Plumbing questions/tips

[mskvarenina]

I just received my new reef ready tank. It contains a these 2 bulkhead fittings. The smaller one is 1.25" inside diameter threaded and the larger is 1.75" inside diameter threaded.

I plan on running the sump to the basement one floor below. What's the best way to plumb this? I could convert the threaded connectors to plain old PVC and glue it all together but when it gets near the sump I'd prefer that it be flexible. Someone said Spa pipe but I'm not sure how to connect this pipe up to these bulkheads since the spa pipe appears to not have a very sealable end.


Also, what's better for less noise, hard pipes or flexible spa or some other flexible pipe?

 

[edd]

they do make flex pvc, i seen it at hd but they call it spa hose. it isn't that corrugated stuff that would be hard to seal. I'm upgrading and my sump is in basement. this time i think I'm going all the way [about 10'] with flex. a lot easier, but not sure about down faults.

 

[Ponyboy]

Also pond stores will have it

 

[TimberTDI]

You want this fitting and then you can glue the flex PVC into the slip side.

Flex PVC glues the same as regular PVC.

 

[Ponyboy]

The blue glue works better on flex

 

[Adamc1303]

You may want to order some stronger bulkheads. They have grey of one's which can really take a beating. The black ones tend to cracked often. Only mentioning it because your going to the basement so there will be more than average strain.

 

[mskvarenina]

Interesting, thanks for the info everyone. My HD has spa hose but it's very corrugated and definitely not sealable. There is a large spa and pool store nearby, I'll give them a try.

Definitely decided to go flexible though as while it's nearly a straight drop down, there are a few degrees of bending needed and to do this with hard PVC would be complicated.

Regarding the bulkheads, once they are in wouldn't they be sound? These looked ok but if there is something more durable I should check it out.


Definitely devices to go

 

[KathyC]

Not to nit-pick but it's called spa-flex hose.


Here is a REALLY interesting link on gluing spa flex hose.


http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1305074

 

[Ponyboy]

What size and length do you need
I build koi ponds and use it all the time

 

[edd]

http://http://flexpvc.com/WaterFlowBasedOnPipeSize.shtml
this site refers to it as flex pvc, they have 2 kinds. flex pvc and ultra flex thin wall pvc, which is supposed to be more flexible.

 

[edd]

wrong link google flexpvc.com

 

[mskvarenina]

It's here: http://flexpvc.com/WaterFlowBasedOnPipeSize.shtml

 

[edd]

thanks, thats a good flow chart i refer to it a lot.
are you local to oakland, we can split the shipping?

 

[mskvarenina]

All is good. I found the spa flex at my local HD. It was labeled pool vacuum hose which is why I missed it the first time.

Also did a bit more research and this definitely gets glued to sch 40 fittings. Picked up 11' of each size I needed.

Thanks everyone for the advice.

 

[cono]

I just finished plumbing my 180 with the flex box from flexpvc.com and even used the glue they recommended such was the gorilla glue for pvc which is a one part glue and it seals like mad .....the best thing I ever did ....the flex box is great because no use for elbows.. and the glue is incredible it works great and no smell and cleans up great

 

[edd]

I just finished plumbing my 180 with the flex box from flexpvc.com and even used the glue they recommended such was the gorilla glue for pvc which is a one part glue and it seals like mad .....the best thing I ever did ....the flex box is great because no use for elbows.. and the glue is incredible it works great and no smell and cleans up great

i was going to order 20' from them but they want $31.00 shipping. did you pay that much? i ordered a $5 y fitting last week they charged $10 shipping.

 

[mbg75]

All is good. I found the spa flex at my local HD. It was labeled pool vacuum hose which is why I missed it the first time.

Also did a bit more research and this definitely gets glued to sch 40 fittings. Picked up 11' of each size I needed.

Thanks everyone for the advice.

Got a pic of the hose? Pool vac hose is corrugated.

 

[TimberTDI]

Got a pic of the hose? Pool vac hose is corrugated.

I agree. The reason it's listed as pool vacuum hose is because that's what it is. Not spa flex or flex PVC.

Steven

 

[mskvarenina]

I can't easily post a pic at the moment but it's the right stuff. It says SCH40 spa-flex right on it. It white and smooth yet a bit flexible. I tested a few SCH40 fittings and they fit snugly.

Thanks to everyone here I made the best choice. I was leaning towards reinforced clear tubing but that requires barb connectors which generally reduce the diameter of the openings.

 

[cono]

Hey I forgot what I paid for it but it's well worth it just bite the bullet and you will be very happy