Add a manifold now or wait?

[angsess]

Working on getting plumbing together for my new tank. 57 gallon tank with 20 gallon sump. Ordered the jebao MDP-3500 return pump. Ultimate goal is a coral heavy mixed reef. I want to set everything up as future proofed as possible now. Is it worth setting up a manifold now so that it will be available for the future addition of equipment like reactors? If so how can I set it up so that I will be able account for different equipment needing different sizes lines to supply it? How many valves would be practical given the size of my tank.

 

[56longroof]

I didn't add one when I set up my tank. It would have saved some headaches. If you run a manifold then you better pick a return pump big enough to handle everything you might possibly add later. One with adjustable flow rates would be ideal. The different size lines can be addressed with a hose barb or reducer bushings. Honestly I'd just put a gate valve on each port on the manifold and use 1/2" tubing. Then its big enough if you need and can be adjusted down if needed also. I would put 3 or 4 in place to cover anything you might want to add later. Trust me. You will. LOL

 

[Rob A]

Manifolds are easy to add. Just put together a few T's and ball or gate valves. The only thing really to consider is the output side has to be the same size or smaller.

 

[Tangdora]

Tee off the main return where you want a manifold and put union after it. Then cap the other side of the union. Buy a second union and hold onto for future use when you’re ready to extend. Make sure your Tee is properly sized to allow the right gph flow to all the equipment you plan to add later.

 

[KrisReef]

The tank I purchased second hand has a manifold, but I never use it. Installing an expansion slot (that you can add more valves to later) like Tangdora suggested allows for clean expansion later, or not, as needed!

Having a variable speed return (or manifold supply) pump is useful in many cases, but not totally necessary to get started.

 

[exnisstech]

I have manifold because the tank came with them. I have never used them. If you think you'll use them now would be the time to add them.
The old saying Better to have it and not need it is always better thank needing and not having it. comes yo mind.