Here is something I didn't know (1 Viewer)

[wmatt140]

I wanted to make the return line from the sump to the tank as straight as possible so I repositioned the pump and cut the line. Over time algae had grown in the line but I figured it was just surface growth. I was shocked to find about 50% of line blocked with algae. I had some spare tubing so I replaced the entire line. What a difference in water flow!

I had no idea that much gunk could grow inside the return line. I guess my next move is to get some black tubing.

 

[trb]

Thanks for the info. I'm just getting ready to work on plumbing the new tank, so maybe I can hit the exteriors of the flex lines with some of the black plastic type of paint to prevent the same from happening.

 

[Tempset]

For the rest of us who didn't think that far in advance, there's always the option to grab some eletrical tape(black) or cheap ductape and wrap those lines.

Essentially all we're trying to do is block out light. PVC does this for hard plumbed reef keepers.

 

[hank]

Here's another tip: for your drains on a standard RR tank, use a 1.25" coupler and 1.25 PVC pipe thereafter to glue over the 1" bulkhead because the hole is 1.25", this increases flow by almost 50% to 937gph. To get another big gain, put 1.25" PVC directly over a .75" bulkhead (no coupler) and run seperate return lines, the .75" bulkhead hole is 1" so that is another 600gph. You can thus take a 600gph standard tank with a 3/4" return to 1537gph of overflow capasity!

HTH,
Hank