New 90gal AGA build.......Need advice

Absolut352 · 10/03/2006, 07:17 PM

Whats the best way to plumb the megaflow barb fittings with pvc or should i just go with tubing of some kind? I will have a sump/refug that i want to have ball valves on the drain and on the return.

printedpaper · 10/03/2006, 11:19 PM

For the return I used 3/4 id clear tubing get it at your lfs. for the feed to your sump I used a 1 1/4 hose that I bought at a pool store.

Absolut352 · 10/04/2006, 04:44 AM

Do you use ball valves to control the flow as well?

69vette · 10/04/2006, 07:43 AM

Do not use valves or anything else that will create any kind of restriction on the drains, unless you like mopping up salt water from your floor.

Absolut352 · 10/04/2006, 07:56 AM

Thanks for the replies. So if I ever wanted to shut down flow to the sump temporarily all i would have to do is switch off the return pump right? I thought the water may continue to drain without a valve.

Also is there anyway to to use pvc with the barbs on the megaflow?
Im not too crazy about tubing but if thats my only option then it will have to do. Thank again.

69vette · 10/04/2006, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Absolut352
Thanks for the replies. So if I ever wanted to shut down flow to the sump temporarily all i would have to do is switch off the return pump right? I thought the water may continue to drain without a valve.

Yes, and it will continue to drain until the water level in the tank drops below the drains height. You must ensure that the sump will contain this much water in case of a power failure when you're not home.

jag1979 · 10/04/2006, 09:41 AM

I think you will be better off w/ the flexable tubing then pvc...it is much easier to set up and maintain. I bought all the stuff I needed to plumb my aquarium w/ pvc then at the last minute switched to flex tubing, took me about an hour to plumb two overflows, two return pumps (one internal, one external), uv, several ball valves...everything. Probably would have taken me all day to do it w/ pvc

giantxtc · 10/04/2006, 09:52 AM

I plumbed my return with pvc because 3/4" will fit the inside of the threaded part of the bulkhead.I also added a ballvalve midway to cut the water off because my sump is too small.I used clear flex hose on the drain side.You can use a hose clamp to hold it on tight if you are worried too.I have run this setup for 3 years now.

Absolut352 · 10/04/2006, 12:28 PM

Thanks again. I think il go with the flex tubing on the drain and the pvc on the return.

10/03/2006, 07:17 PM	#1
Absolut352 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: GA Posts: 41	New 90gal AGA build.......Need advice Whats the best way to plumb the megaflow barb fittings with pvc or should i just go with tubing of some kind? I will have a sump/refug that i want to have ball valves on the drain and on the return.

10/04/2006, 07:43 AM	#4
69vette Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Butler, Pa Posts: 1,314	Do not use valves or anything else that will create any kind of restriction on the drains, unless you like mopping up salt water from your floor. __________________ Bob I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's the best they're going to feel all day. -Frank Sinatra

10/03/2006, 11:19 PM	#2
printedpaper Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Grand Rapids Mi Posts: 226	For the return I used 3/4 id clear tubing get it at your lfs. for the feed to your sump I used a 1 1/4 hose that I bought at a pool store.

10/04/2006, 04:44 AM	#3
Absolut352 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: GA Posts: 41	Do you use ball valves to control the flow as well?

10/04/2006, 07:56 AM	#5
Absolut352 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: GA Posts: 41	Thanks for the replies. So if I ever wanted to shut down flow to the sump temporarily all i would have to do is switch off the return pump right? I thought the water may continue to drain without a valve. Also is there anyway to to use pvc with the barbs on the megaflow? Im not too crazy about tubing but if thats my only option then it will have to do. Thank again.

10/04/2006, 09:41 AM	#7
jag1979 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 982	I think you will be better off w/ the flexable tubing then pvc...it is much easier to set up and maintain. I bought all the stuff I needed to plumb my aquarium w/ pvc then at the last minute switched to flex tubing, took me about an hour to plumb two overflows, two return pumps (one internal, one external), uv, several ball valves...everything. Probably would have taken me all day to do it w/ pvc

10/04/2006, 09:52 AM	#8
giantxtc Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Williamsburg,Va Posts: 864	I plumbed my return with pvc because 3/4" will fit the inside of the threaded part of the bulkhead.I also added a ballvalve midway to cut the water off because my sump is too small.I used clear flex hose on the drain side.You can use a hose clamp to hold it on tight if you are worried too.I have run this setup for 3 years now.

10/04/2006, 12:28 PM	#9
Absolut352 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: GA Posts: 41	Thanks again. I think il go with the flex tubing on the drain and the pvc on the return.