Plumbing Suggestions

[thomas_neil]

Working on the plumbing for my tank. Still need to glue, strap, and support everything as well as add a valve on my main drain.

Was looking for some advice if I should change anything else before I glue everything up this weekend.

 

[FUNGI]

No manual shut-offs at Tank side for the drains?....just never know....

 

[thomas_neil]

No manual shut-offs at Tank side for the drains?....just never know....

Like gate valves on the drains? I need to order one for the primary drain in the sump room. Should I put one on the secondary as well?

 

[Peace River]

Add more unions!!! You will appreciate your past self much more in the future!

 

[thomas_neil]

Add more unions!!! You will appreciate your past self much more in the future!

Was going to order a couple more when I get my valves. I originally ordered 10 but I think I need more

 

[Dburr1014]

I would do ball valve unions on the returns and only unions on the drains.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

I would suggest soft plumbing between return pump and PVC, as many unions as you can. Think about taking everything apart to clean or do maintenance and add unions accordingly. Ball valve same thing, think about where you want to stop water so you can take things apart and clean. Don't forget the oh s@@t factor and place ball valve so in an emergency you can stop all water at once. This has happened to me. Remember to take in account the inside of connections, unions and ball valves have a stop inside and you must take that in account when cutting PVC. Usually 1 1/4 inch each end. Dry fitting won't bottom out on This inner stop. Once you add cement it will easily slide to the stop.

 

[Peace River]

@thomas_neil - it looks like you may have added soft plumbing to connect the return pump to the PVC, however you may consider switching to silicone hose to reduce vibration transfer even more (yes, I realize I am nitpicking, but you asked! :) ).

 

[dochoot]

Paint that exposed wood and dry wall with marine paint or cover.

 

[iReefer12]

Maybe I missed it, but you’ll need a gate valve on the full siphon drain.

I also place unions after the overflow box (under the overflow box). If you ever move, easy to disconnect the tank, also, will be easier to plumb as you can rotate the pipe and subsequently the following elbow to get the alignment just right.

 

[thomas_neil]

Thanks for all the input! Was waiting to do another fittings order until I got some more input. I will definitely get more unions and valves. Probably 1 gate valve for the main over flow and a ball valve for every run of plumbing.

I’ll also look into the silicone soft plumbing over what I currently have. I still need to plumb in my second return that will run the UV/manifold/ and return runs to the opposite side of the tank. The current setup is to get the tank up and running for the cycle.

Thank you all! Oh and happy Halloween!