plumbing?

[bruce 1]

I am planning the plumbing for a new aquarium. (220 gal/ish) I think I am going to use only one pump.

I am going to have it drilled for 1.5 inch bulk heads.

I have plenty of 1.5 inch flex PVC so would that be better to use?

For the manifold:
What size ball valves to use?

I will have:
1/3 hp JBJ chiller (would 3/4 inch be OK)
2 BRS reactors ( would 1/2 inch be OK)
1 UV light (would 1/2 inch be OK)
1 Skimmer SRO 3000 (would 3/4 be OK)

Do I need a ball valve at the pump?
Do I need check valves on the return lines?

Do most of you use true union Schedule 80 ball valves? Why schedule 80? Is there that much pressure in an aquarium pump?

 

[jeffmuse]

Sounds like you have a good idea on how you want to plumb the system, here are my 2 cents:

As for the choice of doing PVC or flex tubing, I personally prefer PVC... I like the look of it, and you are guaranteed that no light will penetrate through to ever clog the line.

As for the manifold, I would use a 3/4 to 1 inch pipe to run off of your main return line, and install a gate valve along that pipe which corresponds to each of the components you wish to run (a 3/4 for your chiller, 1/2 for your reactors, 1/2 for your light, and a 3/4 for your skimmer). One important thing to consider... if you are going to use a gate valve AFTER the pump to control the flow back into the tank, make sure you plumb it AFTER the manifold. This way, the flow going into the manifold will always be constant.

When it comes to putting a gate valve/ shut off in front of the pump, I would HIGHLY recommend doing so (this makes maintenance MUCH easier). In addition I would put a union fitting on the input line of your pump and the return line as well... this will make disconnecting the pump for cleaning/ replacement a breeze.

 

[bruce 1]

Not flex tubing, flex PVC. Big difference. What about check valves in return lines? Thanks for your reply.