Plumbing and electrical tips? Post 'em if you got 'em!

[cody6766]

I'm in the process of building a new stand and want to really nail the plumbing on this one. I haven't had problems in the past, but things haven't been as neat and quiet as I want.
Here's a quick run down of everything:
The stand is 42" tall, 29" wide and 24" deep. It has a shelf about 29" up. The 33g cube will be drilled and I'll be using a glass holes overflow. I'm currently using it on my 40 breeder and the overflow itself is very quiet. I plan on having a ball valve followed by union below the overflow so I can disconnect the plumbing in the future if I need to. It will drain into the sump and be followed by a standard return line.

I have the general concept down, but hit a snag in the drain. what is the best way to drop this into a filter sock and keep it quiet? I'd also appreciate any planning or prep tips to keep things neat and organized. I always start out on track and it just gets sloppy

As for the electrical, I'm dealing with an RKL, the standard powerhead/pump/ato, etc combo. I'm using a DJ power bar to give me some switches and organization too. Can you show me some pics of your in-stand electrical set ups? I'm looking to keep it neat, safe and accessible.

Like I said earlier, I don't need the basics, but I do need some ideas to move into the big boy world of neatness

 

[KDC]

I'll be tagging along on this one. We did our first plumbing job on my 90 and it isn't the quietest or neatest thing around!

 

[Lytehouse]

Cody,
To keep mine quiet, I drop the pvc tube down and cap it with a coupling. Then I push in (what ever size is needed) to get below the water line). Anything above the water line is going to splash an make lots of noise.

 

[kender]

Sock fitting

Sock fitting

I have thought about using a repair coupling at the feed into my sump so it would be easy to take it off an on but it would go down far enough into my sump to prevent any real noise issue. They look like the attached picture and come in various sizes. Not sure if that was what you were looking for. Hope that helps.

 

[shawne]

When you install the tube coming from the overflow to the Sump if possible hang it at as much of an angle as possible will help with any gurgling sounds.

 

[new2SW]

I'm gonna have to agree with Shawne on that one. I hardpiped my overflow and it has a vertical drop before it 90's to the sump, and it sounds like a waterfall splashing. The overflow box and sump are very quiet except for that one section of piping in my system.

 

[Lytehouse]

i'm gonna have to agree with shawne on that one. I hardpiped my overflow and it has a vertical drop before it 90's to the sump, and it sounds like a waterfall splashing. The overflow box and sump are very quiet except for that one section of piping in my system.

+2

 

[jkhudson]

Make sure your overflows have very small openings and a hole near the top. Fish will find their way into it and get sucked in if the openings are too large. You want an opening near the top to stop suction if your pumps stop. HTH

 

[jkhudson]

Forgot about wiring. I have mine on a door that is away from the flow. I use cable ties to direct wiring away from the water. I put up a plastic shield to protect it from overflows and moisture. Remember to have drip loops on everything.

 

[gimmic]

I've been learning how to bend acrylic. Planning on making a water-shield for the new setup's electronics.

I built a reverse-durso style drain into sump, seems to be working excellently so far.

 

[cody6766]

Thanks so far! I'm a few days from skinning the stand, then it'll be time to run the pipes and drill the tank. Odds are it's going to be pretty cramped in there, but it should come out to be a nice stand