How do you plumb a reef tank?

[crew]

I'm not sure what you are asking with manifold vs. supply tank.

The return pump can be controlled via my apex so I can always turn it down if the siphons can't keep up. I'd prefer to use the 3/4" as siphons because I want to be absolutely sure that 1 emergency drain could handle the load of both siphons breaking (very unlikely, but this is a lot of water haha)

 

[ghbrewer]

I meant do you plan on teeing off any accessories from the return line, like reactors, chiller, etc.. that would reduce the the amount of flow going to the tank. But since you have a DC pump, it is a moot point.

 

[crew]

Cool - i've picked up some threaded bulkheads. I'll figure out some plumbing tonight. Spaflex, PVC, ball valves, cleaner, and glue?

 

[ghbrewer]

I would suggest picking up at least one union fitting per line, two for lines that won't have a valve.

 

[redstang]

Crew;1011239 wrote: How do I attach all of this to the bulkheads? I'm assuming I don't want to "glue" that section in case I need to disassemble. SS Hose Clamps? My bulkheads aren't threaded and I'm thinking they should be.

Glued all of mine. I suppose you could go with threaded bulkheads and then glue the piping to a threaded adapter. I was hesitant to glue but it hasn't been an issue for me.

 

[redstang]

ghbrewer;1011303 wrote: i would suggest picking up at least one union fitting per line, two for lines that won't have a valve.

+1

 

[tonymission]

ghbrewer;1011250 wrote: Here is a pic of some of my plumbing on my new build, you can somewhat see the drains coming down from the back of the tank. I did not put the valves down where I should have b/c I wanted to have them in the overflow cabinet on the back of the tank. So, it is a little noisier than I would like, but I have been able to fine tune to an acceptable level.

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God, that's like a wet dream for me. LOL
Did you end up going with a Tideline sump? About to put in an order for a custom 60x30x20 tank ... we're going to have to chat so I can somehow tie all this in with my frag setup on the other side of the wall.


Sorry to be off topic... Grant is the man. Gonna have to hire you for a weekend. Ask your wife how much unless she's gonna pay me! :shout:

 

[crew]

Last night I went out and got threaded bulkheads and when I went to install them I realized that all 4 drilled holes are 1". Aside from being annoyed about having to exchange what I bought, this is good news. Looks like I will have 2, 1" siphons and 2, 1" emergency lines.

 

[ghbrewer]

Nice!