You didn't plan to be a plumber, but---after years of tank-keeping, we were able to completely replumb our bathroom, from tub to sink to toilet. And to plumb a waterfall koi pond. So what you will learn is on the one hand basic, simple, and empowering---and on the other will keep your tank running nicely.
FACTS about pipes and hoses.
White pipe is good for anything for drinking, grey and black good for drains. It has to do with what's safe to drink from---and cost. I have a few grey items in my plumbing. Don't have any black.
Pipe or hose always has 2 measurements, and you need to know whether you're dealing with INSIDE diameter of the hose or OUTSIDE diameter. Outside only matters if you're trying to bring it through a wall or floor. INSIDE diameter often relates to how well it fits your connectors and pump outflow...but there are a few instances in which 'outside' matters. Look over how it has to fit, and write down both measures before you head to the store, but be SURE in your mind which you need. Hose can be pricey.
u
Re connnectors: never ever, ever, ever rely on one of those **)$(y702 little plastic hose clamps. They never fit and they'll bloody your fingers. It IS ok to use a metal hose clamp (ring with a ribbon of slotted metal tape that can be tightened very precisely with a straight screwdriver)---in fresh water. Fresh water is not as aggressive as salt when it comes to 'eating' metal. Here's a word to live by---'if it's a very small leak and it's all underwater, never mind a hose clamp. An underwater leak is not a big issue.'
Re bulkhead connectors: your fish store has a supply of these, likely, which your Lowes' etc may not. .And here is another place where OUTSIDE and INSIDE measurement matter several times. OUTSIDE for choosing the right 'hole bit' for your drill to give you the right sized hole to make this work. Gasket: put this on the water side of the operation. Tighten with hand-strength only, and about as much as a strong woman could apply, no more!!!! you do not want to crack your tank. Your INSIDE-measured hose should go neatly onto the threaded connector on the 'air' side of this, and use teflon paste or tape to make it a good connection. Read instructions. In plumbing they are the difference between works and 'leaking.' If it does seep a bit, (the rubber gasket needs time to settle down) just wrap an old rag around the connection (outside, of course) and let salt creep and time seal it. Usually takes a day or two. Re-seating it would probably just give you another micro-seep.
Trial fit everything before you start so you have a notion of any problems. Most stores will accept return and refund on unused plumbing parts. You should ALWAYS have a supply of 1" hose clamps and teflon paste or tape.
Remember that copper is poison. It will kill everything in the tank if you have copper pipes or joints feeding saltwater. It's ok on the 'house' side of your ro/di filter, but NOT past the ro/di filter. Why? Because fresh water doesn't dissolve copper as aggressively as salt. [Isn't it a medicine, you ask?? Well, like many medicines it's designed to kill a parasite faster than it kills fish, but frankly many of us long in the hobby won't use it. There are good meds out there that are safer.
FACTS about pipes and hoses.
White pipe is good for anything for drinking, grey and black good for drains. It has to do with what's safe to drink from---and cost. I have a few grey items in my plumbing. Don't have any black.
Pipe or hose always has 2 measurements, and you need to know whether you're dealing with INSIDE diameter of the hose or OUTSIDE diameter. Outside only matters if you're trying to bring it through a wall or floor. INSIDE diameter often relates to how well it fits your connectors and pump outflow...but there are a few instances in which 'outside' matters. Look over how it has to fit, and write down both measures before you head to the store, but be SURE in your mind which you need. Hose can be pricey.
u
Re connnectors: never ever, ever, ever rely on one of those **)$(y702 little plastic hose clamps. They never fit and they'll bloody your fingers. It IS ok to use a metal hose clamp (ring with a ribbon of slotted metal tape that can be tightened very precisely with a straight screwdriver)---in fresh water. Fresh water is not as aggressive as salt when it comes to 'eating' metal. Here's a word to live by---'if it's a very small leak and it's all underwater, never mind a hose clamp. An underwater leak is not a big issue.'
Re bulkhead connectors: your fish store has a supply of these, likely, which your Lowes' etc may not. .And here is another place where OUTSIDE and INSIDE measurement matter several times. OUTSIDE for choosing the right 'hole bit' for your drill to give you the right sized hole to make this work. Gasket: put this on the water side of the operation. Tighten with hand-strength only, and about as much as a strong woman could apply, no more!!!! you do not want to crack your tank. Your INSIDE-measured hose should go neatly onto the threaded connector on the 'air' side of this, and use teflon paste or tape to make it a good connection. Read instructions. In plumbing they are the difference between works and 'leaking.' If it does seep a bit, (the rubber gasket needs time to settle down) just wrap an old rag around the connection (outside, of course) and let salt creep and time seal it. Usually takes a day or two. Re-seating it would probably just give you another micro-seep.
Trial fit everything before you start so you have a notion of any problems. Most stores will accept return and refund on unused plumbing parts. You should ALWAYS have a supply of 1" hose clamps and teflon paste or tape.
Remember that copper is poison. It will kill everything in the tank if you have copper pipes or joints feeding saltwater. It's ok on the 'house' side of your ro/di filter, but NOT past the ro/di filter. Why? Because fresh water doesn't dissolve copper as aggressively as salt. [Isn't it a medicine, you ask?? Well, like many medicines it's designed to kill a parasite faster than it kills fish, but frankly many of us long in the hobby won't use it. There are good meds out there that are safer.
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