Plumbing an external Pump

dbmtrman · 11/18/2008, 09:26 PM

I am in the process of setting up a 265, with a 40 gal sump and 27 gal refugium. The sump had been used in my 120 with an internal pump before. The sump is a Petsmart glass 40 gal breeder tank, that I had baffles put into. In the 265 I am going to use it to hold my new MSX250 skimmer, and bought a new Reeflo Dart external pump. I bought 3 inch diamond glass hole bit and cut it about an inch and a half from the bottom on one end of the sump. I had the pump placed in between the refugium which is elevated and drains into the sump via 2 1.5 inch bulkheads. (Sorry I get long winded, just want to do this right) I didn't have much room for the pump so I had a male adapter on each end of a 2 inch slip union. I used styrofoam to try and line the pump end of the union, with the sump end of the union. I'm sure you experts are knowing what happened next. Apparently there was an uneven stress placed on the glass, which caused it to crack (more like popped). Went and got another piece of glass from a local glass company, 1/4", and replaced the broken piece. Sealed everything with silicone and tried it again. I was deada** on with the alignment filled the sump and refugium with water and ran the pump and skimmer to make sure no leaks. Then just while it was sitting there, the new piece of glass popped, back to the drawing board.

dbmtrman · 11/18/2008, 09:29 PM

I went to home depot and bought a new union and some 1.5 inch flex spa. I'm hoping that will take any undue stress from the glass, when I replace it. Am I on the right track? What is the best way to do it?

dbmtrman · 11/18/2008, 10:19 PM

should I also replace it with 3/8 or 1/2 inch glass?

Jefe12234 · 11/19/2008, 10:09 AM

I don't know much about replacing glass panes, but I would try to use at least 6-12" of spa flex (for a straight run, more for any curve) so that there is enough there to make a slight bend without placing excessive torque on the bulkhead. You may have to move the pump or use an elbow to rotate the pump so that it faces front to back instead of left to right? I can't say for sure without seeing it, but a good length of spa flex will take care of any undue stress.

pjf · 11/20/2008, 01:55 AM

Here's how you can use an elbow to alleviate stress on the glass:

Be sure to oversize the elbow. For my 1" pump inlet, I used a 1-1/4" elbow and bulkhead.

To remove the pump, simply disconnect the hose, lift the end of the pump, and twist out.

11/18/2008, 09:26 PM	#1
dbmtrman Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Florida Posts: 144	Plumbing an external Pump I am in the process of setting up a 265, with a 40 gal sump and 27 gal refugium. The sump had been used in my 120 with an internal pump before. The sump is a Petsmart glass 40 gal breeder tank, that I had baffles put into. In the 265 I am going to use it to hold my new MSX250 skimmer, and bought a new Reeflo Dart external pump. I bought 3 inch diamond glass hole bit and cut it about an inch and a half from the bottom on one end of the sump. I had the pump placed in between the refugium which is elevated and drains into the sump via 2 1.5 inch bulkheads. (Sorry I get long winded, just want to do this right) I didn't have much room for the pump so I had a male adapter on each end of a 2 inch slip union. I used styrofoam to try and line the pump end of the union, with the sump end of the union. I'm sure you experts are knowing what happened next. Apparently there was an uneven stress placed on the glass, which caused it to crack (more like popped). Went and got another piece of glass from a local glass company, 1/4", and replaced the broken piece. Sealed everything with silicone and tried it again. I was deada** on with the alignment filled the sump and refugium with water and ran the pump and skimmer to make sure no leaks. Then just while it was sitting there, the new piece of glass popped, back to the drawing board.

11/19/2008, 10:09 AM	#4
Jefe12234 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: MN Posts: 885	I don't know much about replacing glass panes, but I would try to use at least 6-12" of spa flex (for a straight run, more for any curve) so that there is enough there to make a slight bend without placing excessive torque on the bulkhead. You may have to move the pump or use an elbow to rotate the pump so that it faces front to back instead of left to right? I can't say for sure without seeing it, but a good length of spa flex will take care of any undue stress. __________________ Serenity now!!!

11/18/2008, 09:29 PM	#2
dbmtrman Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Florida Posts: 144	I went to home depot and bought a new union and some 1.5 inch flex spa. I'm hoping that will take any undue stress from the glass, when I replace it. Am I on the right track? What is the best way to do it?

11/18/2008, 10:19 PM	#3
dbmtrman Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Florida Posts: 144	should I also replace it with 3/8 or 1/2 inch glass?

11/20/2008, 01:55 AM	#5
pjf Premium Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,954	Here's how you can use an elbow to alleviate stress on the glass: Be sure to oversize the elbow. For my 1" pump inlet, I used a 1-1/4" elbow and bulkhead. To remove the pump, simply disconnect the hose, lift the end of the pump, and twist out.