DIY plumbing tank to sump pics

[bloo1987]

Hey all I just redid my plumbing for my 55gal tank. Sorry I forgot to take action shots. If you have any questions let me know.

Current LED lighting
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00388.jpg
Im getting a new LED fixture. My dad is going to go to HK next week to look for one for me.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00389.jpg

Old plumbing set up
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00390.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00391.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00392.jpg

Previous sump set up
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00393.jpg
Top of tank http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00394.jpg
Need to drill 3 new holes on top to fit the 3/4" bulkhead

Back return lines
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00406.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00407.jpg

[bloo1987]

New plumbing set up 1
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00409.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00410.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00412.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00413.jpg
I had to lay the return pump on its side because if I had it standing the unions wouldnt line up. Using a Reef tec 5000 1350 gph.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00414.jpg
Had to create a couple 90s to fit the return with ball value and union.

Return line intank
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00419.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00419.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00417.jpg

[bloo1987]

As you saw in the set up 1 one plumbing I had the pump layed on its side but it was making a ton of noise. And then I was told it shouldnt be lain on the side. So I had to redo the plumbing to make it fit. I also bought a "quieter" return pump with less gph. Using a quiet one 4000 1012 gph. The Reef tec 5000 was way too strong for my overflow box so I had to down grade as well. I also drilled a few extra holes in the overflow box to compensate the flow of the new return.

Set up 2 of plumbing
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00421.jpg
I put a gate value inside the return area of the sump to make extra room and took out the ball value. Was a quite a good idea at the time.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00422.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/bloo1987/fish%20tank/DSC00423.jpg
Also I drilled a new hole in the return for the 1" bulkhead for the new inline plumbing.

[uncleof6]

EDIT: Content not on topic.

Jim

[bloo1987]

i changed the plumbing because i wanted a cleaner system and better working system. i changed the layout from 1 to 2 because the union wasnt straight meaning no room. so i had a leak from the union.

i like the phoban 150 works well. im thinking of routing the intake to a seperate t from my return line so i dont have to use a pump. meaning less $$ on electricity.

[noobtothereef]

i changed the plumbing because i wanted a cleaner system and better working system. i changed the layout from 1 to 2 because the union wasnt straight meaning no room. so i had a leak from the union.

i like the phoban 150 works well. im thinking of routing the intake to a seperate t from my return line so i dont have to use a pump. meaning less $$ on electricity.

that will be good to split it off the existing pump to cut the flow down through the sump also, 1350 gph is alot of flow going through that sump. you only need 3-400gph through the sump on a 55, rest of the flow would be from closed loop or powerheads.

[TheFishMan65]

bloo1987

Did you say you put a gate valve in the return? If so is that a metal screw I see holding the handle on. I am no expert, but I would say this is a bad idea. My understanding is that metal is not good in the aquarium. And if you ever need to clean the valve I am not sure you will be able to get it apart. Just my $.02.

[noobtothereef]

bloo1987

Did you say you put a gate valve in the return? If so is that a metal screw I see holding the handle on. I am no expert, but I would say this is a bad idea. My understanding is that metal is not good in the aquarium. And if you ever need to clean the valve I am not sure you will be able to get it apart. Just my $.02.

there doesnt seem to be any gate valves on his system, i only see ball valves that are all plastic, ive never seen a pvc valve with a metal screw in it

[mltnguyen]

Anyway you slice it, your cabinet looks tons better. Good work

[uncleof6]

there doesnt seem to be any gate valves on his system, i only see ball valves that are all plastic, ive never seen a pvc valve with a metal screw in it

There is a gate valve on the pump intake inside the sump, with a metal screw. It will corrode up pretty good, in time, as long as it is not submerged, it should not cause a problem for the tank, just the valve.

Jim

[noobtothereef]

now you just need some zip ties to tie up all those ires and your golden!

[noobtothereef]

There is a gate valve on the pump intake inside the sump, with a metal screw. It will corrode up pretty good, in time, as long as it is not submerged, it should not cause a problem for the tank, just the valve.

Jim

im dumb........now i see the valve.........:crazy1:

[bloo1987]

bloo1987

Did you say you put a gate valve in the return? If so is that a metal screw I see holding the handle on. I am no expert, but I would say this is a bad idea. My understanding is that metal is not good in the aquarium. And if you ever need to clean the valve I am not sure you will be able to get it apart. Just my $.02.

Im not sure if it is. My tank is at my parents house, so cant check right now. But does look like it. Anyway the water wont be that high. It will probably be below the top of the value by like 1-2", because im installing a float switch at that level this week.

[TheFishMan65]

Well as uncle pointed out - as long as it is not underwater the fish will be happy. You may not be;)