Plumbing guide

[Bakedpwn]

So where is the guide for pvc plumbing?
i have never done pvc plumbing yet but my new tank came with it. need to know what type of glue and what sort of process or steps i should take. its going to be a bean animal setup on a 120 gal

 

[AndrewNC]

Pvc primer and cement. You'll see it close to the pvc and comes individually or dual pack. It's simple, first apply primer to the 2 contact surfaces than apply the cement. It works quickly so make sure everything is good to go then put them together. I always use the purple primer but there are several people who only use the cement/glue so they get a cleaner looking finish

 

[Pola0502ds]

Check out this thread and scroll down to plumbing. You can also search for good youtube videos.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-index.55815/

 

[Broadfield]

I like to use the Oatey brand of primer and cement... it can be found just about everywhere that sells any sort of PVC supplies. I use a clear primer and cement.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-8-...-SearchPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-202985691-_-N

http://www.homedepot.com/p/16-oz-PV...-SearchPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-100072353-_-N

As for tips, using a miter/chop saw will make your cuts super easy and perfectly square every time. No need to prep the pipe besides blowing them off/out. If you want ultra clean pipe work, then don't totally glob the glue on. I like to scrape the applicator, a few times, on the inside lip of the can opening. This will get the excess off the applicator.

Here's a fairly crazy manifold I just did and you hardly tell it's even glued:

IMG_7661 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

IMG_7618 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

IMG_7613 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

 

[AndrewNC]

I like to use the Oatey brand of primer and cement... it can be found just about everywhere that sells any sort of PVC supplies. I use a clear primer and cement.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-8-...-SearchPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-202985691-_-N

http://www.homedepot.com/p/16-oz-PV...-SearchPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-100072353-_-N

As for tips, using a miter/chop saw will make your cuts super easy and perfectly square every time. No need to prep the pipe besides blowing them off/out. If you want ultra clean pipe work, then don't totally glob the glue on. I like to scrape the applicator, a few times, on the inside lip of the can opening. This will get the excess off the applicator.

Here's a fairly crazy manifold I just did and you hardly tell it's even glued:

IMG_7661 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

IMG_7618 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

IMG_7613 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

That came out awesome!!! I'm definitely going to paint my plumbing now

 

[Broadfield]

That came out awesome!!! I'm definitely going to paint my plumbing now

Thanks! Just so you know, it's not painted. It's furniture grade PVC that comes in every color of the rainbow. But it only comes in pipe, various elbows and tees.

 

[dbl]

Good advice above. It really isn't difficult. I would suggest buying a few pieces and doing a few practice runs. The stuff is inexpensive and you'll be that more comfortable when you go live on the tank.

The clear primer and glue gives you a cleaner look in my opinion. I actually use Acetone and remove all the markings on the pipes and fittings. But that's just me!

Lastly, when it comes time to actually do your plumbing, by several extra's of each fitting. It never fails you end up one short and have to make another trip. You can always return what you don't use.

 

[Pola0502ds]

I like to use the Oatey brand of primer and cement... it can be found just about everywhere that sells any sort of PVC supplies. I use a clear primer and cement.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-8-...-SearchPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-202985691-_-N

http://www.homedepot.com/p/16-oz-PV...-SearchPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-100072353-_-N

As for tips, using a miter/chop saw will make your cuts super easy and perfectly square every time. No need to prep the pipe besides blowing them off/out. If you want ultra clean pipe work, then don't totally glob the glue on. I like to scrape the applicator, a few times, on the inside lip of the can opening. This will get the excess off the applicator.

Here's a fairly crazy manifold I just did and you hardly tell it's even glued:

IMG_7661 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

IMG_7618 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

IMG_7613 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

What exactly is going on in this sump??

 

[Broadfield]

What exactly is going on in this sump??

What do you mean? Does this make more sense?

IMG_7088 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

 

[Pola0502ds]

Just wanted to know details. Picture explains. Nice!

 

[AndrewNC]

Thanks! Just so you know, it's not painted. It's furniture grade PVC that comes in every color of the rainbow. But it only comes in pipe, various elbows and tees.

Never knew that exited. Thanks. I'll keep looking at you're sump periodically for inspiration lol.

 

[Broadfield]

Never knew that exited. Thanks. I'll keep looking at you're sump periodically for inspiration lol.

No problem... and it's even 100% free of manufacturing info, casting marks etc. It has nice chamfered edges for a slimmer look. On top of all of that it's really not that much more expensive than schedule 80.

 

[FishGuyBri]

I used red pvc from brs and just recently did my plumbing for the first time. I had to redo it- when they say it fried fast and you have to hold it together right, they mean it. I ended up buying extra pieces and played around with it for a while..

 

[Family Tank]

PVC glue works very fast,like 10-15 seconds fast. Do a dry run and I suggest using alignment marks on each joint to maintain your layout as your gluing up. Especially, on your first few attempts. Then you can go fix the kitchen sink and the wifey poo will be so proud!

 

[xREEFINaintEZx]

Your on the right track. Do a dry fit first. Remove all the burrs from the cut end of pipe.Purple or clear primer, oatey has good stuff. The best glue your going to find is rain N shine. If you don't prime I'd use the blue rainSHINE. After you glue... Insert pipe into fitting, give it a good quarter turn, and finally hold the pipe in the fitting for 10 second (pipe will back out of the fitting)

 

[Tokash23]

What do you mean? Does this make more sense?

IMG_7088 by Toby Broadfield, on Flickr

I have seen this a few times and went to ask but just havent yet. Just above your skimmer in the picture the plumbing does a "U" before returning to the tank i assume and i am just curious as to why? Clearly you know what you are doing and i am currently getting ready to plumb my 40g so im looking for ideas as well. FYI your tank is the bees knees as some would say lol

 

[AZDesertRat]

This should answer some of your questions
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/installing-bulkhead-tips.34973/

 

[Broadfield]

I have seen this a few times and went to ask but just havent yet. Just above your skimmer in the picture the plumbing does a "U" before returning to the tank i assume and i am just curious as to why? Clearly you know what you are doing and i am currently getting ready to plumb my 40g so im looking for ideas as well. FYI your tank is the bees knees as some would say lol

The U is there not by choice. One, my manifold piping has to be mounted to the underside of the cabinet... otherwise my reactors would not have clearance to the sump. So it has to drop down to be able to line up with the Red Sea return. And two, since I'm retrofitting to the Red Sea bulkheads(which are not standard), my hands are tied.

 

[Fin]

This is how I mark my plumbing after dry-fitting to make sure the joints go back in the exact same position. Place the tape across the joint in a single piece, then use a razor blade or Xacto knife to separate the tape where the two fittings come together. Then I number the ape on each side of the joint. Remove tape after gluing up.

Here is that section of plumbing after assembly and paint (Krylon Fusion).

 

[Tokash23]

Kind of piggybackin off this thread but how far down into the water should the drain line be? Also if i paint my plumbing should it be in the water at all?