bulkheads and basic plumbing

gicol · 02/07/2012, 12:41 PM

I have a 90G tank with a single reef ready overflow box and four bulkheads - to 1" and two 3/4". The bulkheads that came with the tank are slip on top and barb underneath.

I want to use fixed PVC pipe above and below... so, what is the best type of bulkhead - threaded on both sides or slip/threaded?

Also, I want use larger diameter pipe than the bulkhead size. What is the best way to plumb?

A) I'd like to have 1" pipe above and 1" pipe below the 3/4" bulkheads
B) 1 1/4" pipe above and 1 1/4" pipe below the 1" bulkhead
C) 1" pipe above and 1" pipe below the last 1" bulkhead

arentspowell · 02/07/2012, 12:47 PM

If you are going to do that I would get threaded on both side that way you can use a threaded to slip adapter. and then glue in your PVC to the adapters.

Why do you need 1 1/4" though? how much flow do you have running through your sump? If you are going to have it flowing at full siphon the 1" should be more then enough.

a.browning · 02/07/2012, 12:58 PM

I have always preferred slip x slip bulkheads, that way there is no chance of a thread leaking. I also would question the need for 1 1/4 in piping for a 90gal, but if you must do it that way, then you would need reducing fittings before and after the bulkhead in order to allow for larger diameter pipe.

gicol · 02/07/2012, 01:03 PM

How do I reduce the 1" pipe to the 3/4" threaded bulkhead (or 1 1/4" to 1)"? Is there a simple adapter for that? I looked at Home Depot but not able to find one.

Should I glue all the pipe or pressure fit the plumbing inside the tank, and glue the PVC outside the tank?

I spent the weekend reading the DIY thread on the Bean Animal design and based on recs from others on the site it was suggested I use the 1" pipe above and below the 3/4" bulkead for the sihon, use 1" pipe above and below the 1" bulkhead for the emergency, use at least a 1 1/4" pipe above and below the 1" bulkhead for the open standpipe, and for the return use 1" pipe above and below the 3/4" bulhead.

Waddleboy · 02/07/2012, 01:10 PM

You can use a bushing to go from 1" to 3/4". Or any other size combo you want. Also glue the pipes outside the water. Inside it does not matter as much cause if it drips... It goes in your tank.

tangs_tank · 02/07/2012, 02:57 PM

I have a 180 n dual overflows, basically twice your. I stuck with the recommended 1" drains and 3/4" returns. I adjust the flow with ball valves. I have both threaded fittings and glue fittings. Threaded to all areas that may need replacing in future or for maintenance. Just remember to use unions in areas where you would need to do eventually maintenance work to or to switch things out. Use teflon tape on threads and you should be fine. If i remember correctly your tank should be set for 600gph overflows cuz mine is 2x that.

02/07/2012, 12:41 PM	#1
gicol Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 30	bulkheads and basic plumbing I have a 90G tank with a single reef ready overflow box and four bulkheads - to 1" and two 3/4". The bulkheads that came with the tank are slip on top and barb underneath. I want to use fixed PVC pipe above and below... so, what is the best type of bulkhead - threaded on both sides or slip/threaded? Also, I want use larger diameter pipe than the bulkhead size. What is the best way to plumb? A) I'd like to have 1" pipe above and 1" pipe below the 3/4" bulkheads B) 1 1/4" pipe above and 1 1/4" pipe below the 1" bulkhead C) 1" pipe above and 1" pipe below the last 1" bulkhead

02/07/2012, 12:47 PM	#2
arentspowell Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 296	If you are going to do that I would get threaded on both side that way you can use a threaded to slip adapter. and then glue in your PVC to the adapters. Why do you need 1 1/4" though? how much flow do you have running through your sump? If you are going to have it flowing at full siphon the 1" should be more then enough. __________________ Innovative Marine Nuvo 10g AIO Mixed Reef AI Prime Black with Hanging Kit // Vortech MP10QD // InTank Media Basket // Innovative Marine Ghost Skimmer // Tunze 1073.008 Return Pump // AutoAqua ATO

02/07/2012, 12:58 PM	#3
a.browning Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 975	I have always preferred slip x slip bulkheads, that way there is no chance of a thread leaking. I also would question the need for 1 1/4 in piping for a 90gal, but if you must do it that way, then you would need reducing fittings before and after the bulkhead in order to allow for larger diameter pipe. __________________ 75 SPS, 80 & 45 Frag Tank, 40B Leather Tank

02/07/2012, 01:03 PM	#4
gicol Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 30	How do I reduce the 1" pipe to the 3/4" threaded bulkhead (or 1 1/4" to 1)"? Is there a simple adapter for that? I looked at Home Depot but not able to find one. Should I glue all the pipe or pressure fit the plumbing inside the tank, and glue the PVC outside the tank? I spent the weekend reading the DIY thread on the Bean Animal design and based on recs from others on the site it was suggested I use the 1" pipe above and below the 3/4" bulkead for the sihon, use 1" pipe above and below the 1" bulkhead for the emergency, use at least a 1 1/4" pipe above and below the 1" bulkhead for the open standpipe, and for the return use 1" pipe above and below the 3/4" bulhead.

02/07/2012, 01:10 PM	#5
Waddleboy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: NJ Posts: 766	You can use a bushing to go from 1" to 3/4". Or any other size combo you want. Also glue the pipes outside the water. Inside it does not matter as much cause if it drips... It goes in your tank.

02/07/2012, 02:57 PM	#6
tangs_tank Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Grayslake, Il Posts: 135	I have a 180 n dual overflows, basically twice your. I stuck with the recommended 1" drains and 3/4" returns. I adjust the flow with ball valves. I have both threaded fittings and glue fittings. Threaded to all areas that may need replacing in future or for maintenance. Just remember to use unions in areas where you would need to do eventually maintenance work to or to switch things out. Use teflon tape on threads and you should be fine. If i remember correctly your tank should be set for 600gph overflows cuz mine is 2x that.