Changing loc line in stocked tank

psyrob · 02/07/2017, 06:51 PM

My tank was drilled 14 years ago by a shop before I knew what I was doing: they put the two return lines too low, lower than the overflow holes and installed a check valve. The check valve has worked all these years but it finally failed. I caught it but if my power fails, the sump will not hold the water that will flow in. I know I have been on borrowed time with this situation and I want to finally fix this. Is it possible to pop off the existing loc line and add pieces to lift the end of the return up to the level of overflow? Or is that risking snapping the bulkhead? My other thought was trying to unscrew the loc line all together, plug the holes and have an over the top return from the sump. I don't want to change to a new check valve, it is cemented in there and will be a PITA to cut out and a check valve is a time bomb anyway.
Thanks for any feedback
Rob

KevinsHVAC · 02/07/2017, 06:59 PM

They make a tool just for line-loc that would make it very easy to add more pieces.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

psyrob · 02/07/2017, 08:00 PM

Thanks, but I would have to pop off the last piece, the nozzle, the flared nozzle. I was worried that popping that off would maybe snap the bulkhead or not be possible inside my stocked tank, maybe I couldn't get enough leverage? Or maybe its easy peasy, just wondering if anyone else had experience with this...

Ou8me2 · 02/07/2017, 08:00 PM

I would unscrew the loc-line and you can add and remove whatever you like. I use a pair of channel lock pliers to do this because I didn't want to buy the tool. I'd be afraid trying to do this while it's inside the tank even with the tool for it.

Vinny Kreyling · 02/08/2017, 12:52 PM

I would just add whatever is needed, the tool will make it easier.

Ou8me2 · 02/08/2017, 01:42 PM

Yes, the tool would make it easier but not everyone wants to spend 20.00 to buy the tool for a few minutes use. You can actually remove them by hand if you bend them. Even this old thread says it's not that hard. I'd say getting them back together is the hardest part.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1449109

psyrob · 02/08/2017, 07:28 PM

Thanks for the replies: I unscrewed my existing line of loc line, took it out of the tank and practiced taking it apart and putting them together. It was pretty easy to snap them apart and was able to put them back together using only my hands, and lining it up correctly was key. Soooo, I ordered some extra links and elbows from BRS, did not order the tool, and will add the new pieces when they get here.
The key for me was not trying to do this in the tank, but doing it outside the tank

jda · 02/08/2017, 08:14 PM

Don't pop stuff on and off while it is still attached to the drilled hole. Ask me how I know? You nailed this one by taking it off.

02/07/2017, 06:51 PM	#1
psyrob Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 508	Changing loc line in stocked tank My tank was drilled 14 years ago by a shop before I knew what I was doing: they put the two return lines too low, lower than the overflow holes and installed a check valve. The check valve has worked all these years but it finally failed. I caught it but if my power fails, the sump will not hold the water that will flow in. I know I have been on borrowed time with this situation and I want to finally fix this. Is it possible to pop off the existing loc line and add pieces to lift the end of the return up to the level of overflow? Or is that risking snapping the bulkhead? My other thought was trying to unscrew the loc line all together, plug the holes and have an over the top return from the sump. I don't want to change to a new check valve, it is cemented in there and will be a PITA to cut out and a check valve is a time bomb anyway. Thanks for any feedback Rob __________________ We have engaged the Borg.... Current Tank Info: 60 gallon mixed reef, 4X54 T5s, 10 gallon frag tank, Reefbreeders PAR38 led bulb, Euroreef Skimmer, wp25 pump ReefAngel controller

02/07/2017, 08:00 PM	#3
psyrob Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 508	Thanks, but I would have to pop off the last piece, the nozzle, the flared nozzle. I was worried that popping that off would maybe snap the bulkhead or not be possible inside my stocked tank, maybe I couldn't get enough leverage? Or maybe its easy peasy, just wondering if anyone else had experience with this... __________________ We have engaged the Borg.... Current Tank Info: 60 gallon mixed reef, 4X54 T5s, 10 gallon frag tank, Reefbreeders PAR38 led bulb, Euroreef Skimmer, wp25 pump ReefAngel controller

02/08/2017, 12:52 PM	#5
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	I would just add whatever is needed, the tool will make it easier. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

02/08/2017, 07:28 PM	#7
psyrob Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 508	Thanks for the replies: I unscrewed my existing line of loc line, took it out of the tank and practiced taking it apart and putting them together. It was pretty easy to snap them apart and was able to put them back together using only my hands, and lining it up correctly was key. Soooo, I ordered some extra links and elbows from BRS, did not order the tool, and will add the new pieces when they get here. The key for me was not trying to do this in the tank, but doing it outside the tank __________________ We have engaged the Borg.... Current Tank Info: 60 gallon mixed reef, 4X54 T5s, 10 gallon frag tank, Reefbreeders PAR38 led bulb, Euroreef Skimmer, wp25 pump ReefAngel controller

02/07/2017, 06:59 PM	#2
KevinsHVAC Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Maryland Posts: 185	They make a tool just for line-loc that would make it very easy to add more pieces. Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

02/07/2017, 08:00 PM	#4
Ou8me2 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 743	I would unscrew the loc-line and you can add and remove whatever you like. I use a pair of channel lock pliers to do this because I didn't want to buy the tool. I'd be afraid trying to do this while it's inside the tank even with the tool for it.

02/08/2017, 01:42 PM	#6
Ou8me2 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 743	Yes, the tool would make it easier but not everyone wants to spend 20.00 to buy the tool for a few minutes use. You can actually remove them by hand if you bend them. Even this old thread says it's not that hard. I'd say getting them back together is the hardest part. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1449109

02/08/2017, 08:14 PM	#8
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	Don't pop stuff on and off while it is still attached to the drilled hole. Ask me how I know? You nailed this one by taking it off.