newbie Question on Eheim pump return setup

[Tanker_21]

Hi,

I just got my eheim 1262 and was wondering if I'm using it in my sump/refuge, am I suppose to remove the filter. Will the filter stop pods from going to the main tank??

Also, what is a common way to connect it to PVC?? and is it o.k. to use PVC all the way to the main tank for the return?

Thanks

 

[JonTarutis]

The filter sponge will clog in time unless you clean it regularly eventually leading to no flow. IMO I'd remove it. While you are at it remove the front end (plastic slotted basket)... thread a male adapter into the intake and put a 90 degree elbow so that it draws off the bottom.
If memory serves me correctly 3/4" male adapters thread right into the pump. Little teflon tape to keep the fittings from binding and you should be in good shape. Regular PVC up to the tank will do the trick and give it a "clean" look!

 

[crumbletop]

Yes, I'd remove the filter -- it will be a nitrate factory...

Regarding PVC, I tried plumbing mine this way -- it works fine -- but it was noisy. Vibrations transmitted up the pipes and noise was amplified. I now have it plumbed using flexible tubing and using the barbs that it came with. Make sure whatever you decide to do that you put a union in the line so you can easily remove the pump for maintenance, etc. My return bulkhead was 3/4", so I used a 3/4" to 1" barb (schedule 80 from Lowes). The 3/4" end is male threaded and screwed right in to the bulkhead. Then I ran 1" inner diameter tubing to 1" barb that is hooked into a 1" union. Then another 1" barb, 1" ID tubing, and finally end on the 1" eheim barb. That was the quietest for me. Before this I did the whole thing with 3/4" pvc pipe and a 3/4" union. If you have a refugium and you want to run some of the output to that, you can put a "T" either before or after the union, and then plumb stuff to your refugium. If you put a ball valve on this section, you can control how much flow goes up to the tank vs the refugium.

Jack

 

[Tanker_21]

Thanks for the replies.

Crumbletop, do you have any pictures by chance????

 

[crumbletop]

I don't have a pic of the plumbing in the sump, but I was able to take this pic of something similar. This does not have a union in it, which you should do. Also, make sure any tubing is clamped well around the barb -- you don't want to spring a leak

<img src="http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/305/305603/folders/234351/1890439DSCN2431.jpg" width="450" height="600">

This pic also shows the T that allows you to divert the flow. There is a ball valve on that portion. If you close that all the way, all flow will go to the display tank...

Use teflon tape around all threads. Test everything to make sure no leaks.

Jack