All dark grey valves are sched 80 I believe. Darryl, I would definitely use gate valve over ball valve but just make sure you get the one with threaded ends so you can replace them if need to be.

Tanks is coming along nicely dude, I can't wait till you get some water in that mother. Tank is gonna look awesome with those radions.

Yes you are correct Rich usually the sched 80 is grey and sched 40 is white. Sched 40 can also be special ordered in grey from some places I've seen too. Usually I prefer the socket weld ends on fittings for less chance of a leak but the threaded ends on the gate valve for replacement is an excellent idea! I bet your tank looks awesome too with 9 friggin AI'S !!!

I just checked now and PVC sched 40 normally in white can be ordered in Black or Clear as well as Grey.

Decided to go with a gate valve and ordered a Spears Sched 80 which is a good brand to buy that have been around for years and repair parts should always be available one would think.

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...ate-Half-2.jpg

Thanks to all for steering me towards using a GATE VALVE instead of a ball valve. I found out today repair kits can be bought from Spears to fix leaking stem seals so thats a huge bonus. The gate valve can be fixed/repaired inline without even removing it from the system also.

I haven't had any system running for much longer than a year so I can't comment on their durability but looks like you chose already anyways! Mine have all been sch 80 and as you discovered if you purchase the deluxe models you can get at the insides to make repairs. I opted to save a few bucks this time but mine would be no big deal to replace entirely.

Drill bit finally arrrived today(3 weeks later) but for only $6, shipping included delivered to my door I will take it! I won't bother with showing more drill pics but will show pic when I am done drilling in next day or so.

Return holes are now drilled and vinyl background is on. I had to do it in 2 pieces as I didn't have a 6ft piece of vinyl. If I could do it again I would of spray painted back of tank in garage before I took it downstairs. No biggie though as the coraline will cover it in time anyhow. I still have to drill and tap the cap on the open channel standpipe and then it should be ready to fill with some RO reject water to clean and rinse tank out!

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2934.jpg

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2935.jpg


http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2936.jpg


http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_2937.jpg

looks good man

Thanks Mike, it would look good if it wasn't so blotchy like as seen in pic by left return outlet. It actually looked better with the vinyl just taped on as I think I used too much water applying it. Deciding now on whether to be picky and replace it or just leave it be and let it get coralined up. Next up also is a decision on the widely debated, tank - styrofoam - plywood issue. So many different opinions on that one.