Plumbing type for my sump

[Kissfan79]

Hey guys...
I'm getting ready to start working on the plumbing for my sump (20H for a 75rr tank) and was thinking about the choices for the plumbing naterial. It seems the 2 materials in use are PVC pipe and flexible vinyl tubing. Which is actually better to use? Obviously with the vinyl tubing you have more flexability in terms of it bending and you have less weight. With the PVC pipe you have a more structured setup but more weight and more hard angles. Which is the "accepted" better choice for plumbing material?

Thanks, Jim

 

[bucky145]

I have used both.Sometimes used them together depending on application give us an idea of your plans.

 

[Avi]

I've used both and I come down on the side of the PVC. Don't worry about weight, it isn't so heavy that it poses any problems. Using 45-degree fittings helps a lot with the "head-room" loss issue and overall it's more convenient and better looking once it's all done. Just remember to use unions anywhere that it would make removal of your equipment more accessible and also gate-valves or ball-valves where appropriate.

 

[finfan4u]

I don’t know if I am reading this wrong, but, are you saying 20 gal for a 75 gal reef tank. If that is the case, why aren’t you going for 40 or 50 gallons, with a sump, fuge, and return? I personally prefer PVC when Applicatable it will hold allot higher flow rate and won’t cause back pressure. But It is good to use either or.

 

[wharfrat48]

Flex PVC (spaflex) will reduce vibration and therefore reduce some noise. All PVC fittings work with it and since it is flexible it is a bit more forgiving if your placement is not spot on. I would definitely recommend using it at least for your return lines.

 

[Kissfan79]

Thanks for the replies. The reason for the 20 gallon sump is that I bought this setup used and that is the size he had setup in it. It is setup with baffles and 3 sections....tank output....then fuge...then return section. I am thinking of placing a 10 gallon tank on the end of it (slightly raised) drilled and fitted with a PVC tube to spill over in to the return section and making that my fuge. That way...I would have the 20 gallon sump just for my tank overflow and retun sections. I am thinking of putting a "T" in my tank overflow line going into the sump with the offshoot going all the way over to the end of my sump where the fuge would go if I get the 10 gallon setup as described above. That way...I would have water flowing into my fuge and then back into the return section (not to mention that I would have another 10 gallons of sump usage with a nice size fuge). What do you guys think?

Jim

 

[FateX8]

heres a cool vid of bending solid pvc
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4192996483665692450