Plumbing -- How To

[yacn]

Greetings,

Where can I learn what would be the best way to plumb my 150 AGA w/ twin megaflow overflows to my acrylic fuge?

I have 2 seperate feeds with bulkheads from each side of the tank feeding water to the fuge, and the fuge is set up to accept 2 seperate lines with bulkheads at one end.
At the opposite end of the fuge I will have one return line from my Mag 12 which must be split into 2 return lines to each side of the tank.

Do I use PVC or Hoses? A combination of both?
Do I need check valves?
Do I need gate valves or ball valves?
Please be specific...especially where items go

I was told to use a hose connected directly to the Mag 12 pump for the return line....if I use PVC there is going to be too much noise & vibration.
Is this correct as I plan on using it submerged in the fuge?

Also do I need to install some type of quick disconnects in the plumbing lines? For future maintance or to change things down the road? I figure some of have had to tear apart PVC piping at some point for some reason down the road.

thanks

Nick

 

[trido]

Where can I learn what would be the best way to plumb my 150 AGA w/ twin megaflow overflows to my acrylic fuge?
Pictures will say a thousand words. If you take alook at some of the tank build threads you will get alot of Ideas. The blue line in my sig under "finally finished the 120" is one of them.

Do I use PVC or Hoses? A combination of both?
Some use both, I only used PVC. The return pump isnt too noisey, but when you add all four pumps together....... Thats why I am envious of your remote basement area. You really should consider using it.
Do I need check valves?
Not for overflows and returns with a mag pump. If you use the basement you may want to consider using one on the return line depending on your sump cababilities during power outages.
Do I need gate valves or ball valves?
Ball valves will do fine for this application. Union ball valves are real handy IMO.
Please be specific...especially where items go
Every tank is different. you will have to decide what works for your design. PVC is easily removed and redone. I am constantly redoing my to improve the "design" and increas efficiency.

I was told to use a hose connected directly to the Mag 12 pump for the return line....if I use PVC there is going to be too much noise & vibration.
Is this correct as I plan on using it submerged in the fuge? My mag 18 is quieter than my CL pump. Alot of reefers do use flex line for the first foot or so as a dampener.

Also do I need to install some type of quick disconnects in the plumbing lines? For future maintance or to change things down the road? I figure some of have had to tear apart PVC piping at some point for some reason down the road Unions or union valves are a must for pump maintance etc.. I use a sawzall to remove plumbing that I am rerouting. PVC is cheap.