Quick question about CL

[nurjrk]

Looking to redo my CL for my new pump and basement sump. I'm currently only using my two returns in my back wall for my CL. I want to add my two in my front euro brace. Please loock at my two very crude drawings and let me know which way would work out best.

Do I need to connect the manifold in a full circle like the second picture? or can I do it like the first picture? Please let me know what you think. As always, thanks for your help.
Jeff

 

[Aadler]

dont think it matters, i would go with #1 as you would have less tank blocked for lighting.

 

[nurjrk]

Thanks Aadler, I like the first one also, I was hoping it would be ok.
Jeff

 

[mike660r]

Those types of setups are not that efficient There is no flow control involved. You will get more pressure out of the two holes nearest the input line and water will dribble out the two furthest holes away from the input. You are also representing this as a return setup and not as a closed loop. Do you have a hole drilled in your tank that you are pulling water from to create a "closed loop" senario?

 

[nurjrk]

Thanks for your reply Mike. In this picture you can see the CL drain in the back. I acutally thought that might be a problem, with no control of the flow, but with only 4 outputs I'm not sure that should be much of a problem. I think I should be getting about the same from the 4 returns. What do you think?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Kreeger1]

The water will find the easiest way out first. Not all 4 returns will have the same flow. I'd use ball valves on everyone for control of the flow
Erik

 

[chuggy]

i agree you will have very little coming out the front 2 without throttling down the back ones which is going to be diffucult because you will need to turn those down right before the output.

 

[nurjrk]

Thanks for the input. Now, how would I put a ball valve on every output? There is really no room. I could put a valve on the front two outputs but if your saying those are going to get the least flow anyways what would be the use? Is there a better way to go about this? I've never done one of these before, so please educate me.

I've got an Iwaki MD-40 RXT pump pushing up about 7-8 ft. What would be the best way to get good water flow to all 4 outputs?

Thanks for all your help,
Jeff

 

[chuggy]

you could do all your plumbing behind the tank if your really set on 4 outputs and put a valve on each individual line

 

[nurjrk]

Thanks Chuggy, I would like to use the 4 returns. How does something like the picture look to you?

Thanks
Jeff

 

[Cove Beach]

You could put Locline ends on them,which you can get with valves that are small and have threads on one side and Locline on the other. I had them on a manifold i built for my 75 reef.

 

[chuggy]

what size pipe are you using? I like the locline idea better but thats gonna be expensive not sure what your budget is? Do you have a canopy to hide all that plumbing? Your drawing for water flow purposes will work perfectly fine you can adjust all 4 outlets like that and get them to flow even but if you dont have a canopy to hide the plumbing its gonna be pretty gaudy. I was thinking more along the lines of putting all 4 valves behind the tank and running 4 individual lines up and over

 

[itZme]

You could also restrict the output of each port by reducing the size of the port with bushings. Then they would all flow very close to the same volume once there is pressure in the manifold.

I have seen people use a short stub of PVC and heat it with a heat gun or hair dryer then squeeze with pliers to the desired restriction. If you squeeze them almost flat it will look almost like a fan shape and will make a more dispersed flow. Just be sure that your outputs are BELOW the surface or it will create a turbulent mess of bubbles.

You could also use locline and reducers to go from say 1/2" pipe to 3/8" or 1/4" nozzles to allow for adjustment of the flow direction. If you aren't scared of a little DIY you could heat and squeeze the locline nozzles to get the desired back pressure in your manifold and still have the aiming ability.

Good luck!
-- Kevin

 

[nurjrk]

I looked at the locline valves and yes it would get kinda expensive, I've already bought 30 bucks of plumbing parts and probably still need more. I like the idea of putting the plumbing behind the tank but would have a hard time adjusting it. I do have a canopy, and if you think the drawing would work, I'll go that route. The plumbing is 3/4".

In the second pic, you can see the two other returns in the euro brace that I want to plumb.

Thanks for your help,
Jeff

 

[chuggy]

yes the drawings perfect and so is the canopy for your setup you should have plenty of room to hide the setup in there

 

[nurjrk]

Thanks Chuggy, I'll take pics of the progress.