expensive. If that's the case, you can put one on the 'output' side of your return pump if you'd like. It's not recommended to restrict flow on the intake side of most return pumps.
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fernalfer
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So what your saying is you can put one on the return side but it isn't necessary. a cheaper union will do just fine if the plumbing needed to be taken apart? I just see a lot of people placing these all over their plumbing and was not sure the need.
dbrewsky
Active Member
I would go with the tru union valve and spend a little more money right now. It will make things much easier for maintenance to shut of the water and disconnect the pump for cleaning,replacement, etc. Also, in the event that your return pump is pushing too much water, the valve will allow you to create artificial head pressure and reduce the gph turnover.
I would recommend transitioning to hard plumbing with a short section of silicone tubing. I have noticed a significant reduction in vibration noise transmission by utilizing the silicone tubing. You will probably not see as much of a vibration decrease with vinyl tubing. It is a bit expensive but if done right you should only need a couple inch- one foot of silicone tubing to transition to pvc plumbing.
I would recommend transitioning to hard plumbing with a short section of silicone tubing. I have noticed a significant reduction in vibration noise transmission by utilizing the silicone tubing. You will probably not see as much of a vibration decrease with vinyl tubing. It is a bit expensive but if done right you should only need a couple inch- one foot of silicone tubing to transition to pvc plumbing.
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fernalfer
Valuable Member
Sorry for all the questions but when going from silicone tubing to PVC how is that connected when the silicone is met with the transition to PVC?
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fernalfer
Valuable Member
just use male barb adapter threads with a hose clamp to ensure the tubing doesn't slip off. Bulk reef supply has the silicone tubing and plenty of high quality valves and pvc fittings.
Ok should i order 1 inch tubing to go from my return pump and then buy the barb male adapter fitting to convert down to 3/4 inch into a cepex ball valve and continue 3/4 inch PVC back to the tank? Or just go 3/4 all the way from return pump to tank
dbrewsky
Active Member
This would work just fine. If you are trying to optimize flow you might run 1" pvc all the way up to the tank return and then use a reducer to the 3/4". Regardless you are transitioning from a 1" output to 3/4" and your pump performance will reflect this. I would go with whatever solution works best for you, your design would be a bit cheaper since the valve and plumbing would be less expensive.
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fernalfer
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Ok so the plan is Sicce 5.0 ---->1 inch Silicone tubing, about 6-8 inches long---->into male barb fitting---->into Tru Union valve------into 1 inch PVC----->split off somehow back to the dual returns with a union right before each return----->then a 1 inch to 3/4 reducer into the 3/4 inch bulkhead.
Sound ok?
Sound ok?
