PVC Questions/Overflow Box

[Samcorp]

Hi everyone. I have 2 questions about the plumbing required that goes FROM the overflow box to the sump.

A) Can I use white PVC to do this? I have a 90 gallon tank and it is about 4-5 feet tall (with stand).


B) I read about a Durso stand pipe. For the bulkhead type of thing (threaded fitting) that goes between the drilled hole in the outer overflow box should I put on a 90 degree elbow onto it so it acts like a mini durso pipe?


Thanks,


Sam

 

[evogames]

White PVC is fine. The Durso Stand Pipe helps eliminate the gurgling of the water going down the overflow. What kind of overflow box are you using?

 

[Samcorp]

Its a general I think it is a 1 inch hole overflow box. It came with my 90 gallon tank as the previous owner must have used it, it smoky colored too, if that means anything.


Would the way I make the durso stand pipe work? Its essentially using a PVC elbow with a tiny (less than half an inch) PVC pipe connecting the threaded fitting and the elbow... very standard. Also, does the height of the durso pipe matter? I know it won't be any higher than the "overflow box wall." How about how close the 90 degree elbow is to the edge of the wall in the overflow?

 

[Samcorp]

Sorry, one more question. Does the connection of the PVC pipe between the threaded fitting and the 90 PVC elbow require glue? I don't really want to put glue simply because I feel that it does not matter, since if it was possible a little bit of water could go in the threaded fitting it would not matter since it would go directly into the drain.

 

[evogames]

In the threaded fitting use the yellow tape used for gas fittings it works better. Personally I don't think you need too do the durso or elbow. Use some flex tube and run it down to your sump.

 

[evogames]

Take a pic and post it so we can see it

 

[Samcorp]

I don't know if I can take a pic any time soon... but; I would prefer to use PVC to make it come down to the sump. Is this disadvantageous? I just like the nice cleaner look rather than tubes coming down.

 

[evogames]

Not at all. PVC is very clean.

 

[Samcorp]

Great so I will use PVC. For the connection between the pump and the loc-line or whatever output, should I use tubing?

Also, my tank came with some used loc-line, however, I don't think its sufficient for just one line. I think using 2 lines would be good. Where do you buy loc-line? (In stores?) Could I buy it at, for example, home depot?

 

[gooyferret]

No you wont find loc line at home depot. You would have to order it online or IF your LFS has it. Use thread tape for the threaded fittings of PVC, you will find that at home depot for a $1.

For the return line from the sump you could use PVC or flexible tubing whatever you prefer.

HTH and good luck with the tank!

 

[Samcorp]

Cool. If you guys would like, I can post some current pictures and I will take some pictures soon. Theres nothing in it of course (not even water) because i'm still setting it up.

I looked up thread tape and I just realized I already have some.. haha. Is it necessary to use threaded tape for input of the sump? Its an acrylic sump with a threaded fitting on the "left top cover."

Also, for where the water comes down, how can I stop the noise of the water splashing on the sump? Should I use some sponges or something? And what do the white egg crate style plates do? I heard they help keep out snails?

 

[Samcorp]

Also, for the loc-line, is it better to have 2 loc-line outputs (500-600 GPH mag drive 7 pump (with head loss added) on the 90 gallon tank or just 1 going in the tank? Does it make any difference?

Would a store like petsmart or petco sell loc-lines?

 

[Samcorp]

Sorry to go a little off topic; but is petco.com reliable for buying salt water fish/liverock/etc?

 

[sedor]

No...Petco is not good. IMO we should all try to shop at our individually owned LFS's even if the price is a little bit higher. If we don't shop there, they will in deed go out of business, and although its great to buy a lot of things online, the benefit of having a beautiful, custom fish store near you is great!

 

[gooyferret]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15339234#post15339234 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Samcorp
Also, for the loc-line, is it better to have 2 loc-line outputs (500-600 GPH mag drive 7 pump (with head loss added) on the 90 gallon tank or just 1 going in the tank? Does it make any difference?

Would a store like petsmart or petco sell loc-lines?

Petco may have the locline but doubt it. They have just the simple dry goods and dont specialize in SW much.

I tend to agree with ryandlf, partially. Every petco and store is different and has different people working there. I personally wouldnt buy LR or that from them, unless its base rock (dry LR)

Do you have any LFS around that carry more Saltwater supplies?

Personally im a huge fan of buying/trading frags of corals from other people. Fish i get usually from the LFS just because they give me deals on stuff and I dont have to pay shipping. Check around the area and see what stores are near you. I have to drive over an hour to get to a decent Fish store.

 

[Samcorp]

Gooy, I meant not going to the actual store, instead, ordering online. The last time I went to petco (1 year ago) I remember the staff telling me that they used to sell salt water fish but not anymore. Recently it seems they are now selling it on their website at petco.com. I don't think there are many fish stores near me (I live in PA - 19063)

 

[Samcorp]

Also, I'm around 1-2 hours away from the biggest fish store in the USA and (?) possibly world. That fish place! (Lancaster, PA)

 

[Volkman]

Try and use 2-45's instead of a 90, less noise and better flow. PVC and cement is perfectly fine. Just make sure everything is cured. Good luck!

 

[Samcorp]

Good idea with the 45s.. unfortunately I can't go to HD any time soon.


I think for the return if I decide to use PVC (A possibility) I will use 45s. Using 45's in this case might actually make it a little more complicated, because I only have "so much" room to work with.