Plumbing Advice

[ocd_mariner]

Im trying to get my chiller plumbed to the main display.

The return from the sump to the display tees off and goes to the chiller (which is just feeding back into the sump where the skimmer is, giving me a short cycle), the fuge and the main display return.

Im honestly at a loss on how to do this.

Is it possible to hook the outout of the chiller into the main display return? I would think that would not work, the water from the chiller and the return pump would be fighting to get into the pvc pipe going up... dunno... does this make sense?

I thought about creating a u shaped return to sit over the back of the tank, but I can't think of any way to keep it stable (on the tank!).

If you guys have anything like this (pictures!), please help.

I suppose I could always use a seperate pump, in the skimmer section to feed the chiller then have it return in the sump after the bubble traps. Id like to use the main pump I have though, if at all possible.

 

[Mobikob]

I would go with the U-tube. you can pick them up pretty cheap on Ebay.

Mobi

 

[gflat65]

I have my chiller plumbed into a sump return, but I have two return pumps, so there is no Tee... What you may have to do it valve down the free return so you force more through the chiller. The water (like all things) will take the path of least resistance, so it is goign to mainly go through the free return. A ball valve would help keep redirect traffic through the chiller. However, many chillers are more efficient with lower flow rates (as long as you stay above the lower end of the recommended rates).

As for the U tube, since it would be like a closed loop (U out of tank to pump to chiller to tank), I wouldn't see any issues as long as it can drain as fast as the pump wants to pump. You can build a PVC U to do this. Just be sure to add a Tee at the top of the U to prime the siphon. It shouldn't break siphon unless the water level in the tanks drops below the U inlet.

 

[Mobikob]

Another suggestion would be to get a canister type filter that already has the inlet and outlet hang on pieces, and plumb it before your chiller. that way your chiller water is filtered, as it should be. this would also make chemical treatments and water changes a breeze. this is the setup I am currently running on my chiller with a Magnum 350/ Polar bear 1/4hp.

Mobi

 

[turboex901]

a little off topic but if you need to hard plumb anything lemme know. im a plumbing parts wholesaler and can get alot of stuff except bulkheads and true union ball valves. (those are pool parts, not truly plumbing parts) also if for some reason you have any difficult jobs and need help getting it together let me know as well. i was an actual plumber for awhile and still do side jobs. if you can dream it, it can be done. of course labor is always free to any of the club members <~~steve

 

[ocd_mariner]

Thats good to know turbo

I couldnt find any pieces, utube or suction cups around here, and as I thought more about it, I got real worried about the utube coming out of the suction cup holders, and the chiller chilling my carpet

I got some hard pvc, and used some metal _|-|_ shaped dohickeys to secure it to the stand, and then just had it empty out into the aquarium through some loc-line I had. Its not coming off of that sucker.