I am currently setting up a closed-loop for a 125g acrylic tank.
I have completed the intake side of the loop by drilling the back and installing 2 x 1.5" bulkheads with strainers. These are plumbed with rigid PVC and come together in a true WYE. The WYE has a ball valve, union and then a short section of vinyl tubing connected to a Dolphin Ampmaster 3000.
My current anxieties are related to the return side 8O
I have the Dolphin 1.5" --> 8 x 3/4" manifold, and a box full of 3/4" loc-line.
I was planning to plumb the return side from the pump with 1.5" flex PVC, running up the back of the tank, to the Dolphin manifold, and then simply use 3/4" vinyl tubing, some PVCs and loc-line to make 8 individual returns which I would then tie-wrap to the acrylic tank braces. This way I would aim the returns at each other, etc, etc.
Now I'm thinking maybe I should drill a few more holes in the tank and connect the loc-line to bulkheads, or maybe a combination of both. Sea swirls probably aren't great for my situation because I have much bracing and only about 1" from the bottom of the bracing to the waterline, and I only have 6" from the top of the bracking to my lights.
I realize there are many threads on this...what I would really like to see are some pictures. The few pictures that have been previously posted are now mostly broken links.
Also, if anyone has advice on how to secure return lines running over the top of acrylic bracing (should I drill small holes and use tie wraps, or glue little acrylic blocks, which have been drilled to hold a tie wrap, or whatever), would be much appreciated.
Lastly, if anyone has an AMP3000 running into 8 x 3/4" loc-line, could you please describe the velocity of the flow.
Thanks!
I have completed the intake side of the loop by drilling the back and installing 2 x 1.5" bulkheads with strainers. These are plumbed with rigid PVC and come together in a true WYE. The WYE has a ball valve, union and then a short section of vinyl tubing connected to a Dolphin Ampmaster 3000.
My current anxieties are related to the return side 8O
I have the Dolphin 1.5" --> 8 x 3/4" manifold, and a box full of 3/4" loc-line.
I was planning to plumb the return side from the pump with 1.5" flex PVC, running up the back of the tank, to the Dolphin manifold, and then simply use 3/4" vinyl tubing, some PVCs and loc-line to make 8 individual returns which I would then tie-wrap to the acrylic tank braces. This way I would aim the returns at each other, etc, etc.
Now I'm thinking maybe I should drill a few more holes in the tank and connect the loc-line to bulkheads, or maybe a combination of both. Sea swirls probably aren't great for my situation because I have much bracing and only about 1" from the bottom of the bracing to the waterline, and I only have 6" from the top of the bracking to my lights.
I realize there are many threads on this...what I would really like to see are some pictures. The few pictures that have been previously posted are now mostly broken links.
Also, if anyone has advice on how to secure return lines running over the top of acrylic bracing (should I drill small holes and use tie wraps, or glue little acrylic blocks, which have been drilled to hold a tie wrap, or whatever), would be much appreciated.
Lastly, if anyone has an AMP3000 running into 8 x 3/4" loc-line, could you please describe the velocity of the flow.
Thanks!
