plumbing question..

T

TexasDude

ok on a drilled 75g tank with 2 bulkheads, how do u plumb the return pump through the bulkhead? do u have to plumb PVC from the pump to the bulkhead and glue it in? and to plumb from the bulkhead to the display with a modular pipe return that is exposed in the display, do u just use PVC from the bulkhead (1") to an elbow fitting and then screw the mod pipe into it? would the bulkhead have to be glued on both ends so that it can withstand the pressure? just a couple questions.. thx for the help!
 
might have been a bit confusing on how i phrased it. basically i need to know how to plumb from the pump in the sump, all the way through the bulkhead, to the return spout in the display. anyone?
 
Is it a threaded bulkhead, slip or combo (meaning different on each end). If it's a slip then go through with that size pipe and cement and seal. If it's threaded the cement your threads and screw it in.

That the answer to your question? It was difficult to tell exactly what you meant.
 
Yes, and I have a lot of pictures to share.

FIrst of all, here's a plumbing primer to discuss how to select and glue pieces together:
http://www.reefaddicts.com/content.php/283-Plumbing-Primer-how-to-do-it-correctly

And then here are images of how I plumbed in my external return pump from the bulkhead to the display. I've added extra features so don't get overwhelmed; the basics are there of course:
http://www.reefaddicts.com/entry.php/1285-Plumbing-Return-assembly-with-Penductors

I prefer to use some SpaFlex between the bulkhead and the pump to make sure any vibrations are absorbed. And one more thing you might opt to use is a ball valve in the section leading to the return pump, allowing you to close it when the pump has to be removed. What I plan to do is screw in a plug inside the sump where the strainer basket is located instead.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
 
awesome. ok im sorry it was so confusing. hard to exactly explain when u dont know names of plumbing parts. they are threaded so i think my questions have been answered. thx for the input!
 
Marc, that was a significantly better answer to this question. lol. I'm glad you've figured it out texasdude. Keep us updated on how it goes!
 
i will try! i already have a 75 but it isnt drilled and has been set up for about 5 months. the external overflow box is driving me crazy. it doesnt keep up with my pump and i dont care for the things hanging off the back of the tank. so today i ordered a new drilled 75g rimless. i'm very excited because i really love the way rimless tanks look. i got starphire on the front panel and it has a center overflow. so i was curious on how to make the return lines through the bulkhead. i am going to be using a quietone 4000 for my return so i didnt want to have 1000gph shooting to my roof. lol so anyways. i will start a thread soon and take some recent pics of my current tank and hopefully keep up with the pics as i build it.
 
Return lines are always the plumbing RETURNING to the display tank. Drain lines are plumbing that drain to the sump.

I have a different write up for the drain section going to my sump, with pictures of course:
http://www.reefaddicts.com/entry.php/1287-Plumbing-Drain-lines-to-the-sump-and-refugium
 
yeah. i know the difference between the drain and return. i was just stating the reason i wanted a drilled tank. it has 2 holes drilled, 1 for the drain and 1 for the return. the drain is 1&1/2'' and return is 1'' i'm going to have a durso in my drain but was wondering how to do the return. wasnt quite sure how to do it. thanks for the links. they are very helpful.
 
For the return, what I prefer is to install a threaded / slip bulkhead. Slip fitting underneath to glue in my plumbing from the return pump. The threaded section accepts an threaded adaptor. I glue my return plumbing into the threaded fitting, so if i have to remove it later, I can unscrew it from the bulkhead. I have this fear the pipe might otherwise pop out and discharge water straight up into the canopy or ceiling.
 
yeah. i read your thread u posted and i totally see your point. i'm going to use a quiet one 4000 for my return so it should be pushing about 800-900gph so i think that could be enough to hit the lights for sure. dont want that happening. im not quite sure if i should use pvc from the pump to the bulkhead with a union so i can service the pump as needed, or if i should use the clear plastic hose and use a hose barb adapter to connect the hose to the bulkhead. i get the tank next weekend so i will start building soon after that. my stand is pretty short and i could only fit a 20g long in it and it also has 2 drawers in the front that kill alot of the room. so i dont have much space to go with an elaborate plumbing scheme. simple and functional is what i'm goin for.
 
forgot to add that the schedule 80 bulkheads that come with the order are all threaded.. i called after i read on your page about the diff types of bulkheads and all that.
 
I prefer using rigid or Spaflex from the pump to the bulkhead, and yes, use a union next to the pump for easy removal. Above the bulkhead, rigid pvc.
 
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