Question on best means to connect Reefer 250 to UV to Apex Flow Sensor to Sicce Pump

[OfficeReefer]

First, I apologize for typing this on the go as @revtree hasn’t released the R2R app. Please excuse brevity and typos!

I am being restricted by connections and tubing diameter, resulting in only 350-370 GPH max with a Sicce 4.0 and 300-320 GPH with Sicce 3.0 from the sump using nothing but a straight tubing 5/8 OD and 1/2 ID tubing (the likely culprit).

I need to replace or use the Red Sea Spigot that is sold for the original Reefer 250 return, to a 3/4 barb on both sides of the UV, down to the oversized 1 inch unions the Apex Flow Sensor uses and then to another spigot or something that will connect the Sicce 3.0 to that. I also gage an extra SDC 3.0 pump too if needed but I hear PEX is the way to go, with a bit of flex tubing at the end.

Lowes is the closest thing to me, but I can do Home Depot if I need to or order from Amazon as well.

I cannot for the life of me figure out the most solid way of doing this without knowing more about PEX or plumbing. Could anyone suggest some parts for this as a replacement to get the 650 GPH expected?

All suggestions welcome, parts list desired. Thanks everybody!

Regards,
OfficeReefer

 

[OfficeReefer]

Here's what I used to remove the existing return pipe and fitting.

Then, I need to remove this barb and go to a larger one that is 3/4 OD to match the UV barbs.

Afterwards, I then need to connect them to the oversized Apex Flow Sensor 1 inch unions. Afterwards, to the Sicce pump, which has both a 5/8 and 3/4 barb fitting if I recall. I'm thinking that cutting some PEX is the best way, but I'd need to use 1 inch PEX to permit the 3/4 barb on the Aqua Advantage 2000+ and it might not make sense being that I only require 5 feet or less of pipe.

Any thoughts with this or suggested parts from Lowe's, Home Depot or Amazon?

Thank you,
OfficeReefer

 

[OfficeReefer]

I'm guessing this would work to remedy the smaller barb from the return fitting under the tank and permit PEX A, maybe B to fit onto this and the UV 3/4 barb.

SharkBite 1 in. x 5 ft. Straight Red PEX-B Pipe U880R5 - The Home Depot

SharkBite PEX tubing is cross-linked polyethylene tubing for a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing applications. PEX Pipe is durable, flexible and corrosion resistant. Manufactured without

www.homedepot.com

Then I would do the same from the second UV barb to something like this, which is connected to the 1 inch Apex Flow Sensors on both sides, but instead of 1 inch PEX A or B, use Flex PVC or similar to the Sicce barb.

Then I would need something like this to secure it altogether.



Am I on the right path here? Does anyone see an issue with this working?

 

[OfficeReefer]

I think I have found a better way and certainly for far less (not that PEX is bad as I hear its the best).

IPEX 3/4 in. x 24 in. Polyethylene Pipe 475 - The Home Depot

IPEX HDPE Poly Pipe is highly versatile and is recommended for use as a water pipe. Make repairs or short runs with 2 ft. sections. Coordinate with other poly pipe and insert fittings.

www.homedepot.com

Apollo 3/4 in. Barb Insert Blue Twister Polypropylene x MPT Adapter Fitting ABTMA34 - The Home Depot

This innovative and patented Twist-In polypropylene 3/4 in. male pipe thread adapter can be used to connect polyethylene pipe to a male threaded connection originating from a valve or alternative type

www.homedepot.com

Then to UV and then more of the same pipe to the spigot shown above



Then from the Flow Sensor to the Sicce pump, perhaps with some Flex PVC. I will connect it all up with the following

Apollo 3/4 in. Stainless-Steel Poly Pipe Pinch Clamps (10-Pack) POLYPC3410PK - The Home Depot

The Apollo 3/4 in. Stainless-Steel Poly Pipe Pinch Clamps (10-Pack) are ideal for providing a uniform, tamper-resistant seal. These durable stainless-steel clamps are easy to install. Maximum working pressure is 160 psi.

www.homedepot.com

Apollo Poly Pipe Pinch Clamp Tool POLYPTK - The Home Depot

Apollo Irrigation Tool secures insert fittings into PE pipe for irrigation applications with poly pinch clamp fasteners. Works with many sizes of poly pinch clamps. Durable steel construction.

www.homedepot.com

For those with a Lowe's, I ended up going to two of them before I found these at Home Depot. I suppose it really is where the "doers get more done".

I am not entirely certain though of its safety. @bblumberg would you have any thoughts on safety with this?

 

[bblumberg]

Is your question about PEX, polypropylene or polyethylene? All have been used safely for aquariums and potable water systems.

 

[OfficeReefer]

Hi, Bruce! Thanks for responding. I was curious if it were safe to use polyethylene (sprinkler tubing) safely with reef systems, since most on here use PVC or have recommended PEX. I am about to cut a few pieces to size and implement them in my return from the sump this week.

 

[bblumberg]

I think that with low density polyethylene (LDPE) tubing such as sprinkler tubing, the main issue is that it can get brittle over time and leak/break. I'd stick with more sturdy polyethylene variants such as PEX (frequently used for plumbing) or LLDPE (used for RO units) tubing.

Nearly all types of plastics leach chemicals into water over time. The levels are low and may, or may not cause any obvious effects. There is nothing we can really do about that since I don't know how to run an aquarium (other than a small one) without plastic tubing or pipes.

 

[OfficeReefer]

Thank you! I'll order some PEX A and see if I can get it expanded.