return plumbing

[torino06]

i just had some general questions about the plumbing for my return. i have a overflow with U-tube and 29 gal sump and will either get a mag 5 or ocean runner 2500 for my return. Now for the questions.... will i be ok getting just regular clear tubing for the return? My next question is what should i use once the tubing reaches the tank? can i just run the tubing into the tank and put some mesh over it? as far as the return pump goes, do i just set it in and hook up my return tubing and im good?

thank you!!!!

[Percula9]

Flexible tubing will be fine. I also recommend a check valve on the return to prevent backflow when you shut off the power or there is a power outage. Buy a return fitting for the tube entering the tank. You can get them at the fish store. The other end right into the pumps output.

[InvaderJim]

I have a OR 2500 for the return on my tank with flexible tubing. Works like a charm.

My friend also runs one on his 55g and has a u-tube.

[jer77]

Return u-tube:
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~plumbing_parts_fittings_return_u-tube.html

[torino06]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10588751#post10588751 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Percula9
Flexible tubing will be fine. I also recommend a check valve on the return to prevent backflow when you shut off the power or there is a power outage. Buy a return fitting for the tube entering the tank. You can get them at the fish store. The other end right into the pumps output.
can u inlcude a pic or link as i am not sure of what u are talking about?

[torino06]

bump

[jer77]

You don't necessarily need a check valve if you allow adequate freeboard(empty volume/space) in your sump for the return to suction the water down during a power outage. You can also poke a hole in the return u-tube just under the water surface so that it breaks the siphon by drawing in air. When the power goes out the return lines will suction back water from your tank to your sump doen to the lowest level of the return lines in your tank. HTH

[torino06]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10591097#post10591097 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jer77
You don't necessarily need a check valve if you allow adequate freeboard(empty volume/space) in your sump for the return to suction the water down during a power outage. You can also poke a hole in the return u-tube just under the water surface so that it breaks the siphon by drawing in air. When the power goes out the return lines will suction back water from your tank to your sump doen to the lowest level of the return lines in your tank. HTH
im not understanding what you are saying. the u-tube is part of the overflow, not the return.

[torino06]

anyone?

[michaeljames]

If you wind up lighting your sump you'd be better off using a black tube, that way you won't get the alge build up in the lines, as for the overflow you can make your own from pvc but you don't want to just run flexable tubing over the top of the tank, it will kink and you will lose all of the GPH rating from the pump, also you could stand to go with a bit larger of a pump, like the mag 9.5 with a gate valve, that way you can control the return...