Looks good more ball valves the better I think, never know and it leaves you wih options later

So I decided to up the size of the ball valves on the return pumps to minimize flow restriction. The 1" true union ball valves that I have been using are tiny inside! They actually reduce in size by about half from your standard internal 1" pipe diameter. So I measured the inside on a 1" pipe, and then the inside of a 1.5" true union ball valve, and the internal diameters were almost the same. The check valves also have a large interior diameter.

These 1.5" valves are frikin huge, but they will work well at not reducing the flow like the 1" would have.

Here is the interior comparison of a 1" to a 1.5"

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...pstsmltion.jpg

Here these beasts are all plumbed and ready to go!

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...psofpuqize.jpg

Also got the finishing touches on my manifold. 4 X 1/2" barbed fittings to go to my reactors/UV.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...psf15vwgtw.jpg

Frag tank drains are all plumbed.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...psvougrkyt.jpg

And the fuge drain from fuge to main sump is done as well! I have to use a different (frikin expensive) ball valve from western pump, because of the lack of space, and the slight bend in the plumbing into the other closet. This one was a little shorter, and allowed me to use the two 45 degree fittings to make the bend. Only thing is.... the handle is orange. So I will remove it and paint it red like the rest asap! Call me OCD... But it has to match!

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...pswdkmm2xm.jpg

And since the bottom right sump will be slightly darker underneath, I put an LED light bar in there. Works well! I can actually see what I'm doing when it's dark in the room.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...pst0wo0l13.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...psc7fjlt2x.jpg

Old ball valves are on in this pic. But here is the LED on with a pitch black room behind me.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...ps8wm0j90x.jpg

Wow. I like how you are single handedly bringing sexy back with this tank build.

Well...things were going well tonight. I got the return sump in and situated. Return pumps in.


http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...psgmlccrxh.jpg

Aaaaaaand then as usual.....my luck/stupidity got the best of the evening...

First off...I cant wiggle my 10 gallon ATO tank in beside the bottom sump. No matter how many times I tried. It fits on paper...but getting it in after the sump is in there is impossible....so now I have to dump more money into a custom slim ATO tank. Yay! OH YEAH...and I forgot to mention that I broke the 10G tank while doing this...

But wait! It gets better! While moving the return sump back into position after attempting to stuff the ATO tank in, I elbowed the return drain from the fuge....and broke that tank too!!! Wwweeeeeeeeee!!

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...ps7mxyjdhg.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...pscbxxlk5s.jpg

So needless to say, after cracking two tanks im calling it an evening. This one will go in the books...especially my pocketbook! Which already hates me.

Ouch that sucks

Mike I have a slim ato at the shop I'll give you at a deal , it was an extra we made :) can't remember the dimensions off hand but call me later and I'll get them for you:)

Thanks Denny! I'll check it out when I pick up the acrylic overflow covers I ordered. I will also have to order a new fuge tank lol.

pretty wicked dude I just clicked in that your the guy with the UV light duhhh. love the setup