Need Help With Plumbing

[kevin34]

Well I am thinking about hooking up a refugium into my system and figured I might replace my vinyl tubing plumbing with PVC pipe while I am at it. The PVC is just so much for organized. I dont know why I didnt use it in the first place. Any tips on how to do this? Tank is a 125. And when I take the tubing off, water shouldnt pour out the bottom of the overflow right? that is if I remember to turn the return pump off. haha

 

[wangotango]

Once you turn the pump off and the tank drains a little (like usual) you can take the vinyl tubing off without a problem. Just as long as you don't loosen or remove the bulkhead fitting on the bottom of the tank, no more water should come out.
However, you might need to change the fitting. Normally there is a barb-fitting to attach the vinyl tubing, but you might need a slip or threaded fitting to attach the PVC to. If that's the case then take out the drain and return line from the megaflow, and all the water inside it will drain out so you can change the fitting.
-Justin

 

[fishfreak1242]

Make sure that you use all three of the PVC glues and not just the cement. I just used the cement and not the cleaner, and primer and I ended up with a bunch of leaks.

 

[wattsupdoc]

What Wango said.
Also, I'll add that be sure to increase the size of the hard pipe, at least one size up. If not 2. Then do not use any 90 fittings. 45's are OK, but go easy on them. Also, be sure that any horizontal runs are slopping down hill. The more the better, but at least 1/2" per foot. Or 3" inches for the entire length. You can use a propane torch if you have one to heat and bend the pipe, but don't bend it near any ends that will be glued, they might warp and not seal good. Also, avoid any kinks in the bends when doing so. Vertical bends can go straight down, but I've found it to be a little better to run them slightly diagonal. It just seems to flow better when feeding into any bends or dumping into your sump or fuge. Definitely prime anything you glue. If you have a stable water level in your compartment you are dumping into, I find it works well to terminate the pipe just below (about 1/2in) the water line.