Return Pump and Plumbing

I'd prefer the hard plumbing. So I'd get different bulkheads and actually glue the PVC to that? How about the connection to the pump? How is that done? I wouldn't think i'd glue something to my pump....
 
Most barbs I've seen are threaded into the bulkhead (I don't think they make a bulkhead with a built in barb)

You can buy a male threaded/Female slip to hook up to your bulkhead and start your plumbing to your pump from there (be sure to get a ball valve in there somewhere) I don't like gluing to bulkheads because, depending on where they are located, it can be very hard to take a saw to them to remove.

As far as hooking your plumbing to the pump... end the plumbing with a barb, put a barb on the pump and hook them together with a short length of flex... it will reduce the vibration noise from the pump.

It also wouldn't be a horrible idea to have a union in there somewhere... When your pump gives out it makes it much easier to replace
 
Unions are your friend ! I use a union directly under my overflow bulkhead. One directly above my return pump. And one if not two on the return line. It is much easier to unscrew these instead of cutting pipe to change something. They can get expensive , but with a well thought out plan of placement a very good investment IMO. Just never now when you might have an issue , want to do maintenance , or just change your mind. And if you ever do move the tank. Just unscrew and screw back together.
 
+1 What PokerReefer said. You pay for convenience and worth it when you need utilize it. Only glue where it won't be an inconvenience later on; a union for each disconnect point.
 
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