plumbing new return pump

fambrough

Member
well, crap

Or maybe a blessing in disguise. My old rio pump finally gave out. It would not come back on after a big sump and pump cleaning today. Fortunately, I've got a new 1250 Eheim that's been waiting for this event, sitting in my closet for the past year or so.

What I didn't do was plan for the new plumbing. Doh. So, it says that the threaded adapter for the pump "out" is 3/8".

What's the best way to plumb this thing? Seems like I'll need some 3/8" inch tubing and then another 3/8" adaptor to connect with the PVC? The PVC line I've got running up to the tank (yes, with a ball valve already installed) is 3/4". How do I get these sizes to match?

Sorry, but I ain't no plumber. That's for sure. Looking for advice on what parts I need to buy and where I should look for them. Looks like the sump is going to be off line for a couple days. My schedule is pretty tight. Thanks in advance for the help.

Ben
 
i used 2 diff size flex hoses on mine to adapt up i had a bunch lying around or go to the hardware store with the pump and a piece of 3/4 pvc they will have what you need there
 
Thanks for the replies. I hope The Home Depot does have what I need, but I'm not utterly confident about adapting from the 3/8" nozzle on the return pump to my 3/4" PVC line with flex tubing and some step-up/step down adapter between the 3/8" tubing and the 3/4" PVC. That's the snag. I'm sure it's not going to be a big deal, but I would like to know in advance the best parts to get. Seems like I'll need at nozzle to fit in the 3/4" PVC that will adapt down to the 3/8" tubing. Something I'm probably more likely to find at Salty that at THD.

Any other recommendations?
 
Here is my suggestion. Hope it helps.

Starting at your existing 3/4" PVC pipe add a 3/4" slip (glued) fitting with a 1/2" female pipe thread.
stbush.jpg


Then thread a 1/2" N.P.T. (male pipe) to 3/8" hose barb fitting.
hose_barb.jpg


Next, add a short length of 3/8" reinforced vinyl hose between the barb adapter and the pump adapter with plastic clamps or wire ties on each end.
Tubing%201-2%20Reinforced%20Clear%20Vinyl%20WS.jpg

PlasticHoseClamp.jpg


That should get you connected and also isolate the pump from the PVC for reduced pump noise transmission through the PVC and stand.

Here is almost the same situation you will have but the first PVC (white fitting) will go over the outside of your 3/4" pipe instead of inside the hole they show here. Also the metal hose clamps will rust quickly so I suggest plastic ones or plastic "zip" ties (wire ties)
smallTubingWeir.jpg


You could also have it easier to remove the pump for maintenance by purchasing a 3/4" union and then inserting a bushing to get you to female pipe threads, then the threaded barb adapter. This way you could just undo the union instead of trying to get the hose off and on the barb fittings.
Glue this over your 3/4" PVC:
mpartsunion.jpg


Then this into the other side followed by barb fitting, hose and pump:
438-101-2T.jpg


-- Kevin
 
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LOL no Dave... but I have been plumbing hydraulic systems for over 20 years now :)

I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night ;)
 
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Wow. Thanks, Kevin. Pics and all. That's exactly what I needed. I'm going to take your advice on the union and bushing. I'm headed downtown this morning in the snow for work. Weather depending, I might get to do this later this afternoon. I'll post my success.

Thanks again McGiver Kevin!

Ben
 
Anyone know where to pick up the plastic clamps? I tried Lowes, The Home Depot and even Murrays Auto Parts. Can't put this together until I get the clamps.

BTW, turns out my Eheim 1250 has a 1/2" out, which is great because Lowes didn't have much at all in 3/8".

Almost there. Next chance to work on this is Monday.

TIA
 
I know Tropical Aquarium and Salty Critter have them and I assume Aquatic Tech. would have them too . MarineDepot.com has them for 89 cents each but you have shipping on top.

Also, if you put the end of the hose into very hot water it will slide over the barbs easier and stay put better. You can get by using plastic wire ties for now if you even need clamps.
tbtyrap1213784if8.jpg


I have run them without any clamps at all before.

BTW I think Hector is closed Monday in case you head that way for them.
 
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I might try to get by with the zip tie. I almost bought some today. I definitely need some tension on the pump outlet. It's tight, but not so tight that I would trust it alone. The other end is going to be fine. I can barely get the braided hose over the nozzle. When I get it on, it's not going anywhere.

Thanks again for the help Kevin!

Cheers,
Ben
 
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