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LGB76
01/27/2013, 02:17 PM
Ive started the plumbing process for my sump/fuge.

When im plumbing the return should I connect flex pvc tubing on my return pump then switch it to pvc once its out of the tank. Im thinking this will help with the vibration and it seems a bit easier to plumb the return pump that way.

thegrun
01/27/2013, 03:05 PM
Yes, the flex will help reduce noise and make removal of the pump for cleaning easier.

LGB76
01/27/2013, 03:31 PM
My next problem is finding the tubing that will fit my return pump

How do u get the tubing to connect back to regular pvc?

thegrun
01/27/2013, 03:48 PM
Barbed fitting on one end, threaded connection on the other. Like this:
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/schedule-80-straight-barb-x-male-thread-2.html

meegwell
01/27/2013, 08:41 PM
add a pvc union in there also as soon as you go back to pvc. This way, you can twist off the union and service/clean/change the pump and not disturb your pvc plumbing.

tanzer16
01/28/2013, 06:57 AM
I just ran Black flexible PVC all the way up to return elbow with a barbed fitting......no union because it's flexible enough to allow easy removal of pump for cleaning.

keithhays
01/28/2013, 07:48 AM
Generally, you want something flexible between the pump and a fixed piece of equipment and you want a true union ball valve on either side of your pump.

LGB76
01/28/2013, 07:58 AM
I will have a gate valve attached after it turns back to regular pvc.

so I will have the flex pvc attached to a coupling, and from there will be about an inch of hard plumbing into a union joint, and then into a gate valve and the rest is just hard plumbed to my outlets.

cniemira
01/28/2013, 11:54 AM
FWIW, you just described exactly what the return plumbing I just set up looks like:

http://siege.org/pub/reef/return_plumbing_dry.png

worm5406
01/28/2013, 01:25 PM
I used clear flexable tubing for the sump feed. and hard pvc for the return.

This way I can see inside it incase a snail or anything else decides to take a water-slide ride.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ky1NC3o41kc/UPyu_reHRaI/AAAAAAAA710/hMg-KK1icWY/s800/20130120_215807.jpg

I got the pipe from flexpvc dot com.

LGB76
01/28/2013, 02:24 PM
will the metal clamp not rust and cause problems? Cause I am sure some water will leak out of the return line by the nozzle and get on the clamp? Does anyone else see a problem with this? Or am I just being over paranoid?

Phinnay
01/28/2013, 02:51 PM
will the metal clamp not rust and cause problems? Cause I am sure some water will leak out of the return line by the nozzle and get on the clamp? Does anyone else see a problem with this? Or am I just being over paranoid?

I have seen metal clamps rust when they are submerged in salt water for months at a time. An occasional splash really shouldn't be a problem.

If you are worried, you can buy plastic hose clamps.
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTfJUkFiAohLlz1vFZk-addaP-haKKhaBfNybyf-tl8I4kWQEG8

worm5406
01/28/2013, 03:34 PM
I just ordered like 10 of those in two different sizes.

BRS has them.

sleepydoc
01/28/2013, 08:37 PM
One disadvantage of the clear PVC is it will allow light in and algae growth inside, compromising the flow. (Of course you can see it! ;))

The ridges also cause more resistance to flow. Not the end of the world for the feeds from the bulkheads, but just ends up adding to the head loss and compromising flow from your return pump (= wasted energy/added heat)

If you get flexible PVC/Spaflex, you can simply cement it to fittings just like you do regular PVC pipes. (+1 on using a union)

worm5406
01/29/2013, 08:00 AM
The tubing I ordered/received has a smooth inner liner. The ridges are only on the outside for structural stiffness (non-collapse/kink).

It is not corrugated tube.
http://flexpvc.com/cart/html/images/SpringSleeve.jpg

It is braided smoothbore: http://flexpvc.com/cart/html/images/6200-00.jpg