Step by Step Guide for Tank & Sump Plumbing?

[JakeK]

My current tank is a 29 BC. It's an AIO so I didn't have to worry about plumbing. My new tank is a 93 gallon with an internal overflow box along the back in the center.

I'm going to plumb in a sump to house an algae scrubber, protein skimmer and return pump. Problem is, I really don't know how to do any of that. I've done some searches online but what I'm really looking for is a list of items, and a guide on how to put it all together. Thanks!

 

[Chefbill]

I was in the same situation, AIO to RR 90g. I looked and couldn't find anything other than some very general things.
What I found helpful was simply looking at my LFSs set-ups, as well as whatever I could find for videos or pic of sump systems on the various forums and youtube.
My sugestion is to put your tank on the stand, with the sump in place. Do rough measurements. Take every part you have: bulkheads, pump return, whatever, to the hardware store. Get the main piece of PVC you need, then buy at least 2 unions (for taking apart the plumbing without having to cut it in the event of trouble), 2 gate valves (ball valves will work, gates are better), several 45 degree elbows (probably more than you'll think, 6 or 8), PVC primer, cleaner and glue, sand paper and something to cut PVC.
Now the fun part: sit down in the aisle and start playing. Figure "Well, this bulkhead needs to fit here, to to make that connection, I need this fitting, and to get from my 3/4" return line, to my 1/2" pump return, I need this and that..."
I actually found an old guy that looked at my stuff, said "watcha makin'?" and made me the perfect pile of parts.
Another tip is to put everything in your sump before cutting. I measured my skimmer, but due to how its return was, it didnt quite fit after I had cut the drain lines so now it points to the back of my sump, instead of towards the return. Same goes for any filter sock holder.
So a union and a gate valve on the drain line, one each on the return line, measure twice, cut, clean, prime, glue.
Post pics, bask in glory.

 

[JakeK]

I was in the same situation, AIO to RR 90g. I looked and couldn't find anything other than some very general things.
What I found helpful was simply looking at my LFSs set-ups, as well as whatever I could find for videos or pic of sump systems on the various forums and youtube.
My sugestion is to put your tank on the stand, with the sump in place. Do rough measurements. Take every part you have: bulkheads, pump return, whatever, to the hardware store. Get the main piece of PVC you need, then buy at least 2 unions (for taking apart the plumbing without having to cut it in the event of trouble), 2 gate valves (ball valves will work, gates are better), several 45 degree elbows (probably more than you'll think, 6 or 8), PVC primer, cleaner and glue, sand paper and something to cut PVC.
Now the fun part: sit down in the aisle and start playing. Figure "Well, this bulkhead needs to fit here, to to make that connection, I need this fitting, and to get from my 3/4" return line, to my 1/2" pump return, I need this and that..."
I actually found an old guy that looked at my stuff, said "watcha makin'?" and made me the perfect pile of parts.
Another tip is to put everything in your sump before cutting. I measured my skimmer, but due to how its return was, it didnt quite fit after I had cut the drain lines so now it points to the back of my sump, instead of towards the return. Same goes for any filter sock holder.
So a union and a gate valve on the drain line, one each on the return line, measure twice, cut, clean, prime, glue.
Post pics, bask in glory.

Chefbill, thanks for the advice. At first I just thought plumbing up a reef tank must be common knowledge because there really isn't a schematic for it.

 

[myreef2reef]

Every setup is plumbed differently.

 

[ReeferBob]

Just get 10x more parts than you need and return what you don't use. It isn't really that hard once you get going.

 

[abecker]

Just get 10x more parts than you need and return what you don't use. It isn't really that hard once you get going.

Agreed. After the first tank I plumbed and had to go back to the hardware store twice for more fittings I just buy a ton while I'm there the first time and return the unused.

 

[JakeK]

Thanks for all the tips and advice.

 

[dbl]

Not saying it's the bible, or that they are all correct, but youtube (search aquarium plumbing setup) has several video's of plumbing an aquarium. I think you can get the basics from watching a few. I agree with others, they all are/can be different and buy double what you think you'll need and return the balance.