LF: Aquarium Plumbing Expert

[nguyenmi]

Since I am not a handyman - I am looking for an expert on aquarium plumbing design and installation - could you please recommend one for me?

I have most of the plumbing materials in SCH 80. Tank is LeeMar penninsula 150G.

Of course, willing to pay for these services.

Thanks.

 

[thirst]

im confused, aren't you selling this tank? haha

 

[nguyenmi]

i am debating. I am thinking to keep the tank since it's so nice but will see. If I keep the tank then I'll need the plumbing specialist!!

 

[nguyenmi]

So you know someone on the plumbing expert?

 

[cocoaandme]

What classifies a plumbing expert? Do you have a design already or are you looking for someone to design all your plumbing for you?

 

[nguyenmi]

No classification on the "plumbing expert" i just wanted call as such since I am a dummie on this stuff!! I am looking for someone to help me on the design and installation. I have most of the materials SCH 80 already. Just need to buy bulkheads and pipes.

 

[cocoaandme]

Do you have a schematic of your design? Could you post it here?

 

[nguyenmi]

I have question on the floating overflow box on my tank and just wanted to ask you folks if this is truth or not.

There is an aquarium service guy told me that for floating overflow box, there will be a potential disaster if the drains stop siphon and this will cause the return pump to pump all the water back to the tank and spill out the floor - is this correct?

 

[nguyenmi]

Do you have a schematic of your design? Could you post it here?

Richard, no i don't have a schematic at all and this is why I am looking for help!

 

[Paul_TheOctopus]

What classifies a plumbing expert?

A plumbing expert is a person who charge you over $1,000 to install a toilet. :lolspin:

I would lend you a hand if you're close to me. It's not that hard at all.
Perhaps, you should post some pictures of your tank, sump and we can guide you through the process.

 

[cocoaandme]

A plumbing expert is a person who charge you over $1,000 to install a toilet. :lolspin:

I would lend you a hand if you're close to me. It's not that hard at all.
Perhaps, you should post some pictures of your tank, sump and we can guide you through the process.

Haha I can charge $1000 for installing a toilet!

I agree with Paul, just post some pics of the sump and the the tank drains and we can start you off.

 

[Paul_TheOctopus]

I have question on the floating overflow box on my tank and just wanted to ask you folks if this is truth or not.

There is an aquarium service guy told me that for floating overflow box, there will be a potential disaster if the drains stop siphon and this will cause the return pump to pump all the water back to the tank and spill out the floor - is this correct?

You need to include a sump in your setup. When setup properly, the sump can act as a backup water overflow system if the power fails and avoiding any potential disaster.

 

[cocoaandme]

I have question on the floating overflow box on my tank and just wanted to ask you folks if this is truth or not.

There is an aquarium service guy told me that for floating overflow box, there will be a potential disaster if the drains stop siphon and this will cause the return pump to pump all the water back to the tank and spill out the floor - is this correct?

From the pics in your sale thread it looks like the overflow is internal and has holes drilled into the side of the tank for drainage. I think the aquarium guy you talked to thought you meant that you were using a hang-on overflow box which uses a siphon to move the water from out of the tank down into the sump. With a built in overflow like yours there is no siphon. It is just draining normally. So the only way your tank would over flow is if the drain is clogged by debris or algae but your drains holes look large enough so that clogging shouldn't be an issue. (As long as you don't restrict the flow with anything when setting up the drain plumbing)

 

[nguyenmi]

Thanks guys. I do have a sump of course. The scenario is not power fails. If power fails then you're right, the sump will serve as a backup.

Assume that the drain stop siphon (not power failure) and that's my concern. If the power still on and drain stop siphon that you'll have a disaster. Because all the water from the sump will pump out to the tank and spill out to the floor when the drain stop siphon.

 

[nguyenmi]

Now Richard with your explanation - I feel better!!! The drain holes are 2.5" so yes, they're big holes. Plus overflow box has teeth so I doubt if there will be any debris clog the holes.

 

[cocoaandme]

Oops sorry i thought you didn't see my previous post.

 

[nguyenmi]

So for 2.5" holes - what size of bulkheads that I need to purchase?

For 1 3/4 - what size of bulkheads that I need?

Thanks guys.

 

[cocoaandme]

I forgot the exact sizing match for holes and bulkheads but if you go to the flexpvc website I think they say what hole size fits what bulkheads. Actually I think most online reef stores list that info for their bulkheads. Also if you check out some of the build threads on here you can see how people did their plumbing and that will give you an idea of what things to consider when setting it up.

 

[rroselavy]

So for 2.5" holes - what size of bulkheads that I need to purchase?

For 1 3/4 - what size of bulkheads that I need?

Thanks guys.

Looking at the BRS site here:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/pumps-and-plumbing/plumbing-sumps-drill-bits-overflows-uniseals/bulkhead-tank-adapters


The 2.5" holes could barely fit a 1.5" SCH 80 bulkhead, or (loosely) a 1.5" ABS bulkhead.

The 1.75" return hole is probably for a 3/4" SCH 80 bulkhead, or a 1" ABS bulkhead.

BRS had their fittings on sale last week. Sorry...

 

[nguyenmi]

From the pics in your sale thread it looks like the overflow is internal and has holes drilled into the side of the tank for drainage. I think the aquarium guy you talked to thought you meant that you were using a hang-on overflow box which uses a siphon to move the water from out of the tank down into the sump. With a built in overflow like yours there is no siphon. It is just draining normally. So the only way your tank would over flow is if the drain is clogged by debris or algae but your drains holes look large enough so that clogging shouldn't be an issue. (As long as you don't restrict the flow with anything when setting up the drain plumbing)

Another question - I guess that I need to install a durso pipe for each of the drainage hole correct? Otherwise, it will make noise.

Thanks for your help.