Quick disconnects?

[Woodstock]

We all know that normal aquarium maintenance (water changes, algae removal, replacing chemical media, water testing, skimmer cleaning, pump cleaning...etc.) is time consuming at best and anything that makes it easier is priceless! My quandry (at this moment) is removing my return pump and skimmer pump for routine cleaning (which I dread worse than a dentist appt). As it is now, removing the pumps is easy but installing them is very difficult and requires a ton of patience and 3 hands My space-challenged sump is the main draw back but replacing it is not an option right now...... so... if I could install some sort of 'quick disconnects' on the hoses so I could install them easier, I would clean them more often.

I was thinking about using the garden hose type of quick disconnects. Are there any other options? I researched the magnum filter quick disconnects but those are made for 1" hoses and mine are 3/4"

Any ideas?

 

[Scooterman]

Just me but I don't trust them, I have a set a garden hose quick connects & sometimes have problems under pressure. Even though at work we design hydraulic control panels that use 10,000 psi QC's it isn't made the same & they also tend to cause problems with leaks over time but they are used for temporary use so it works for the purpose.

 

[dabears26]

I tried them and didn't like them good for convience. but bad for long time frame's..

 

[Woodstock]

For this purpose, a leak would not matter unless it was really bad. Both quick disconnects would be below the water surface.

 

[jsmkmavity]

the 3/4" hose type restrict flow and some of the cheaper one leaka little, not a problem when your washing the car but not ok in the house. you could use the 1" oned and for about $3-$4 get two 3/4"x1" pvc bushings from the hardware store. do you have unions on the pumps? this is an excellent long term no leak solution that would only cost $10 each. they screw together with a sleeve(one hand) and have an o-ring seal which is replaceable.

 

[big t]

Are you using vinyl tubing? If you are make sure you have the braided stuff. If you are using pvc then all you need is a union like jsmkmavity said. You could even hard plumb in unions right to the pump (they make threaded ones) and put a nipple on the other side to hook up to your vinyl. Here are some links to what I am talking about.
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=FT9944
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=FT7344

You can get that union for about 3 bucks from homedepot or lowes, and they will also have the nipple.

 

[Woodstock]

Yes, I am using vinyl hoses for both.

Awesome, thanks for the ideas!

 

[Woodstock]

I could plumb them with pvc and use the unions.... hummm....

 

[Woodstock]

I got it!! For each hose, I'll use one 3/4" female union, with a male 3/4" insert fitting (MPT - hose barb) on the ends. Then all I will have to do is screw the union to connect/disconnect!! Perfect... I can do that with one hand

 

[Scooterman]

Under water this may work out nice, post us some of your designs when you get it working.

 

[big t]

Yup, that will work out for you real easy.