NEW plumbing method for an ULTRA QUIET REEF TANK!!!! LONG !!!!

Home Depot and Lowes do not carry them but I found the pvc type at my local hardware store and they are pretty cheap.
 
I couldn't find a gate either (except to order) so I used a ball. Between the ball valve on the drain, the ball valve on my return and the small ball valve on the line going to the refugium, I was able to set it exactly... it wasn't fun, but it can be done. No more water noise...just the hum of the pumps. Fantastic!
 
sseaner said:
USE A GATE VALVE! You will never get it dialed in with a ball valve. Once it is set it is as quiet as a church mouse
Click to expand...

I disagree with this. You can definitely do it with a ball valve, but a gate valve gives you far better control.

I use the fairly expensive true union ball valves and the action on the lever is super smooth, so it is far better than a lot of the ball valves that they sell at HD or Lowe's, although if you do get a true union ball valve from them, it is far better than the cheaper ones.

Peace,
John H.
 
Just curious...anyone know which would plug up faster? The ball or the gate? In looking at the gate valve, seems like it might plug easily.
 
i would think the ball would plug faster. it is half a ball rotating in a pipe. As apposed to a gate going up and down. There is all kinds of stuff that could get caught behind the ball.
 
Before I try and configure this method to my new tank, please answer me this. I have a 150g glass tank on order. 72x18x29, pre drilled. The LFS ordered it for me, as their supplier had one in stock. What can I expect. One hole in each overflow or are 2 holes standard? I need to know this before I can determine if I can use Herbie's method here.
 
my experience has been they come w/ 2 holes each, one for return and one for drain, but you may want to call and double check
 
Okay, so assuming I have 2 holes in each overflow, let me ask if you think the following layout would work. In the first overflow, use Herbie's set up with 2 pipes that lead to the sump. One as the main and one as the emergency. In the other overflow, I would like to use one as a main drain and the other as my pump output. Is it a sound plan?

A couple of other questions. Would each of the three drain pipes have to run to the sump independently? What if I only have 2 inlets?

Based on Herbie's plan, does this eliminate the need for me to baffle the sump which could save me space?
 
johnstacy, i think your plan is sound. You still have a back up or emergency in case one drain line gets plugged. put a gate valve on both overflows and you should be fine. What are the chances that both drain lines plug up at exactly the same time?

as for baffles, it all depends on how many bubbles your skimmer throws out. I would still baffle it but not nearly as heavily.
 
I've already got my system plumbed with a durso and a ball valve right after the overflow bulkhead. I'll just take apart the top of the durso and restrict the flow some to see how this works.

I'll report later.
 
johnnstacy said:
Okay, so assuming I have 2 holes in each overflow, let me ask if you think the following layout would work. In the first overflow, use Herbie's set up with 2 pipes that lead to the sump. One as the main and one as the emergency. In the other overflow, I would like to use one as a main drain and the other as my pump output. Is it a sound plan?

A couple of other questions. Would each of the three drain pipes have to run to the sump independently? What if I only have 2 inlets?

Based on Herbie's plan, does this eliminate the need for me to baffle the sump which could save me space?
Click to expand...

It sounds fine, but it also depends on how water you plan on flowing. I have one overflow on my tank and so I had to plumb the return over the top.

Putting baffles in the sump not only serves as reducing bubbles, but keeping the water level constant in skimmer section and allows for the partition for a fuge.
 
While I agree that baffles are important in the sump, I am really questioning whether I need to waste space with that staggered baffle system I'm sure you guys have seen. If there is no air in the drain, then there shouldn't be many bubbles to contend with. Your thoughts?
 
I would use at least two baffles, one under then one over so your water level stays constant and you have a little protection.
 
I found out that the tank is coming from all glass. I called them and they said I will need a 1" and 3/4" bulkhead for each overflow. In my plan I intend to use both piples from one overflow and 1 pipe from another overflow as the drain and the last 3/4" hole for water coming from the pump. I'm still not clear how to get the 3 drains to the sump. Do they all have to enter the sump alone? Can they be tee'd off at any point? I haven't bought my sump yet but I usually see a maximum of 2 inlets. Perhaps I should take the two 1" lines into the inlets, each with a gate valve and the last 3/4" drain line directly into the sump. I noticed Herbie has no email tab on his profile. I bet I know why!!!...LOL.
 
Herbie hasn't posted in 4 months and it looks like he sold his tank.

You can either T the two main drains together or go in seperately.
 
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