240g tank w/fish room build

ClownMan727 said:
Is that flex tubing the stuff used for ponds? What size is that and how do you plan to attach it to the PVC? Clamps or will it glue on?
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Well I have 2 different kind of flex pipe. Both glue right into pvc fittings just like pvc does. Ito much more exspens to use the flex pipe
 
I ask this with the utmost respect, after you've invested this much money into it, why did you go with those cheap ball valves? You can buy much nicer true union ball valves from lowes for just a few bucks more. For example, the 1/2" ones you bought are like $2.65 and the true union ones are $4.64 and they are so much better.
 
CrazyEyes said:
I ask this with the utmost respect, after you've invested this much money into it, why did you go with those cheap ball valves? You can buy much nicer true union ball valves from lowes for just a few bucks more. For example, the 1/2" ones you bought are like $2.65 and the true union ones are $4.64 and they are so much better.
Click to expand...

I don't need true Union 3/4 ball valves. I don't have any 1/2inch. I would have liked 2inch and 1 1/2 true unions . both are around $60 each. But I have never seen true unions at HD.
 
Never seen them in HD but I know Lowes always has them in stock and they turn so much better than the regular ball valves.
 
Ok a mock up of the drainage system. Nothing is glued what do u think? I will add unions so everything can be taken apart but no room for unions sitting on the ground.

 
Hmm. I wonder if you'd be better off with two double wye fittings instead of two cross tees. If you push a lot of water will each side fight against the other when meeting in the middle?

611942036370lg.jpg
 
snake1 said:
I like it
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Thx the original plan was to use no elbow and to use flex pipe but there is no room.

zachfishman said:
Hmm. I wonder if you'd be better off with two double wye fittings instead of two cross tees. If you push a lot of water will each side fight against the other when meeting in the middle?

611942036370lg.jpg
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I like that I might do that instead but I planned to set it up so the main drain of each tank will be going to separate 4 ways. The other 2 drains are just emergency drains. So if done that way they won't be ever draining into each other. Here is a pic to sho what I mean. The top 4 way will hold the main drain on 1 side and the back up drain from other tank. Then bottom 4 way will hold main drain from other tank and backup drain from other. Did that make sense ? Ido like the y much better though but it looks tall I might not have room for them. I will try and pick up 2 and run the same test. Thx for the idea. Any other ideas r welcome and appreciated.

Roger

 
CrazyEyes said:
I ask this with the utmost respect, after you've invested this much money into it, why did you go with those cheap ball valves? You can buy much nicer true union ball valves from lowes for just a few bucks more. For example, the 1/2" ones you bought are like $2.65 and the true union ones are $4.64 and they are so much better.
Click to expand...



Ok so I went to lowes today. I did get the true unions but.... Here is a pic of the /3/4 reg ball valve and the true Union ball valve. The true Union has about half the size hole for water to pass. This is not exseptable. And they are $8 after tax, but I had to get 1 inch to have the same size opening as the 3/4 reg ball valve. So the 1 inch was $11 plus the 2 reducing bushings to attack 3/4 pipe so the 1 inch ended up being $13 each Vers the $2 I paid for the reg ball valves. So they r 6 times the cost. All thT said here r some pictures

Reg 3/4 inch ball valve has. Much larger opening then the 3/4 inch Union valve


Pic of 1inch Union valve next to 3/4 inch reg ball valve. These r about the same size holes now. But notice how much larger this is then the 3/4 in valve

 
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Here they r but they didn't have enough so I have to drive /call around to find 3 more




These will connect at the pump they didn't have a 2inch double Union so had to get the single Union for the 2 inch valve


Also got paint for rear glass of tanks. I might paint the r side of right tank and left side of left tank

 
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After playing with that single union I don't see why they make it.... It won't work I won't be able to remove it even after unscrewing it :;(. Looks like same problem with the larger valves as the smaller ones. I need to go up a size to have the same size hole :(
 
I hate the plumbing part. Itd be nice if a company started making plumbing for aquariums. At least that way we wouldnt have to rig a million different fittings together.
 
CrazyEyes said:
That's how all unions are, I don't think unions decrease as much as they'd seem to.
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Hate to disagree but this is a 1inch Union on the left and the 1 inch valve with union attacked they sell at lowes on the right. Not all unions are smaller. As u can c it is substantially smaller for water to pass through. This is why I went with 1 inch valve for 3/4 inch pipe


Mo original plan was to put one of these larger/normal size hole unions on each side of the cheep valve so it's easy to swap out when they break.
 
Got the back and sides painted today. Going to drill sump and refug later today.

1st coat


a few coats

My helper




I can c why people like black silicone now. I never got the appeal but I get it now :( it was the same price too. Live and learn :)
 
Those came out sweet! If the black silicone is going to be a regret, now is the best time to do it.
 
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