I'll be purchasing an AGA with mega flow. I don't want to use the megaflow kit. I will be using a SCWD for the return from the sump. I understand that the mega flow has 2 holes drilled in the bottom, One for supply to the sump and the other for return. What can I do instead of purchasing the $40 kit? Hopefully I can plumb this with standard PVC parts. What do you guys think or suggest?
All-glass with megaflow
- Thread starter geno7
- Start date
You don't need the 40 dollar kit. Go to your local hardware and get pvc pipe and fittings for probably less than 10 bucks. Make yourself a Durso standpipe. (do a search and your find many threads how to). For what its worth, I ditched my SCWD after a few months. It cut down the flow way too much.
pjf
Premium Member
Get the Megaflow Kit for the Standpipe
Get the Megaflow Kit for the Standpipe
I don’t understand how you want to use the two holes in the Megaflow. Are you planning to use both of the holes for the SCWD or only one of the holes?
Since you need an overflow in any case, my recommendation is to:
· Retain the larger Megaflow drain hole as the overflow drain.
· Retain the smaller return hole as the one of the two SCWD returns.
· Use an over-the-rim return as the other SCWD return.
I also urge you to purchase the Megaflow kit because:
· The Megaflow standpipe is made from thinner plastic and has a larger internal diameter than any standard PVC Durso standpipe.
· The bulkheads supplied with the Megaflow kit are thinner than standard bulkheads and have larger internal diameters.
· You will waste more gas on trips to the plumbing store to find substitute parts than to simply pay for the Megaflow kit.
If you use the Megaflow kit, you will find that there are two ways to improve the flow even further (I don't recommend this but you can do this if you are as hard-headed as I was.):
· For the drain, instead of using the Megaflow barb fitting, use a rubber gasket compression fitting that fits over the bulkhead threads. Under the rubber gasket, seal the threads with an aquarium silicone sealant. This will give you a 1-1/4†diameter drain. Again, I don't think you will need this because the overflow grate is the limiting factor in your drain rate.
· If you want a 1†return, make your own bulkhead with a 1†close nipple and two threaded 1†barrel couplings. For a ¾†SCWD, you don’t need this.
Get the Megaflow Kit for the Standpipe
I don’t understand how you want to use the two holes in the Megaflow. Are you planning to use both of the holes for the SCWD or only one of the holes?
Since you need an overflow in any case, my recommendation is to:
· Retain the larger Megaflow drain hole as the overflow drain.
· Retain the smaller return hole as the one of the two SCWD returns.
· Use an over-the-rim return as the other SCWD return.
I also urge you to purchase the Megaflow kit because:
· The Megaflow standpipe is made from thinner plastic and has a larger internal diameter than any standard PVC Durso standpipe.
· The bulkheads supplied with the Megaflow kit are thinner than standard bulkheads and have larger internal diameters.
· You will waste more gas on trips to the plumbing store to find substitute parts than to simply pay for the Megaflow kit.
If you use the Megaflow kit, you will find that there are two ways to improve the flow even further (I don't recommend this but you can do this if you are as hard-headed as I was.):
· For the drain, instead of using the Megaflow barb fitting, use a rubber gasket compression fitting that fits over the bulkhead threads. Under the rubber gasket, seal the threads with an aquarium silicone sealant. This will give you a 1-1/4†diameter drain. Again, I don't think you will need this because the overflow grate is the limiting factor in your drain rate.
· If you want a 1†return, make your own bulkhead with a 1†close nipple and two threaded 1†barrel couplings. For a ¾†SCWD, you don’t need this.
Gundo5000
New member
pjf
Premium Member
Non-Standard Openings
Non-Standard Openings
Let me give you an example of why using standard bulkheads will not work on your Megaflow tank.
The return opening in the tempered glass bottom is 1-1/2†in diameter. A standard ¾†bulkhead requires an opening that is 1-5/8†in diameter. So it will not fit into this glass opening. The largest standard bulkhead that will fit this opening will be a ½†bulkhead (http://www.plumbingsupply.com/bulkhead.html).
The drain opening is 1-3/4†in diameter. A standard 1†bulkhead requires an opening of 1-7/8†diameter. The largest standard bulkhead that will fit is meant for ¾†pipe.
One place that might be able to supply you with thinner bulkheads is http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/6843/cid/1860.
Even if you can find bulkheads that fit, you will still find that the Durso standpipe is made from thick PVC that will constrict the internal diameter.
Non-Standard Openings
Let me give you an example of why using standard bulkheads will not work on your Megaflow tank.
The return opening in the tempered glass bottom is 1-1/2†in diameter. A standard ¾†bulkhead requires an opening that is 1-5/8†in diameter. So it will not fit into this glass opening. The largest standard bulkhead that will fit this opening will be a ½†bulkhead (http://www.plumbingsupply.com/bulkhead.html).
The drain opening is 1-3/4†in diameter. A standard 1†bulkhead requires an opening of 1-7/8†diameter. The largest standard bulkhead that will fit is meant for ¾†pipe.
One place that might be able to supply you with thinner bulkheads is http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/6843/cid/1860.
Even if you can find bulkheads that fit, you will still find that the Durso standpipe is made from thick PVC that will constrict the internal diameter.
Thanks for your wisdom. PJF, I'm sorry, I don't think I made a good statement of what I was wanting to do and it seems I am very good at that. I would like to plug one of the holes in the megaflow and bring the sqwd up the rear of the tank. I would then place 2 outlets, one on the left and one on the right. PJF, are the gaskets available in a hardware store?
As far as the sqwd goes. I do understand that I will reduce flow, but if I'm going to oversize the pump. I've had one problem with the sqwd in that on one of my tanks the magnesium droped to low and precipitate clogged the vanes inside the sqwd. This was due to kalk and not monitoring my mag.
algundo, good website and I see from the photo that the fitting at the base of the overflow is a standard pvc fitting. Again I ask, can the rubber gaskets be found at lowes or HD?
As far as the sqwd goes. I do understand that I will reduce flow, but if I'm going to oversize the pump. I've had one problem with the sqwd in that on one of my tanks the magnesium droped to low and precipitate clogged the vanes inside the sqwd. This was due to kalk and not monitoring my mag.
algundo, good website and I see from the photo that the fitting at the base of the overflow is a standard pvc fitting. Again I ask, can the rubber gaskets be found at lowes or HD?
My AGA 120 with megaflow and kit came with standard bulkheads and holes drilled. I only used the mega flow dursos for the drain and used my own 3/4 PVC for the 3/4" drains with no problem. I didn;t use there return piping it was real thin crap which actually fit to loos in bulkhead. My tank is about 3 years old now somaybe they made changes
I started with the SCWD to much flow restriction and it stoped swithching after a year. Now I run an OMsquirt 2 way on my return and works great.
I started with the SCWD to much flow restriction and it stoped swithching after a year. Now I run an OMsquirt 2 way on my return and works great.
pjf
Premium Member
Website Please
Website Please
Will you please post a link to a website that sells bulkheads and gives dimensions? Thanks very much!
Regarding the Durso standpipe, it fits into a PVC fitting that must slip or thread into a 1" bulkhead. To fit into the 1" bulkhead, the PVC fitting must have an internal diameter smaller than 1".
In contrast, the narrowest internal diameter of the Megaflow standpipe (where it slips into the bulkhead) is still larger than 1-inch.
Website Please
sjm817,
Will you please post a link to a website that sells bulkheads and gives dimensions? Thanks very much!
Regarding the Durso standpipe, it fits into a PVC fitting that must slip or thread into a 1" bulkhead. To fit into the 1" bulkhead, the PVC fitting must have an internal diameter smaller than 1".
In contrast, the narrowest internal diameter of the Megaflow standpipe (where it slips into the bulkhead) is still larger than 1-inch.
panmanmatt
New member
Why not just use both holes for drains and have your returns hang on the back of the tank?
Re: Website Please
Re: Website Please
MarineDepot
Item # Size Hole Size Price
FT1151 1/2" 1 1/8" $5.00
FT1153 3/4" 1 1/2" $5.50
FT1155 1" 1 3/4" $6.00
Savko has them too
1/2" (1 1/8" hole)
$4.71
1" (1 3/4" hole)
$5.49
3/4" (1 7/16" - 1.5" hole)
$5.06
A Durso standpipe is 1.25" thinwall PVC adapted to 1" PVC that fits in a standard 1" bulkhead such as AGA uses. This is what you get if you buy one, and it is the way you make one. Its on the Durso website.
Re: Website Please
You can get them at any LFS, any online vendor. They are standard aquarium bulkheads.
MarineDepot
Item # Size Hole Size Price
FT1151 1/2" 1 1/8" $5.00
FT1153 3/4" 1 1/2" $5.50
FT1155 1" 1 3/4" $6.00
Savko has them too
1/2" (1 1/8" hole)
$4.71
1" (1 3/4" hole)
$5.49
3/4" (1 7/16" - 1.5" hole)
$5.06
A Durso standpipe is 1.25" thinwall PVC adapted to 1" PVC that fits in a standard 1" bulkhead such as AGA uses. This is what you get if you buy one, and it is the way you make one. Its on the Durso website.
pjf
Premium Member
Megaflow Loc-Line Adapter
Megaflow Loc-Line Adapter
The Megaflow Accessory Kit has one more advantage. On the return, there is a threaded ball joint adaptor (Loc-Line type) that screws into an elbow inside the overflow.
The threads on the ball joint adapter are not tapered. It does not resist as you thread it. You can thread it tightly against the wall of the Megaflow.
If you use standard Loc-Line tapered threaded adapters, you will only be able to twist it a few times before you can twist it no more. You will need gaskets to seal it against the wall of the Megaflow.
You may also need flexible tubing to make sure the neck of the Loc-Line fits into the knockout in the Megaflow wall.
Megaflow Loc-Line Adapter
The Megaflow Accessory Kit has one more advantage. On the return, there is a threaded ball joint adaptor (Loc-Line type) that screws into an elbow inside the overflow.
The threads on the ball joint adapter are not tapered. It does not resist as you thread it. You can thread it tightly against the wall of the Megaflow.
If you use standard Loc-Line tapered threaded adapters, you will only be able to twist it a few times before you can twist it no more. You will need gaskets to seal it against the wall of the Megaflow.
You may also need flexible tubing to make sure the neck of the Loc-Line fits into the knockout in the Megaflow wall.
Why would you need the return sealed against the Megaflow wall? I have 3/4" PVC coming up the Megaflow, to a 3/4" threaded elbow, with a locLine ball adapter screwed into it. It screws in more than a couple of turns, It works perfect.
FWIW, I really dont like SCWDs. I tried them (had 3). They kill flow and freeze up after awhile.
I have a 180 with dual overflows. My return comes up from the basement sump and goes into an OM Squirt 4 way. Two of the outputs go to the Megaflow returns, the other two go up the back of the tank. Its a setup that I really like, and I've had a lot of different return plumbing setups.
FWIW, I really dont like SCWDs. I tried them (had 3). They kill flow and freeze up after awhile.
I have a 180 with dual overflows. My return comes up from the basement sump and goes into an OM Squirt 4 way. Two of the outputs go to the Megaflow returns, the other two go up the back of the tank. Its a setup that I really like, and I've had a lot of different return plumbing setups.
pjf
Premium Member
"Standard" Aquarium Bulkheads
"Standard" Aquarium Bulkheads
sjm817,
Thanks for posting the aquarium bulkhead information. While they may be "standard" in the aquarium industry, it is not likely that they will be available in a "standard" hardware store.
I believe that the 1" fitting in the bottom of the Durso standpipe has an internal diameter of 15/16". Per the drain calculator the maximum flow rate will be 500 gph. Is this correct?
"Standard" Aquarium Bulkheads
sjm817,
Thanks for posting the aquarium bulkhead information. While they may be "standard" in the aquarium industry, it is not likely that they will be available in a "standard" hardware store.
I believe that the 1" fitting in the bottom of the Durso standpipe has an internal diameter of 15/16". Per the drain calculator the maximum flow rate will be 500 gph. Is this correct?
You are making this more complex than it is.
Standard 1" aquarium bulkhead is 1 3/4". The is what any RR tank will come with. 1 7/8' is an oversized bulkhead and is not standard.
A Durso for a 1" bulkhead has an OD of 1.25". It is not made from 1" PVC. ID depends. If you buy one, it is thinwall sched26. This is also the recommended DIY material. You could use sched40 if you wanted, and it would probably work fine.
Below is the link to the Durso. I dont know why he recommends such an elaborate 1" to 1.25" adapter setup. I did mine with a single 1" to 1. 25" slip adapter.
http://www.dursostandpipes.com/
Standard 1" aquarium bulkhead is 1 3/4". The is what any RR tank will come with. 1 7/8' is an oversized bulkhead and is not standard.
A Durso for a 1" bulkhead has an OD of 1.25". It is not made from 1" PVC. ID depends. If you buy one, it is thinwall sched26. This is also the recommended DIY material. You could use sched40 if you wanted, and it would probably work fine.
Below is the link to the Durso. I dont know why he recommends such an elaborate 1" to 1.25" adapter setup. I did mine with a single 1" to 1. 25" slip adapter.
http://www.dursostandpipes.com/
JagerEinheit
New member
it honeslty doesnt matter, any LFS can order the rainbow lifeguard bulkheads which are EXACTLY what come in the overflow kit. the kits just come with specially designed ones for soft tubing.
FWIW its better to buy the kit and simple cut your headaches unless you can order the bulkhead at your LFs for 10 bucks. i say this because the kit coes with the overflow, the return lines, 2-3 bulkheads, locline, and strainers etc, all made to fit in the back of that unit. unless you plan to use the 3/4 inch hole for another durso and have multiple drain lines you are limited as to how much water you can dairn. each 1" drain is rated at 600-700gph
another thing, you need soft tubing to plumb the drain to the sump, or you need to get more creative then just a straight pipe because they are freakishly loud due to the pip fitting inside the bulkhead and the bulkhead in the kit holds the soft tubign on the outside so there is no restriction.
i work at an LFS so ive ordered and played with the parts, and i still bought the kit for the warrenty basis as well as couldnt find all the parts and still make it quiet and fit well.
hope this all helps which ever way you go.
FWIW its better to buy the kit and simple cut your headaches unless you can order the bulkhead at your LFs for 10 bucks. i say this because the kit coes with the overflow, the return lines, 2-3 bulkheads, locline, and strainers etc, all made to fit in the back of that unit. unless you plan to use the 3/4 inch hole for another durso and have multiple drain lines you are limited as to how much water you can dairn. each 1" drain is rated at 600-700gph
another thing, you need soft tubing to plumb the drain to the sump, or you need to get more creative then just a straight pipe because they are freakishly loud due to the pip fitting inside the bulkhead and the bulkhead in the kit holds the soft tubign on the outside so there is no restriction.
i work at an LFS so ive ordered and played with the parts, and i still bought the kit for the warrenty basis as well as couldnt find all the parts and still make it quiet and fit well.
hope this all helps which ever way you go.
Ok, I purchase my tank today. They had an opened megaflow kit and they let me have it for $30. I believe thats a pretty good deal. The only thing was the kit included barbed bulk heads. They let me trade them in for standard pvc hook up. I will hard plumb the return. I guess after the suggestions against using a scwd, I'm going to use the return that comes with the kit. Thank you guys, you have been very helpfull.
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