Manifolds!

[jharding08]

Just a couple questions about the best way to set up a manifold to feed reactors.

Should the manifold be "T"ed off from the return pump or have a dedicated pump?

Should the end of the manifold be capped or dump back into the sump?

Looking forward to hearing your opinions. I have an Iwaki MD-40RXT and three TLF-150 reactors working with a 120 gallon (4'x2'x2') glass display tank with coast to coast overflow and three drains (full siphon, air, emergency).

[Uncle Salty 05]

Need more information.
What kind of reactor/s and how much flow is going to be needed.

[jharding08]

TLF-150's that will be running GFO, Carbon, BioPellets. each will have a ball valve off of the manifold to control flow or turn completely off

[4Hummer]

My Manifold, Powered by a Mag 18.

So far Carbon, and GFO Only, additional 2 outlets for the future

http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j361/4hummer/Salt%20Water%20Aquarium%20Build/Plumbing%20the%20125/IMG_0757_zps3167da47.jpg (http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/4hummer/media/Salt%20Water%20Aquarium%20Build/Plumbing%20the%20125/IMG_0757_zps3167da47.jpg.html)

Mounted in the Cabinet:

http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j361/4hummer/Salt%20Water%20Aquarium%20Build/Plumbing%20the%20125/IMG_0760_zpsfa7039b7.jpg (http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/4hummer/media/Salt%20Water%20Aquarium%20Build/Plumbing%20the%20125/IMG_0760_zpsfa7039b7.jpg.html)

Plumbed In:
http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j361/4hummer/Salt%20Water%20Aquarium%20Build/Plumbing%20the%20125/IMG_0761_zps48396b04.jpg (http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/4hummer/media/Salt%20Water%20Aquarium%20Build/Plumbing%20the%20125/IMG_0761_zps48396b04.jpg.html)

[Uncle Salty 05]

I would cap the end and use the ball valves to control everything else.

[jharding08]

If I'm using 1" PVC, is it better to use 1" PVC ball valve or the TLF 1/2" hose barb ball valve?

[julie180]

Use the 1/2 inch TLF valves for fine tuning. Ball valves are best at on/off, very hard to fine tune for reactors.

If your return pump is big enough, by all means use it to run your manifold. If you valve the end, you can run any excess flow back to your sump if needed.

[reefer roman]

I use the return pump also with 3/4 inch sch 80 pipe. easier to use because you can find threaded tee's.

[Teaggs]

http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j361/4hummer/Salt%20Water%20Aquarium%20Build/Plumbing%20the%20125/IMG_0757_zps3167da47.jpg

Are these all parts that I can find at Lowes? It looks to be, but I cant tell what each thing is. Is there a list of the parts? I know the tee's and ball valves, but the fittings are hard to tell. The only difference for me is I would like each end to be hard plumbed back in to my return. I don't use flexible hose. Is this possible? I really like this set up and would like to do the same thing. I have a 1" return line. Thanks in advance for any help

[hijinks]

Everything there you can get at a big box store

Go there with the pic and either dry fit things together or ask someone there and they will build it for you to give you everything you need

[Teaggs]

Wow...I figured something there was a specialty fitting lol. I have a ball valve right above my pump, so would I need another ball valve like this picture inline? I know I need the ones to control the mainfolds. I am not sure what that other one would be for?

[flamron]

Here is my manifold.

Picked up the 1/2" union ball valves from marine depot.

[Teaggs]

picture of it in action?

[Teaggs]

Also, what do you use to connect the ball valve fitting to the hose for the reactors? I like the look of yours. It seems simple and would be easy for me to add to my current system.

[flamron]

It's still sitting in my sump. Building the stand...

I have 1/2" john guest fittings that will screw into the union and allow me to attach vinyl hose.

[Teaggs]

so the unions are slip on one end and threaded on the other?

[flamron]

They came with both options in the box from marine depot. So you can do either.

[Teaggs]

Thanks flamron for the help

[flamron]

No prob.

Here's a link:
http://www.marinedepot.com/Slip_Double_Union_Ball_Valve_True_Union_Ball_Valves-Plumbing_Parts-FT3913-FIFTVLTU-vi.html

[jharding08]

So I have my manifold set up and am ready to attach the TLF reactors with 1/2" flex tube and ball valves.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e23/jharding08/IMG_20140214_161800_zps7kpbmmom.jpg (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/jharding08/media/IMG_20140214_161800_zps7kpbmmom.jpg.html)

My question is - when I turn off the return and the water flows back into the sump, some will also flow through the reactors from the DT, since it is "T"ed off of the return line. This shouldnt cause any problems right? I didnt use a swing check valve, because of their failure rate.

[Uncle Salty 05]

Just close the red ball valve if you kill the power.