Basement sump plumbing

[96TL]

Hi all. I've been out of the hobby for a while, over 10 years, and want to start a new reef. My last tank was a 125. I'm thinking of a 240 this time around.

I now have the space and ability to go with a basement sump.

Do you guys use spa-flex the whole way?

Would I run one drain line and one return? Or two of each?

Also, I plan on going through the wall and down instead of through the floor directly. For those who did it this way, how did you terminate the plumbing through the drywall? I was thinking maybe a modified washer machine box and trim?

Thanks.

 

[Sk8r]

I use strong hose on the up-line: the down-line is passive and gets spaflex at the last. I've contemplated a wall entry, and I'd probably go for a simple escutcheon to neaten it up. (I used floor) The fewer joints the better.

 

[Dmorty217]

You want more drains than returns

 

[Breadman03]

I did a BeanAnimal drain (tuned siphon, open channel with some water flow, dry/empty siphon for those moments where Ex-Lax won't help) and a single return line through the floor, though I teed it off for two returns at the tank. I think you should determine how much turnover you want through your sump and build a drain system that will handle that with room to spare.

I used solid PVC for the entire drain, but a short length of soft tubing between my pump and tank isolates vibrations to the basement.

 

[hkgar]

I did straight PVC through the floor. Once in the basement there is a 15 horizontal to travel.

I have two 1" drains from the tank that tee to a 1.5" before going through the floor. The return is a 3/4' line that tee at the tank to two outlets, and the pump is an Awaki 100. Because of the high head pressure my flow is 640 gph from the Awaki.

 

[ca1ore]

I use ultra (spa) flex exclusively now. Occasionally need a hard PVC elbow, but mostly just bending the hose.

 

[mcgyvr]

100% a cost vs effort decision..

rigid is cheaper in materials and for a straight/simple run rigid is just as quick/easy..
now throw in some bends and loop around the walls and not having to do multiple elbow/angle transitions may just make flex "cheaper" and smarter when time/effort come into play.

 

[hkgar]

100% a cost vs effort decision..

rigid is cheaper in materials and ffor a straight/simple run rigid is just as quick/easy..
now throw in some bends and loop around the walls and not having to do multiple elbow/angle transitions may just make flex "cheaper" and smarter when time/effort come into play.

I set mine up 5 years ago and never even thought about flex. I have 19 90 degree elbows in my return line - creating the high head pressure. Might try flex from where it comes through the floor to the tank.

Can it be connected to rigid PVC, and how?

 

[mcgyvr]

Can it be connected to rigid PVC, and how?

Sure.. you can use normal rigid fittings with it... couplers/elbows,etc...
Thats whats nice about it.. No need for any special fittings.. Glues right into normal PVC fittings..

 

[ca1ore]

Replaced all my vinyl tubing with flex PVC. Former was riddled with flow robbing barb fittings. Latter solvent welds right into standard PVC fittings. It's a beautiful thing because with my basement sump not located directly below the display lots of twists and turns are required. I have typically bought it in 100 ft. Bulk rolls. More expensive than bog standard PVC pipe from homedepot ..... though not by as much as one might think.