The start of my Plumbing Project

[NaH2O]

Yes - you would use bulkheads.....then your standpipe goes in one side and the plumbing to the sump goes in the otherside.

Hope this helps

 

[Beckmola24]

Thanks Nikki! I have the capability to make the holes larger, so what size bulkheads should I use/get??? For my return pump, I am using the Iwaki40RLXT. It is rated for something like 1350 GPH. What would be the size I would then need for the drainage part into my sump. I'm assuming I need to keep up with the output???

Also this is the sump I bought for the tank. I think I bought the wrong thing... How do I set up things to this??? I didn't want a wet/dry filter. I explained that I wanted a sump to some guy and he told me this was exactly what I wanted. Do I keep the filter pad things in??? I don't know what to do here.... Can I make this work??

 

[big t]

Whoever sold you that was a real Gem. You need to take out the bio balls and pads and possably the sponge in the middle by the baffles too. All those items are known as the "nitrate factory" You can make it work, as long as it has sufficient room for your skimmer and will handle any water that your tank drains off in a power out situation.

 

[Scooterman]

Can you return it or for store credit? I don't think you will get 1300gph through it but I can't tell by the pic, what size it is. I hate saying that, I hope you get a return, explan to them what your clerk said.

 

[Beckmola24]

Well there's no chance of store credit because I got it in WA and I am now in Houston. It's around 30/40 gallons. How can I make this work? I know the skimmer fits in it. Can someone post pics of their sumps so I can get a guideline of what I need to do??

 

[Scooterman]

I think it may need some adjusting to handle that size pump, if you try to use it with a water level that low in the final sump area most probably it will cavatate, I think if you do like Big-t it just may be ok, can't say for sure.

 

[Scooterman]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=273216

CHeck this out Becky!

 

[Beckmola24]

I think I have an idea on where to start with my sump now!!! I can't thank y'all enough for the constant help!

Oh BTW I bought everything for my plumbing yesterdy. I was LUCKY to find someone at Lowes who really knew his stuff. Am I ever greatful. I'm all ready to go for this weekend. If I can get my hubby out of bed at a reasonable hour I hope to get this thing moving!!! :lol:

 

[Beckmola24]

I have another question... My overflow holes are 1" and 1.5" and I don't see a bulkhead (Schedule 80) that fits the holes exactly??? Can the holes be drilled larger or are there bulkheads somewhere else that can fit them??? I really don't want to be stuck with a 1" hole because that would be pretty small. Any suggestions??

 

[Beckmola24]

Any ideas here on what I should do??

 

[Scooterman]

Typically the holes are slightly larger (like 1/16" or 3/32") than the actual O.D. of the bh, just make sure you have enough surface contact on the rubber gasket against the glass & you should be ok. I think the rubber gasket should always be inside the water also.

 

[Beckmola24]

Can I make a hole bigger than it already is???

 

[Scooterman]

Is your tank Acrylic? You can make them bigger, be careful not to get too close to any edges, how much bigger are you planning?

 

[Beckmola24]

here's the thing... My Iwaki has a 1" in and a 1" out. I bought the tank pre-drilled for the overflow return and that hole is 1". I can't fit a 1" bulkhead into a 1" hole... The hole would have to be slightly larger.... Can I re-drill the hole to be a little larger and would it be pretty easy??? BTW my tank is acrylic.

 

[WaterDogs]

You can use a Dremel tool or a file to make it big enough. hth

 

[Scooterman]

This isn't going to be an easy task that I'm aware of but I'm sure someone may have a better Idea. I'm guessing this isn't the first time someone needed to do this. Maybe shoot Mike a PM.

 

[snobanker]

If you just try and hold the hole saw over the old hole it will walk all over the place and ruin your tank. :shock:

Clamp a piece of plywood on the opposite side you intend to drill from, over the hole, and drill a new pilot hole in the plywood . Then you line up your hole saw flat on the acrylic and drill the new hole around the old. Works great I have done it many times in steel.

 

[Scooterman]

That sounds like a better idea, I'll edit that out just to be safe. I've done it with a little walking but your right it isn't easy.

 

[Beckmola24]

Next Question What is a union used for?? Someone from my LFS told me to put one on the out/in of my pumps???Also What is the difference between a regular ball valve and a Union Ball valve??? I just bought regular ball valves for my tank... Will they work or should I have union ball valves???

 

[Scooterman]

If you look at this pic of Nikki's plumbing, you will see the unions on each sideof the ball valve, they are user to thread apart the plumbing if ever needed. They have threads that screw together and seal with an O-ring. It is a god idea to have some in Key locations just in case you do need to remove everything.