Pretty sure it's called a manifold; I've seen it on RC and plan to utilize one on my current setup. Assuming a manifold is a set of tees leading to equipment and/or refugium intake lines on a valve, set on a return horizonal pvc from a pump, my Question is: should the manifold be on the closed loop, on the return from the sump, or does it matter?
manifold question
- Thread starter reefbuzz
- Start date
mr.wilson
.Registered Member
Re: manifold question
A manifold is any type of plumbing configuration that uses a larger diameter pipe to evenly distribute water through secondary lines of smaller diameter (teed off of it).
Manifolds are typically used in closed loop applications, as the flow rate is much higher than that of a sump return line. These days, most people have 3 times the volume of the tank cycling through the sump per hour, so multiple return lines and manifolds aren't usually necessary. If you are splitting water two ways, a manifold isn't required, as a tee will divide it equally.
High volume flow as found in closed loops, require a manifold to divert water through four or more lines. typically, you would have the pump effluent line tee into a 1.5" pipe, with evenly spaced secondary lines teed off of it. These secondary lines will not require valves to equalize pressure & flow rates if they are of a smaller diameter (.75" or 1"). Water will still try to follow the path of least resistance, so symmetry and equalizing distance and resistance still needs to be respected. Valves can be added later if flow rates prove to be significantly different.
Many aquarists refer to a network of pipes located at the top of the tank, around the perimeter as a "manifold". While this is a manifold of sorts, it isn't the only, or best way to achieve the goal of diverting flow.
A manifold is any type of plumbing configuration that uses a larger diameter pipe to evenly distribute water through secondary lines of smaller diameter (teed off of it).
Manifolds are typically used in closed loop applications, as the flow rate is much higher than that of a sump return line. These days, most people have 3 times the volume of the tank cycling through the sump per hour, so multiple return lines and manifolds aren't usually necessary. If you are splitting water two ways, a manifold isn't required, as a tee will divide it equally.
High volume flow as found in closed loops, require a manifold to divert water through four or more lines. typically, you would have the pump effluent line tee into a 1.5" pipe, with evenly spaced secondary lines teed off of it. These secondary lines will not require valves to equalize pressure & flow rates if they are of a smaller diameter (.75" or 1"). Water will still try to follow the path of least resistance, so symmetry and equalizing distance and resistance still needs to be respected. Valves can be added later if flow rates prove to be significantly different.
Many aquarists refer to a network of pipes located at the top of the tank, around the perimeter as a "manifold". While this is a manifold of sorts, it isn't the only, or best way to achieve the goal of diverting flow.
