Return Pump and Plumbing

[soramsu]

I'm working on setting up a 125 gallon system. I've got a reef ready tank with 2 overflows. How do most people setup the return pump(s) for this? Would I just get one pump and split it off to go to each return, or should I just get 2 return pumps? Also, any suggestions on good pumps that aren't too expensive? I'm going to use a 40L tank for the sump, adding my own baffles for skimmer/return/refugium section. It won't be drilled, so the pumps will need to go inside the sump. I'm looking at 2 of the Vortech mp40's for additional flow inside the tank. Thanks!

 

[nemosworld]

1 pump, split to both returns, depending on the size of the pump you may have to split it back to the sump to control the flow. if yo have not purchased a pump yet, size it to your overflow's capabilities.

 

[pmrossetti]

1 pump using a barbed Y to the 2 returns. 4-600gph at about 6' head pressure for your 125. Eheim considered best followed by magdrive, oceanrunner, Marineland, Sicce Syncra all good.

 

[OregonReefer]

just use 1 pump. Buy one a little bigger than you think you need, split it and use ball valves to control flow

 

[soramsu]

Thanks for the info. So would this pump be a good choice?

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/pumps-and-plumbing/powerheads-and-submersible-pumps/ehiem-aquarium-pumps/eheim-1260-universal-aquarium-pump-640gph.html

 

[mojo~]

here are some pics of my 125g.

hope that this helps. I am running the ATB flowstar pump now. Works great. Ran a manifold with gate valves to run my reactors too. all from one pump. it works very well.

 

[mojo~]

oh i too the check valve out too. it never worked anyhow.

 

[soramsu]

Ah, that makes sense. Thanks for the pics. I've looked around for pics of people's sumps and usually there's so many pipes going everywhere I can't tell exactly what's going on

What pump are you using?

 

[pmrossetti]

go with the 1262.

 

[fishhead2008]

I would pick the Eheim 1260 myself. My tank is a 120 with 2 overflows using a eheim 1260 with 1" spaflex running up to a PVC true wye with splitting into 2- 3/4 spa flex returns. Just the right flow for my setup. Originally before the true wye I had a tee and was almost ready to upgrade to a 1262 until I swapped the Tee ftg out for a true Wye and what a big difference!

 

[mtnbiker44]

here are some pics of my 125g.

hope that this helps. I am running the ATB flowstar pump now. Works great. Ran a manifold with gate valves to run my reactors too. all from one pump. it works very well.

Why the foam insulation on the pipes?

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

On my 110 with 35 gal sump, I use the Eheim 1260 pump setting in the sump. I run a short piece of 3/4" tubing to a "Y", and each side of the Y has 3/4" tubing to the tank return pipes. All of the fittings are hose barb and are double clamped. I use plastic clamps at the pump and Y fittings as they are in or close to the water and stainless steel at the tank return tubes. The hose from the pump to the Y is short enough to keep the Y in the sump in case one of the hose-fitting joints leaks.

My tank overflows are 1" tubing straight from the overflow fitting to the sump.

All my tubing is food grade PVC soft tubing. I have used hard PVC pipe before but don't think it is necessary.

 

[Metal Man 1221]

Eheim 1260 or 1262 should do you good. If you want something a little quieter water blaster pumps are good too.

 

[running scott]

"Y" hose barb fittings.

"Y" hose barb fittings.

Where does one find the "Y" hose barb fittings? my lowes, and home depot only carry "T" hose barb fittings, and i feel like i lose some flow.

 

[drunkfish3]

http://www.marinedepot.com/plumbing_parts_fittings_hose_barb_hosebarb-ap.html

scroll down on the page second from last

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

Aquacave carries them as well:

http://www.aquacave.com/y-hose-barb-connectors-1214.html

 

[OregonReefer]

Where does one find the "Y" hose barb fittings? my lowes, and home depot only carry "T" hose barb fittings, and i feel like i lose some flow.

I saw them at Ace Hardware the other day... most likely HD and Lowes have them too

 

[soramsu]

A couple more questions. How are connections made to the overflows, pump, filter socks? My tank came with bulkheads that are barbed for connecting to flexible tubing. Should I get a different type of bulkhead, and do you actually glue the PVC to it? As for the return pump, how is the connection there made? It seems like it would have to be cut exactly to the right length, and be almost impossible to remove once in place due to the stiffness of the PVC. Is this glued or what? I have an eheim pump if that matters. Finally for the filter socks, the pvc goes into the sock in most pictures I see. How do you get the sock out to change it if the pcv won't move?

Sorry if these are dumb questions, but I've never done any plumbing before, except for installing my RO system this weekend haha.

 

[soramsu]

anyone?

 

[soramsu]

Trying again...I'd like to start working on the plumbing this weekend, but not sure where to start with these connections...