Another Blinding Flash of the Obvious

[Brian Prestwood]

I'll bet all you guys already figured this out. Anyway here goes...

See (below) how I have a valve on the 1.5" line from my tank to my sump. I did that so I wouldn't have to drain my tank to service that line. That valve is attached to a bulkhead fitting that is threaded on both sides. The side inside the tank has a screen screwed into it to prevent big stuff from getting into the sump.

In a blinding flash of the obvious I realized I didn't need a valve there. All I have to do is unscrew the screen inside the tank and screw in a threaded cap.

This solution costs a lot less and, more importantly, takes up much less space then the value. Doh!

Caps can replace valves that are attached to double threaded bulk head fittings for most things.

 

[jtarmitage]

That's true, assuming you can get to the bulkhead around the rockwork and corals, and that the threads don't become clogged or encrusted with things like coralline that will prevent even a reasonable seal!
Not a bad idea, but the valve is a better idea.

 

[Brian Prestwood]

I do have to leave something screwed into the threads all the time to prevent the threads from fowling. In my case that isn't a problem. I expect I will need a bit of teflon tape around the cap threads. I don't need a perfect seal. A slow leak while I'm servicing the line/pump is manageable.

I've always wanted to put a 2nd skimmer on the other side next to the calcium reactor (see below). After I take the valve out the sump return line won't take up so much room. There will be room for a 2nd skimmer.

The really embarassing thing is that I have a cap plugging the inside of a 3/4 bulkhead that I didn't use right next to the 1.5" line.

 

[maxdout]

hey are those surge tanks u got up there? cool

 

[Jacob D]

I would stick with the valve. You might inadvertently loosen the nut on the bulkhead with all the screwing and unscrewing. I was replacing a standpipe one time and had that happen, it was a PITA to get everything sealed again.

 

[Brian Prestwood]

Vang

Yes, those are surge tanks. I've had them on my tank for about seven years. I'm in the process of taking them down. Cleaning the spray off the lid is more work than I'm willing to do. I'm converting it into a closed loop.

 

[Brian Prestwood]

Jacob

I know a lot of people take their pumps offline regularly for cleaning. I run them until they die then replace them. In two years I've never used any of the four service valves.

Still, good point. On those rare occasions I have to cap them I'll make sure the bulkhead seal is good and tight before I start and I'll be careful not to turn the bulkhead when I tighten the cap.

 

[jtarmitage]

Brian, you could also just use ball valves. They're not that expensive, take up much less space, and although they are not as good as gate valves for fine control, you wouldn't need fine control in this use. I'd much rather have ball valves than deal with fitting a cap on the bulkhead when I did need to take that line out of service.

 

[jtarmitage]

Also, just put the ball valve after the elbow so you don't need to come out so far.

 

[Jacob D]

To me it just seems more convenient to use valves (I use ball valves). It only took one time for me when replacing the standpipe to loosen the bulkhead, then some debris got under the seal and it turned into a swearing match between me and the tank, a few hours later, and a few stiff drinks and all was well again.

But if the valves really bother you then go for it, just keep a bottle of your favorite liquor on hand, just in case

 

[dots]

Now you know why my plumbing and electrical is still "mocked up" with vinyl tubing after 2 years.