Sump/Fuge return pump plumbing...huh!?!?

aretoorow · 10-02-2008, 01:27 AM

Hi everyone. Thanks for taking the time to look at this new thread. I hereby throw myself at the mercy of 3reef to request help as I've searched for weeks now trying to find a step-by-step thread on how to plumb the return pump using pvc pipe products. I've been to melevsreef with info on the closed loop. Just using the plumbing setup around the mag 5 for inspiration.

I have a mag 5 en route. Does anyone know where I can find a thorough step-by-step (perhaps with pics?) on what sizes and which types of pvc products to use? I'm a little fuzzy on the pump-meets-pvc on the return side. The various sites involve intricate pvc couplings or airlines leading to the main tank. I've even seen a picture that utilized what looked like electrical tape and a rubber band (not the direction I'm going for either). Any help is greatly appreciated.

BTW, if this has been answered before, please excuse my contribution to redundancy.

techno2 · 10-02-2008, 04:04 AM

Hey, I just went though it for the first time. I got the info from 3reef.
Here is a picture of my first attempt.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/l...ble2mk/011.jpg

I found it easier to assemble and remove with the vinyl tubing so I switched.

Basically, that first connector is the key. It is a 3/4" female threaded adapter with the other end depending on your needs. I switched this one to a 3/4" feamale and the other end was a barbed fitting for the tubing.

Other pictures are in my build thread.

Good luck.

aretoorow · 10-02-2008, 11:22 PM

Hey double2mk, awesome build thread there...btw:

This...

is totally in the same direction I'm going to. Hope you don't mind me using your pic as a reference. The vinyl tubing you mentioned is definitely what I'd like to go toward.

Those gray colored fittings on the pump and the return pipe, what are those? Are those the barbed fittings?

Thanks in advance for your help!

techno2 · 10-03-2008, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aretoorow

Hey double2mk, awesome build thread there...btw:

This...

is totally in the same direction I'm going to. Hope you don't mind me using your pic as a reference. The vinyl tubing you mentioned is definitely what I'd like to go toward.

Those gray colored fittings on the pump and the return pipe, what are those? Are those the barbed fittings?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Cool thanks, No problem.

Yes, got those at Lowes. At Lowes they were actually two isles over from the plumbing section??

They were female threaded on one end and barbed on the other, perfect really. Just make sure to use the plumbers tape on the threads of the pumps.

Here is a pic of the male version.

\Cheers

aretoorow · 10-05-2008, 08:00 AM

Just got everything @ Lowes. Works like a charm. Thanks double2mk!

Otty · 10-05-2008, 08:14 AM

Just make sure you keep the same inside diameter so you don't reduce flow volume. That male barb fitting is going to reduce you flow some what. If your Mag 5 has a 3/4" output then make sure you keep 3/4" inside diameter all the way to the tank.

techno2 · 10-05-2008, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otty

Just make sure you keep the same inside diameter so you don't reduce flow volume. That male barb fitting is going to reduce you flow some what. If your Mag 5 has a 3/4" output then make sure you keep 3/4" inside diameter all the way to the tank.

You are correct Otty, this is a sample of what I had left in the bag. Never reduce your pipe size.

Thanks

PharmrJohn · 10-05-2008, 05:49 PM

What is the size of your tank and what is the rating of your overflow (internal or external)?

10-02-2008, 01:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
aretoorow Astrea Snail Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Bruno, CA Posts: 27 Skin: Mint Karma: 61	Sump/Fuge return pump plumbing...huh!?!? Hi everyone. Thanks for taking the time to look at this new thread. I hereby throw myself at the mercy of 3reef to request help as I've searched for weeks now trying to find a step-by-step thread on how to plumb the return pump using pvc pipe products. I've been to melevsreef with info on the closed loop. Just using the plumbing setup around the mag 5 for inspiration. I have a mag 5 en route. Does anyone know where I can find a thorough step-by-step (perhaps with pics?) on what sizes and which types of pvc products to use? I'm a little fuzzy on the pump-meets-pvc on the return side. The various sites involve intricate pvc couplings or airlines leading to the main tank. I've even seen a picture that utilized what looked like electrical tape and a rubber band (not the direction I'm going for either). Any help is greatly appreciated. BTW, if this has been answered before, please excuse my contribution to redundancy.

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10-02-2008, 04:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
techno2 Millepora Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 940 Skin: Mint Karma: 1221	Hey, I just went though it for the first time. I got the info from 3reef. Here is a picture of my first attempt. http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/l...ble2mk/011.jpg I found it easier to assemble and remove with the vinyl tubing so I switched. Basically, that first connector is the key. It is a 3/4" female threaded adapter with the other end depending on your needs. I switched this one to a 3/4" feamale and the other end was a barbed fitting for the tubing. Other pictures are in my build thread. Good luck.

10-02-2008, 11:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
aretoorow Astrea Snail Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Bruno, CA Posts: 27 Skin: Mint Karma: 61	Hey double2mk, awesome build thread there...btw: This... is totally in the same direction I'm going to. Hope you don't mind me using your pic as a reference. The vinyl tubing you mentioned is definitely what I'd like to go toward. Those gray colored fittings on the pump and the return pipe, what are those? Are those the barbed fittings? Thanks in advance for your help!

10-05-2008, 08:00 AM	#5 (permalink)
aretoorow Astrea Snail Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Bruno, CA Posts: 27 Skin: Mint Karma: 61	Just got everything @ Lowes. Works like a charm. Thanks double2mk!

10-05-2008, 08:14 AM	#6 (permalink)
Otty Bikers are a dying breed Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Elizabethtown, IN Age: 42 Posts: 6,324 Skin: Classic Karma: 45401	Just make sure you keep the same inside diameter so you don't reduce flow volume. That male barb fitting is going to reduce you flow some what. If your Mag 5 has a 3/4" output then make sure you keep 3/4" inside diameter all the way to the tank.

10-05-2008, 05:49 PM	#8 (permalink)
PharmrJohn Giant Squid Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Shelton, Washington Age: 46 Posts: 4,612 Skin: Mint Karma: 27223	What is the size of your tank and what is the rating of your overflow (internal or external)?