I need some help with the plumbing of my tank. I am beyond dense when it comes to PVC and really need some hand holding here as I want to get this right the first time. I'm probably making this more difficult than it really needs to be, but I am pretty paranoid. Recently I purchased a full set up and the current plumbing has me VERY nervous. I'm going to let the pictures do the talking. I've done tons of reading, but would really like everyones advise based on my situation.
*Edit* Sorry guys, probably should have put some specifics about the tank. It is a 60 Gallon (48 x 24 x 16) with a 30 gallon sump. All kinds of corals, but I have the SPS in the high flow parts of the tank. Do not need a ton of flow from the return, but would like more than I have now.
Overflow
- 3 Holes drilled but I do not know how big the bulkheads are. They look to all three be the same size.....maybe an inch. How can I tell.
- 1 Durso drain pipe, 1 Return, and 1 Capped off unused
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Underneath Plumbing
- This scares me and I do not know if it should or not.
- Drain I think is spa flex but the hose is just wedged up into the bulkhead. It seems pretty secure, but all I need is a good yank and it comes right out. This can not be safe.
- Return is a Mag 7 (more on that later) and it just goes to clear hose and connects to the bulkhead via some kind of barb connection I think. Is this ok? I can pull the hose off the barb without a lot of effort. For being a mag 7, I am not impressed with the flow at all. Maybe it is in the plumbing.
- Middle bulkhead is unused now, but clearly had something there. How can I get that PVC out to utilize if I wanted to and should I?
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Additional Underneath Plumbing
- I do not think this sump was well designed as the baffles do not seem to be in the right spots. Different story and not really relevant.
- Return spa flex just dumps straight into the skimmer section. Noise is not noticeable to me.
- Return hose is clearly too long, but maybe it is ok.
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Hose Connection to Return Pump
- This just does not look right to me. How can I make this better?
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Basically I am scared to death I am going to come home from work and find the return spa flex has fallen out of the bulkhead or that the barb connection would have come free and now I have a flood on my hand, not to mention the damage to the livestock. I can tell you all that as it stands now, things are running smooth and flowing well (minus a pretty week return flow).
The question I pose to you fine folks is if this were your tank, what would you do to plumb this. I think with step by step directions I could accomplish it, but because the tank is up and running I do not have all day to get it done. Seriously, I need details right down to the glue to use (if any at all). I do not mind tearing everything out and starting from scratch either, if that would be best. Should I use that third bulkhead?
Please help a paranoid new reefer out so he does not keep thinking about his plumbing while at work......wow, that sounds kinda bad.
Just a shot of what came with the tank. I'll post more pictures on a different thread.
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Hoss
*Edit* Sorry guys, probably should have put some specifics about the tank. It is a 60 Gallon (48 x 24 x 16) with a 30 gallon sump. All kinds of corals, but I have the SPS in the high flow parts of the tank. Do not need a ton of flow from the return, but would like more than I have now.
Overflow
- 3 Holes drilled but I do not know how big the bulkheads are. They look to all three be the same size.....maybe an inch. How can I tell.
- 1 Durso drain pipe, 1 Return, and 1 Capped off unused
Underneath Plumbing
- This scares me and I do not know if it should or not.
- Drain I think is spa flex but the hose is just wedged up into the bulkhead. It seems pretty secure, but all I need is a good yank and it comes right out. This can not be safe.
- Return is a Mag 7 (more on that later) and it just goes to clear hose and connects to the bulkhead via some kind of barb connection I think. Is this ok? I can pull the hose off the barb without a lot of effort. For being a mag 7, I am not impressed with the flow at all. Maybe it is in the plumbing.
- Middle bulkhead is unused now, but clearly had something there. How can I get that PVC out to utilize if I wanted to and should I?
Additional Underneath Plumbing
- I do not think this sump was well designed as the baffles do not seem to be in the right spots. Different story and not really relevant.
- Return spa flex just dumps straight into the skimmer section. Noise is not noticeable to me.
- Return hose is clearly too long, but maybe it is ok.
Hose Connection to Return Pump
- This just does not look right to me. How can I make this better?
Basically I am scared to death I am going to come home from work and find the return spa flex has fallen out of the bulkhead or that the barb connection would have come free and now I have a flood on my hand, not to mention the damage to the livestock. I can tell you all that as it stands now, things are running smooth and flowing well (minus a pretty week return flow).
The question I pose to you fine folks is if this were your tank, what would you do to plumb this. I think with step by step directions I could accomplish it, but because the tank is up and running I do not have all day to get it done. Seriously, I need details right down to the glue to use (if any at all). I do not mind tearing everything out and starting from scratch either, if that would be best. Should I use that third bulkhead?
Please help a paranoid new reefer out so he does not keep thinking about his plumbing while at work......wow, that sounds kinda bad.
Just a shot of what came with the tank. I'll post more pictures on a different thread.
Hoss