Plumbing!

[jprime84]

I am trying to figure out the best plumbing method for my 20g tank and 10g sump. I feel good about my overflow - using corrugated tubing with a standard hose clamp. For the return, the output from the pump is threaded, and I have a plastic return similar to this: http://www.amazon.com/Eshopps-Return-Jet-0-75/dp/B003I5VV20

 

Clearly this is designed to take some kind of hose, but the pump output is not. Whats the best way to do this?

[DIstudio]

what type of pump are you using for the return, what is your overflow rated at, and what size is your return line. the one you linked looks like 1/2".

[jprime84]

Pump (model 3 350gph): http://www.marinedepot.com/Danner_Mag_Driv...-DN1121-vi.html

 

My overlfow is the Eshopps Nano Overflow which is rated for 200 gph but ive heard it can do much more. My plan was to plumb in a T section to redirect some of the return flow back into the sump if the pump is still too strong with headloss factored in.

[jprime84]

I plumbed it tonight with a T section that accepted the hose and hose clamps, leading to a ball valve so I could redirect part of the flow back into the sump. I was able to get the hose around the threaded outlet of the pump. The whole thing is noisier than I wish it was, and I had to dial in the ball valve to get an equilibrium. I am a little nervous tonight letting it run. I really hope I dont have wet carpet in the morning.

[olemanwinter]

I'm new to the whole plumping game, but why don't you just use a smaller return pump. This seems like a lot of extra headache for no benefit. You are likely losing space in the sump from the size of larger pump, wasting electricity, probably raising the water temp, and risking a leak.....why?

[Phin]

I'm new to the whole plumping game, but why don't you just use a smaller return pump. This seems like a lot of extra headache for no benefit. You are likely losing space in the sump from the size of larger pump, wasting electricity, probably raising the water temp, and risking a leak.....why?

The output for that pump is 1/2". I would recommend that you use the proper PVC fitting (a union is best, so you can easily remove the pump for maintenance) and run 1/2" PVC pipe up and over the edge of the aquarium for the return and ditch that fitting that you have. Believe me, you do not want a return line to come loose on you. Clamped hoses do come off or leak sometimes. Here is the union that I have on my Mag return pump.

 

[Corsair]

Just use some kind of clamps on the return hose. I used big zip ties. Functionally, my setup is about the same with a media reactor instead of a bypass. That's with an even bigger pump attached. It's been fine for months, and even puts up with being jostled when I work in the sump, or access the reactor. You might even be able to skip the bypass and just throttle the return directly. That would likely be more stable.