Plumbing Questions

[GiantBen]

I need to start getting the plumbing pieces together for my new tank. Having never before done this or any plumbing of any type...ever, I have some questions. Thanks in advance, you've all been very helpful so far with this new build.

(1) There are two 1.75" return holes in the bottom of the overflow box. What is the recommended way to plumb this? I was thinking I'll probably want to join these into a single return line, but have one with PVC extruding into the overflow box, so that can take in air and I don't get that slurping sound from the drain line. This seem right? I can upload a sketch later.

(2) Do you guys use PVC or flex line in your returns?

(3) Do you glue all the plumbing pieces together? Are there any pipe/plumbing glues that are non-reef safe, or are they pretty much all okay?

Seems like threaded on flex line would be convenient for removal and cleaning.

This is a good jumping off point for this topic. Thanks again for all the help in advance. Anyone who wants to throw out any suggestions, please feel free to do so.

 

[alicamo]

Is the overflow box internal? or a HoB?

Cause one of those might be the return and the other is the intake. On my 75 one has those flexible directional sprayers as the return and the intake is just a
downward facing tube.
http://www.atlanticreefstore.com/store1/images/uploads/overflow.jpg

I used flex on all my returns. But you can do either I suppose. I didn't use glue just used hose clamps. The purple primer and the blue glue(forget their names) should be fine, I think (if you use PVC).

Dunno if I'm any help :strange:

 

[GiantBen]

It's an external overflow box, but it is attached, not really hanging. Both holes are drainage, the return is on the upper left of the tank.

 

[alicamo]

Oh, I get ya now. Yeah you could plum them together. You could just use a small flexible tubing and shove it in the drain to prevent the slurping.

btw, What size tank is this and what size pump is your return?

 

[Reef Bass]

Plumbing them together will limit their output, if you "T" them together in the same size pipe. That's ok if your return pump is below that quantity of flow.

I believe in hard plumbing - glued pvc. PVC is cheap and easy to work with. As long as the cement is designed for potable water, it's fine. I know others who use flex tubing. My issue with it is that if it is not smooth inside, one is likely to get detritus buildup in the internal valleys between the ridges.

 

[GiantBen]

Thanks Ken. I was planning to try and have between 400 and 600 GPH through the return. I think one 1" line should be enough for that based on what else you have told me previously.

Thanks for the advice on the plumbing. So you never have a need to breakdown and clean the plumbing? I suppose I can just use a snake if I really feel I need to clean it out.

 

[GiantBen]

Thanks also Troy.

 

[northbay-reefer]

get a couple of bulk heads to start. use one for your stand pipe and one as a safety pipe just incase your overflow box overflow