I need help with a plumbing question please

junior2101 · 02/11/2016, 10:05 PM

So I am starting a new build and just ordered my new tank next step is the plumbing. I plan to plumb a couple reactors into my return line and I am trying to figure out if I need to install a valve after the T to create artificial head pressure in order to supply the reacors with enough flow or will there be enough natural flow without restricting my return line. Thank you
guys!

snulma1 · 02/12/2016, 02:25 AM

Your best bet would be to install it. In the scenario you create enough head pressure without it, then you just leave it open. But if you need it, its already there!

steallife904 · 02/12/2016, 09:14 AM

yes install it. I did this to feed a UV sterilizer. You will more than likely need to adjust the flow to whatever you are setting up

RocketEngineer · 02/12/2016, 09:28 AM

Remember, water goes where there is the least amount of restriction. Without valves before the reactors all the water will go through them instead of heading up to the tank. In my setup, the valves feeding my reactor and refugium are almost totally closed in order to keep most of the water going to the display.

sleepydoc · 02/12/2016, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RocketEngineer

Remember, water goes where there is the least amount of restriction. Without valves before the reactors all the water will go through them instead of heading up to the tank. In my setup, the valves feeding my reactor and refugium are almost totally closed in order to keep most of the water going to the display.

+1 to this. In addition to the extra piping, the water going up to the tank also has an additional 3-4' of head on it, which means that much more pressure pushing it towards the reactors if you don't have valves.

On the converse side, if you have a reactor that needs a lot of pressure to feed it and you tee off your return line, the most pressure you can get will be 3-4' unless you put a valve on the return line.

junior2101 · 02/12/2016, 12:54 PM

I am definitely planning on putting valves to control the flow for the reactors. It will be needed to shut them off for media changes and cleaning regardless. So I am getting both responses one saying there will be plenty of flow to the reactors without restricting flow above the T and one saying to intal the balve lol I guess I should juat spen the extra 25 bucks for a 3rd ball valve and install it in place of the union valve on the return line as it has true union fittings anyways. Opinions? And thank yoy guys for the help. It is much appreciated

02/11/2016, 10:05 PM	#1
junior2101 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 39	I need help with a plumbing question please So I am starting a new build and just ordered my new tank next step is the plumbing. I plan to plumb a couple reactors into my return line and I am trying to figure out if I need to install a valve after the T to create artificial head pressure in order to supply the reacors with enough flow or will there be enough natural flow without restricting my return line. Thank you guys!

02/12/2016, 09:28 AM	#4
RocketEngineer Space is big. Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Maryland Eastern Shore Posts: 3,226	Remember, water goes where there is the least amount of restriction. Without valves before the reactors all the water will go through them instead of heading up to the tank. In my setup, the valves feeding my reactor and refugium are almost totally closed in order to keep most of the water going to the display. __________________ -RocketEngineer "Knowledge is what you get when you read the directions, experience is what you get when you don't." - Unknown Current Tank Info: None Currently

02/12/2016, 02:25 AM	#2
snulma1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 2,281	Your best bet would be to install it. In the scenario you create enough head pressure without it, then you just leave it open. But if you need it, its already there!

02/12/2016, 09:14 AM	#3
steallife904 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 944	yes install it. I did this to feed a UV sterilizer. You will more than likely need to adjust the flow to whatever you are setting up

02/12/2016, 12:54 PM	#6
junior2101 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 39	I am definitely planning on putting valves to control the flow for the reactors. It will be needed to shut them off for media changes and cleaning regardless. So I am getting both responses one saying there will be plenty of flow to the reactors without restricting flow above the T and one saying to intal the balve lol I guess I should juat spen the extra 25 bucks for a 3rd ball valve and install it in place of the union valve on the return line as it has true union fittings anyways. Opinions? And thank yoy guys for the help. It is much appreciated