120 Reef Set-Up Questions

[tmcchicago]

Well my 120g reef system has finally arrived and I am in the process of setting it up. I have a couple of questions that may seem somewhat naive. That is what this forum is for, however, so I thought I might as well ask.

First, the company that built the system (Aquariums For You) included all of the necessary plumbing, but many parts of it were left unconnected for shipping. After staring at all the pieces for a day or two, I have puzzled out the schematics. My question is should all of the PVC slip joint fittings be glued together with PVC cement? I assume that they would have to be to avoid leaks, but before I start cementing the overflow and return pipes into the bulkheads, for instance, I thought I should ask.

Second, once I get all of the plumbing hooked up, I plan to test the system using freshwater. I plan to fill the tank using a garden hose then run everything for a few days. Assuming everything holds, I will drain the freshwater from the tank, sump and plumbing. Then I will refill the system with RO/DI water and add salt. I just want to make sure that nobody think I will be creating problems by using unfiltered water from the garden hose for testing purposes.

[an411]

I would get a second opinion on cementing the drain and return to the bulkheads. I did with my tank but after I was told that its not th e way to do it. I have no problems with mine cemented. Yeah I would fill up with hose water first. Why waste all that RO/Di to just drain it again. I did this to check my plumbing job. HTH

[an411]

One more thing I am not sure what type of pieces that they gave you make sure they gave you a couple unions and ball valves to give you more control and the unions are good if you need to replace a plumbing part you don't have to take the whole plumbing apart. I know from first hand experience that I am glad that I did this cause I had to switch a return pump out and the union made it alot easier to take apart with minimal effort.

[tmcchicago]

Thanks for the quick response. All of the key components have unions and valves. AFY did a nice job with the plumbing. I intend to start a build thread with pics in the next few days.

[an411]

Thats a good idea wish I did that with my setup. Good Luck with the tank and everything

[tmcchicago]

BUMP

[Lotus99]

I think it will be fine to fill it with a hose for testing. It's definitely a good idea to test it with freshwater for a day or two to make sure everything is working as it should.