External Return Line Questions - Show me yours!

[o2zen]

OK I am running my return outside the tank then back in but I am not sure how to secure this so nothing is loose and banging around with 900+ GPH flowing through the lines.

Any suggestions?

I was thinking of going up the back to a 'Y' with Spa Flex then taking the 'Y' up to the top with solid PVC to a 'U' then back down, under the sand, and up out the front like you see in those closed loop systems. I know this will add about 5-10' of head if I am not mistaken giving me overall less GPH so I am looking for the pro's and con's of this and your suggestions.

Please post pics of how you did you system if you can. I have one LockLine setup right now so I could just go to that and pour into the tank in two different directions but how do you secure the piping to the back?

Thanks..

 

[boydx6]

I don't see why you don't just run it around just below the rim of the tank and have multiple exits (front, back and sides) that point direct to your overflows. You can use a powerhead or 2 to provide flow lower in the tank.
Just my inexperienced idea.

 

[o2zen]

Thanks. I have not figured that part out but what I am more worried by is how to secure the piping up the back and into the tank.

 

[ReefArtist]

900+ GPH what size of pipe is this? This information is going by not knowing what size pump/pipes etc you have. With all those connectors - 90's, tees etc your flow keeps going down. It doesn't take much to cut your flow way down. So unless you have a big pump for your return, I'd just use SPAFlex completely up to the top rim of the tank. Use Elbows to go up and over, elbow with FPTxSlip and then use the 3/4" MPT Connector Loc-Line, 3/4" Y Fitting Loc-Line, and 2 - 3/4" x 3" Flare Nozzle. Here are the connectors I'm talking about:
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_plumbing_parts_fittings_loc_line_flexible_ball_socket_2.asp

 

[A.T.DAWG]

I'm no expert and I'm only going to have like 400gph going through but here is what I did.
I ran 3/4" rigid tubing from my return pump to 3/4" PVC pipe and connected it with a plastic nipple and a tube clamp, at the top of the pipe there is 3 45 degree elbows going into my tank, I connected the PVC pipe with a 3/4" pipe strap to the back of my stand.

HTH
Andrew

 

[o2zen]

This is the pump I am using.

Pan World 100PX-X Magnetic Water Pump

I think we figured out it was 1020 GPH at 5feet head. Now add in the extras to figure out the total GPH.

White Sheet on the Pump

I still need to figure out how to get the plumbing up securely.

 

[NICERICAN4YOU25]

I WOULD ADD A PUMP JUST FOR THAT. JUST MY OPINION, ANOTHER
900-1200GPH PUMP DEPENDING ON WHAT BRAND U GET TOO.

JUST MY 2 CENTS

 

[o2zen]

I am setup for another pump but do not have it yet. I still cannot pump more into the tank than I can drain out of it.

 

[ReefArtist]

To make it secure I'd just attach it to the frame of your stand with pipe straps and then using the 90's have it come over the top of your tank. The 90's kept mine in place without any problems at all. If it would make any noise you can use a piece of felt or something like that - just put something between the pipe and the glass or where ever it might vibrate. I did the same thing on my 29G and I did have a little vibration and I put the sticky felt between the pipe and the place it was rubbing - no noise.

You don't want to drill your tank? I have the bits if you would like - checkout checkinhawks tank we did his in about 40 minutes- 10 mins each.

 

[o2zen]

My tank is drilled but I am using both holes as Durso drains and then using a higher push pump to up my flow rate thru the sump/skimmer.