Help a rookie with overflow/return plumbing.

So is it better to use vinyl tubing, or hard pipe some PVC. My drain hose makes a bit of noise with the gurgling and what not. Also, the return is PVC from the tank up.

If I did hard pipe the drain, can you split flows to supply other stuff. Thinking of adding a fuge, but actually would do it another way. I'm just curious.

This is all All-Glass Aquarium over flow and return and a MegaFlow W/D

 

I used an overflow and then used allot of FLEX PVC.. eliminates a bunch of fittings

 

pvc, whether flex or normal is better and if setup properly way way quieter

 

Looks very clean Grand Dad.

So just hook up from the bulkhead fittings and to the pump. seems simple. Might split my drain flow for a fuge.

What is the deal with air inlet for the drain standpipe? I know what it does. Just wondering if I can reduce the amount of air. Seems to gurgle a ton. The PO taped a strawinto it and said to adjust the height???

Was wondering if it would be better to put a valve on it like some suggest. What kind of valve do you use? How do you attach it??? Thanks.

 

If the standpipe is gurgling then it is not getting enough air, enlarge the hole as it is pulling suction. Plus hard pipe with flex or hard PVC. The other stuff you usually have to downsize the ID for a barb fitting then you loose flow.

 

Thanks Otty. I'll have to play with that air inlet. It is a straw taped to the top. I'll have to take it off and see what is there.

I will have to get a good idea of what I'm doing in the future with my sump configuration, but I will had pipe. I read a thread that said to cement to the bulkhead fittings. I assume a union in there some where would be a good idea?

 

Yes put a valve and union in would be good. Also never glue the pipes together inside the overflow box as you may have to get them out and clean.