Eshopps PF-800 and plumbing

JordanB8810 · 12/02/2010, 12:22 AM

I'm going to be plumbing my first system tomorrow and have run into one last problem (knock on wood). I took the bulkhead that came with the PF-800 overflow to HomeDepot to try and find a threaded female adapter to fit. It seems like the size is in between 1 1/4'' and 1 1/2''. I'm going back tomorrow to try and talk to a "professional", but I was just curious what everyone else used with this particular overflow.

I did talk to someone else about it who suggested I use a fitting that would allow for vinyl tubing, but I would rather use rigid PVC with the threaded female adapter if at all possible.

Also, since its going to be my first attempt at plumbing my system tomorrow, I'd love to hear any tips and tricks that other people followed (or wished they had). I more or less will be following this website. Thanks!

neogenix · 12/02/2010, 12:32 AM

If possible, try get a friend who's done it once or twice to come help. If nothing at all they could aid with a bit of insight into some of the 'quirks' that come with plumbing a system. From what I've seen recently most people have preferences for vinyl, or rigid, and it's down to taste. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and I've assisted with builds of both. Personally I'm a rigid PVC guy, but I also know that when I need to change things around it'll be quite a big job... That said, right now my return pump is vinyl, and my overflow is rigid pvc, so there's also hybrid

Make some diagrams, and be prepared to make multiple trips to HD, and to return things over and over again. On a plus side, if you don't have the receipt they can check on your card and refund you accordingly

Oh, and I found that lowes had a better selection of pluming parts for me locally than any of the HD's.

slowwrx137 · 12/02/2010, 07:29 AM

Are you trying to find a threaded adapter to screw onto the outside of the bulkhead, similar to the one in this pic?

If so you don't need to, your 1" pvc will fit inside the bulkhead and can be glued into it with pvc cement. I have the Eshopps PF-1000 which has 2 bulkheads and that's what I did. I cut 2 short pieces of pvc and glued one end to the inside of the bulkheads and the other end to a union fitting so the plumbing can be disassembled when needed.

James404 · 12/02/2010, 11:17 AM

+1 you are not supposed to thread anything on that bulkhead besides the nut to secure it. You should use 1" PVC or spaflex (this is what I used) and prime/glue it in place.

greech · 12/02/2010, 12:02 PM

You will be hard pressed to find a female threaded joint to thread over that BH (if at all). As mentioned, glue 1" PVC directly into the BH. I ended up adding a union to my drain line too so to make it easier to remove the box later if needed.

Ignore the coupling above the union. I screwed up and had to cut my 1" line and it was too short once I did that so had to use a coupling.

JordanB8810 · 12/02/2010, 12:18 PM

Thanks for all the responses! The pictures really help. Will definitely be using 1'' rigid PVC on both the drain and return now. Off to HD now to start my adventure :-D

12/02/2010, 12:22 AM	#1
JordanB8810 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Auburn, AL Posts: 46	Eshopps PF-800 and plumbing I'm going to be plumbing my first system tomorrow and have run into one last problem (knock on wood). I took the bulkhead that came with the PF-800 overflow to HomeDepot to try and find a threaded female adapter to fit. It seems like the size is in between 1 1/4'' and 1 1/2''. I'm going back tomorrow to try and talk to a "professional", but I was just curious what everyone else used with this particular overflow. I did talk to someone else about it who suggested I use a fitting that would allow for vinyl tubing, but I would rather use rigid PVC with the threaded female adapter if at all possible. Also, since its going to be my first attempt at plumbing my system tomorrow, I'd love to hear any tips and tricks that other people followed (or wished they had). I more or less will be following this website. Thanks!

12/02/2010, 11:17 AM	#4
James404 I <3 Acros Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 2,523	+1 you are not supposed to thread anything on that bulkhead besides the nut to secure it. You should use 1" PVC or spaflex (this is what I used) and prime/glue it in place. __________________ 80g Deep Blue Rimless - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2651295 225g Reef Savvy SPS Dominant - Retired http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1945361

12/02/2010, 12:02 PM	#5
greech Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 3,133	You will be hard pressed to find a female threaded joint to thread over that BH (if at all). As mentioned, glue 1" PVC directly into the BH. I ended up adding a union to my drain line too so to make it easier to remove the box later if needed. Ignore the coupling above the union. I screwed up and had to cut my 1" line and it was too short once I did that so had to use a coupling. __________________ ~Graham Current Tank Info: Tank: 40 breeder; 20H sump w/SWC 120; Sicce 3.0 return; Vortech MP-10; Sundial T5, DIY Actinic LED (3W Cree). Livestock: Pair of Black & Whites; Midas Blenny; Firefish; Yasha/pistol; Black Leopard Wrasse; LPS and SPS

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12/02/2010, 12:32 AM	#2
neogenix Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 95	If possible, try get a friend who's done it once or twice to come help. If nothing at all they could aid with a bit of insight into some of the 'quirks' that come with plumbing a system. From what I've seen recently most people have preferences for vinyl, or rigid, and it's down to taste. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and I've assisted with builds of both. Personally I'm a rigid PVC guy, but I also know that when I need to change things around it'll be quite a big job... That said, right now my return pump is vinyl, and my overflow is rigid pvc, so there's also hybrid Make some diagrams, and be prepared to make multiple trips to HD, and to return things over and over again. On a plus side, if you don't have the receipt they can check on your card and refund you accordingly Oh, and I found that lowes had a better selection of pluming parts for me locally than any of the HD's.

12/02/2010, 07:29 AM	#3
slowwrx137 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 174	Are you trying to find a threaded adapter to screw onto the outside of the bulkhead, similar to the one in this pic? If so you don't need to, your 1" pvc will fit inside the bulkhead and can be glued into it with pvc cement. I have the Eshopps PF-1000 which has 2 bulkheads and that's what I did. I cut 2 short pieces of pvc and glued one end to the inside of the bulkheads and the other end to a union fitting so the plumbing can be disassembled when needed.

12/02/2010, 12:18 PM	#6
JordanB8810 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Auburn, AL Posts: 46	Thanks for all the responses! The pictures really help. Will definitely be using 1'' rigid PVC on both the drain and return now. Off to HD now to start my adventure :-D