Suggestions, plumbing a HOT overflow. (1 Viewer)

[fins]

Well I got my sump, so I'm now ready to plumb up the HOT overflow. I'm looking for suggestions on the best way to do this. Is it better to hard plumb it, i.e. pvc pipe, or use flexible vinyl hose for the drain? I believe I'm going to use hard plumbing for the return so I can install valves, but on the drain side I wasn't sure what would be best. Also how do those of you with HOT overflows silence yours? Any success with the Dursos or Stockman mods? I would appreciate all the help I can get.
Thanks,
RIchard

 

[KarenB]

I don't know what "HOT" is, but when I did my plumbing, I put in dursos in my overflow, and I really like them.

I used all PVC except for a short line of 3/4 inch flexible tubing from my in-fuge pump to the first 3/4 inch PVC "T", connected by a barb fitting, then 3/4 inch PVC from the "T" to the valves on each side, then on up to the tank.

I used PVC for my drains, which are 1 inch, that go to valves, one each side, and then a 2 inch "T" and then a 2 inch PVC to my fuge.

I like the rigidity of the PVC especially in line with the valves. I only used flexible tubing because I needed a slight bend up to my "T", plus it will allow me to switch out my pump easily if need be.

The dursos, there are web pages for how to build those, and they're relatively easy. You have to up-size the pipes by half an inch, use a reducer at the bulkhead for them to work properly.

And that, in a nutshell, is my very limited experience with plumbing, other than our 75 g FOWLR, which was even easier, and which I used all flexible tubing except for the valves and the "spray bar" I created in-tank.

 

[fins]

Thanks Karen,
What I mean by HOT, is hang on tank. I am using a Life Reef overflow box.

 

[Guest]

I like using the Flexible PVC for the overflow and hard plumb or use vinal tubing on the return.

 

[bigbird123]

overflow

I think it's best to use flex on the HOT because you "will" have to take it off and clean. The flex makes it easier to remove. I have a dual flex 1- 1/4" overflow with a lift pump and it's pretty easy to remove to clean. With the usage of any good lighting, you can't keep from having algae to grow on it. Mine's black (which is suppose to help keep it clean from algae.) and with 900w MH, it takes about a week and there's algae all over it. So IMO flex is the way to go.

Steve

 

[fins]

Steve,
When you say flex you mean vinyl tubing or flexible pvc?

 

[bigbird123]

I bought flex hose off ebay, the kind like vaccum hose. It clamps to the pvc coming out of the bottom of the overflow. It's real easy to use and move anyway you need it to go.

 

[fins]

I know what your talking about now, that will work out fine. Thanks.

 

[bigbird123]

overflow

What size is the pvc coming out of your overflow?

 

[fins]

I have 3/4" coming out of the overflow. The sump has apparently a 1" bulkhead. Have to configure some way to tie in my tubing from the 3/4" to the 1" inlet to the sump. One thing I hate about these bulkheads is the threads are finer than most regular PVC plumbing threads. :x

I went ahead and bought vinyl tubing for the overflow, the space under the stand is tight, so I am going to need some flexability.

 

[Guest]

Why are you feeding it through a bulkhead into the sump?( If I am getting you right.) The pipe comes from my tank and lays in my sump when I want to do a water change I let the water drain into a bucket instead of the sump.

 

[fins]

Shortly after my last post I realized that it would be easier to just run the hose straight down into the sump! But after much consideration I am not sure this sump is going to work. I bought it used, and was built by one of the LFS. The first baffle is 7" high and the baffle before the return is 8" high. After I were to put in a couple of inches of sand there would not be a whole lot of water in the sump. So I believe I am going to have to scrap this idea and try a different sump/ refugium idea.