Need To Glue Internal CL Plumbing?

[happyclam]

I am looking into making 2 Calfo Return Manifolds as my closed loops. Does anyone have any experience with this? Anyway, the T's that fit into the plumbing loop inside the tank, do they need to be glued, of can they just be fitted together? The reson I don't want to glue is that it would nice to be able to swivel the elbows up & down. To see what I'm talking about, here is a link: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2003/short.htm

 

[SeanT]

How about threaded unions.

 

[XSiVE]

well, there's no real pressure, since they have multiple outlets, and they will be inside the tank, so why bother with glue?

I'm not going to be using glue on the internal components of my CL when I build it.

 

[sl-atl]

It depends on what kind of piping you are going to use. Since the manifold will of course leave your tank, I'd suggest using the same type throughout the loop, and to use something with threaded connections- you can tape the threads of the joints that are out of the water to make sure they won't leak.

 

[fishhouse]

As long as the pipe is not above the water line. If it is you will get lots of salt creep and after time the salt will fall and burn your corals.

 

[happyclam]

SeanT: What do you mean using threaded unions?

XSiVE: Thats good- much easier to build & put in tank if not glued together.

sl-atl: I plan on using regular PVC. I planned on gluing all connections out water, just not the actual loop in the water it self.

fishhouse: Thank you for the clarification. I will glue all pipes not completely submersed in water. Thank you for telling me about the salt creep & burning corals, as this will be a SPS tank, which would make it even worse.

Thank you all very much for your replys.

 

[fishhouse]

Your welcome. I learned that the hard way

 

[happyclam]

Ouch! What kind of corals where they? Sorry to hear about that.

Also, has anyone used the Calfo Return Manifold to good effect in a SPS reef? Would the 2 Hammerhead pumps provide enough circulation for these corals?

 

[crvz]

if they're submerged portions of the plumbing, then they don't need glue if they fit snug. I'm doing that for my return pump in the sump... most of the stuff is glued tight, but nothing at the pump is glued.

 

[happyclam]

Thanks for the reply crvz.

 

[happyclam]

Also, does anyone have any commant on my previous post about the Calfo Return Manifold, & if the Hammerheads would be enough? Or should I look into Tunze?

 

[fishhouse]

If you are talking about your 135gal tank, the one hammer head pump is more than enough. Your main piping will need to be at least 1 1/2". I had the hammer head in a 125gal and it needed 2-2"overflows. I was still scared!! You can't have any sand, it will blow all over the place. I will be selling my pump soon as I don't use that tank anymore.