Need advice - building return line for dt,fuge

[miserkris]

Hello!
I am building a return line for the new 75g DT I have.
I have a 20L sump. Have a quite one 700gph return . I also want to pump into a 20g fuge tank that is on the side on a stand.
It has 12g of water with macro.
Here is my design (let me know if this is good):
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Run a 3/4" flexible vinyl tube from pump . Just above the sump , split into 2 with a "Y" barb adapter.
Both lines will have a barb hose valve.
The DT line will be coupled with PVC parts for 6" near DT 's top. I will make a pvc U - shape to hang on DT's back.
Then connect with loc-line with these parts:
3/4" Modular Pipe MPT X Connector
3/4" Modular Pipe Y Connector
3/4" Modular Pipe/Per Foot ( will use 2 of these for 2 spouts each 6" long)

Are these parts for locline correct?

The 20g(fuge) line will have the same concept , but the big question is:
Do I have to run a 3/4" tube to fuge , or is a 1/2" tube enough since I only need little flow that can be altered by the hose valve?

Also, Do I need a "T" or a "Y" split adapter to divide the line from sump pump, into 2 lines?


Both DT and fuge have drains going back to sump.
Please advice....!
Thanks !
Kris

 

[thirty5]

I am confused!

Where is the fuge? on a stand?

If the fuge is on a stand and higher than the sump which is OK IMO.

You would need to have the split above the FUGE not the sump.

I would do the following....

Run the return with flex and then convert to PVC, from teh PVC put a Tee in and have one side goto the fuge and one side goto the sump. I am assuming that you have the fuge then draining into the sump.

Here is BAD drawing!!!!

Put a ball valve on each side to control the flow into the fuge and sump. They are also benficial if you want to work on the sump and you can just turn them both off and turn off return pump, and you dont need to worry about the draining of hte tank.

 

[miserkris]

Both dt and fuge 20g tank are in same level in stands. Thanks....

Why should I convert to PVC pipe , cant I run flex all over with barb "t"s , and tlf barb valves?
Thanks

 

[thirty5]

Both dt and fuge 20g tank are in same level in stands. Thanks....

Why should I convert to PVC pipe , cant I run flex all over with barb "t"s , and tlf barb valves?
Thanks

You can stick with flex if you want. I just like working with the pvc better.. But that is totally up to you.

If they are in the same level how does the fuge drain into the sump?? just with an overflow?

 

[CONSTANTNE]

My brother has a DT and fuge on same level and split his return line uses a Y and barbs. Used flex hose and then both drained into one sump.

 

[miserkris]

You can stick with flex if you want. I just like working with the pvc better.. But that is totally up to you.

If they are in the same level how does the fuge drain into the sump?? just with an overflow?

What kind of interface /connector do I need if I connect vinyl tubing with PVC pipe? Can I use PVC glue for that?:scratchch

Yes, 20g fuge has a overflow box and drains to return area in sump.

Sump is in bottom of dt, its a 20L sump...with skimmer area and return area.
Thanks man !

 

[miserkris]

My brother has a DT and fuge on same level and split his return line uses a Y and barbs. Used flex hose and then both drained into one sump.

This is exactly what I plan! Gonna use 3/4" blk vinyl tubing from HD.

 

[thirty5]

Im just curious... If your DT and Fuge are on the Same level how are you getting water into the fuge? Is your tank RR? Maybe that is what I am confusing....

If RR then return is out bottom of tank, but if you are using HOB overflow then you can split since the 20 is much shorter.

"IF" it is a HOB, then I would just split it coming out of the HOB then one line to the fuge, and then one line directly to the sump, either plastic hose or PVC< whatever you want to use.

I would still put valves in so you can control the flow a bit into the fuge. You may find that either you have too much flow or almost none, the valves will be able to help you control that.

 

[NewfiDog]

It almost sounds like you 2 are talking about 2 different things (at least thats what im getting out of it). Miserkris is talking about the return from his pump to DT but also to fuge. I think 35 is talking about the drain. Mabey im reading it totally wrong.

 

[thirty5]

It almost sounds like you 2 are talking about 2 different things (at least thats what im getting out of it). Miserkris is talking about the return from his pump to DT but also to fuge. I think 35 is talking about the drain. Mabey im reading it totally wrong.

HAHAH you are totally correct!!

I guess I never thought of going from pump and splitting to feed the main tank and the fuge!

But I would not do that either way! You will wind up adding too much head onto the pump with the splitter, and then you need to have the valve to control flow.

I am not the best with Pumps so don't take my word on the power of your pump. You may just want to pick up a small pump to pump directly.

Just my 2 cents!

 

[NewfiDog]

Beleive it or not 35 head not flow the split dosent matter. With pumps your head (in this case) would be the tallest line no matter how many you have that is your head. But the split would effect your flow, so 2 pumps is good idea.

 

[thirty5]

Right, that is what I said

I would not want to stress my main pump with just adding fuge. A small powerhead will be fine to run your fuge. Low flow is the best IMO for the fuge. Gives teh macro algae time to really suck up the phosphates and stuf!!

 

[miserkris]

It almost sounds like you 2 are talking about 2 different things (at least thats what im getting out of it). Miserkris is talking about the return from his pump to DT but also to fuge. I think 35 is talking about the drain. Mabey im reading it totally wrong.

U r right, mine is rr, with separate return not via megaflow