Quick Plumbing Question

gdaustin · 04/17/2012, 05:44 PM

I have a 125 Marineland Reef Ready aquarium with two built-in corner overflows. It appears that all four bulkheads are 1 1/2". My sump has two 1" inputs so I can get a reducer from 1 1/2" to 1" no problem. The issue is with the returns as I have 3/4" going from sump to returns 1 1/2". I have not been able to find any 3/4" to 1 1/2" fittings. I am using flex hose for the returns and drains. Since I am having issues with finding the 1 1/2" to 3/4" fitting, am I not doing something right? That is all I lack till I put water in and check for leaks. Oh and I am puting 1 1/2" check valves on the returns. Bulkheads are threaded. Thanks.

tkeracer619 · 04/17/2012, 07:44 PM

You will need to use two reducer bushings. 1.5 -> 1 and 1-> .75.

I would do it at the 1.5" bulkheads.

I would reduce the drains to 1" at the bulkheads including the stand pipes. You do not want to reduce the drains at the sump. If a snail gets in there and cannot pass the reduction your tank will flood.

Do not rely on check valves, they are going to fail. No questions asked. They are terrible for saltwater applications.

04/17/2012, 05:44 PM	#1
gdaustin Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 9	Quick Plumbing Question I have a 125 Marineland Reef Ready aquarium with two built-in corner overflows. It appears that all four bulkheads are 1 1/2". My sump has two 1" inputs so I can get a reducer from 1 1/2" to 1" no problem. The issue is with the returns as I have 3/4" going from sump to returns 1 1/2". I have not been able to find any 3/4" to 1 1/2" fittings. I am using flex hose for the returns and drains. Since I am having issues with finding the 1 1/2" to 3/4" fitting, am I not doing something right? That is all I lack till I put water in and check for leaks. Oh and I am puting 1 1/2" check valves on the returns. Bulkheads are threaded. Thanks.

04/17/2012, 07:44 PM	#2
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	You will need to use two reducer bushings. 1.5 -> 1 and 1-> .75. I would do it at the 1.5" bulkheads. I would reduce the drains to 1" at the bulkheads including the stand pipes. You do not want to reduce the drains at the sump. If a snail gets in there and cannot pass the reduction your tank will flood. Do not rely on check valves, they are going to fail. No questions asked. They are terrible for saltwater applications. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.