Stupid plumbing question

[South Carolina reef]

When replumbing a uv sterilizer into my existing return I will have to shut the system down for a short period. My question is once I pull the return line off the pump how much water will drain from my DT?

 

[dlsorensen]

None came out of mine doing the same as it had already drained back into the sump. Have a few towels handy just in case.

 

[anthonygf]

Just drain enough water out of the DT before hand down to the return nozzle. Then put in a check valve and ball valve between tank and UV so next time all you will need to do is close the valve when servicing.

edit;
Tank to Ball valve then check valve then UV then pump, in that order.

 

[South Carolina reef]

Just drain enough water out of the DT before hand down to the return nozzle. Then put in a check valve and ball valve between tank and UV so next time all you will need to do is close the valve when servicing.

edit;
Tank to Ball valve then check valve then UV then pump, in that order.

Great idea. If I siphon about a gallon or two out then nothing should drain into the sump.

 

[South Carolina reef]

Great idea. If I siphon about a gallon or two out then nothing should drain into the sump.

I wish I had plumbed it for additional stuff the first time, but I was all excited and stuff

 

[anthonygf]

We all learn the hard way. I have been in the same situation, after the fact I realize adding this will make reefing easier. Over the years I have added and rearrange plumbing and valves etc. I started reefing in 2015, doing fresh on and off for 45 years.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

When replumbing a uv sterilizer into my existing return I will have to shut the system down for a short period. My question is once I pull the return line off the pump how much water will drain from my DT?

Is this a trick question?
It will be the same amount that drains now when you turn off the pump... plus the water in the actual line/pipe/tube.

 

[anthonygf]

WOW I forgot that ("I am getting old") when you turn off your return pump all the water will drain from DT tank down to the return nozzle so you should not have any real amount coming out. Just put a small bucket under to catch any left over in the line. Still though you may want to add the ball and check valves.

 

[anthonygf]

Great idea. If I siphon about a gallon or two out then nothing should drain into the sump.

No don't listen to me. In my tank I need a check valve because my sump cannot handle all the water that will drain into it, my sump is too small.

 

[anthonygf]

I can place the return nozzle closer to the top but I like having water flowing down the back wall. My wave makers give me enough flow around the whole tank.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

No don't listen to me. In my tank I need a check valve because my sump cannot handle all the water that will drain into it, my sump is too small.

I drilled a small hole (siphon break) in the return line just below the normal (tank running) water line. That way I can have the return nozzle as low as I want without the tank draining very far.

 

[vetteguy53081]

When replumbing a uv sterilizer into my existing return I will have to shut the system down for a short period. My question is once I pull the return line off the pump how much water will drain from my DT?

As an insurance- Allow water to drop below overflow and line should be empty with a little residual which you can place a towel or shallow bucket to catch any residual water.

 

[anthonygf]

WOW I forgot that ("I am getting old") when you turn off your return pump all the water will drain from DT tank down to the return nozzle so you should not have any real amount coming out. Just put a small bucket under to catch any left over in the line. Still though you may want to add the ball and check valves.

After thinking about it you may not need the valves I mentioned, that is only in my case I guess.

 

[anthonygf]

I drilled a small hole (siphon break) in the return line just below the normal (tank running) water line. That way I can have the return nozzle as low as I want without the tank draining very far.

Yes I will try that. Thank you for reminding me, I will put it on my to do list. So much to do, so little time to do it lol.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Yes I will try that. Thank you for reminding me, I will put it on my to do list. So much to do, so little time to do it lol.

Here's the general idea (the hole on the underside and is not to scale of course)

 

[South Carolina reef]

No don't listen to me. In my tank I need a check valve because my sump cannot handle all the water that will drain into it, my sump is too small.

My sump is 13 gallon

 

[anthonygf]

My sump is 13 gallon

I am using a 10 gallon aquarium for a sump, filled with a homemade filter box, the skimmer a UV light and return pump. When I set up my 75 tank and stand I was using a small wet/dry type filter box. When I finally decided to use my 20 gallon sump it would not fit through the doors, I think the sump goes in the stand through the top. Anyway I just used what I had on hand.