Re-doing plumbing Q's
 

Just a couple quick questions that are probably easy answers but I am not sure of because I have never done this before. I am gonna build a new sump and want to completely re do my entire plumbing system. So my Q's are....

I have a 120 gallon tank with 2 overflows 1"/returns 3/4"

1) Can change out my bulkheads while the tank is filled?
2) Do you have to use potable pipe?
3) What glue is recomended?

Any other tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers
Ray

1. That depends on where those bulkheads are located. If they are in your overflow box, then you can shut off the return pump and replace the bulkheads. Other placements might make it impossible to get at the bulkheads without draining the entire display.

2. No. Standard PVC pipes are fine. As you aren't working with high pressures, you can use "class 200" pipe, which is thinner walled and easier to work with. "Sched 40" pipe is the stuff that is most common, but it is already thicker walled that you likely need. "Sched 80" is really heavy duty and would only be used if you like how it looks and have extra money laying around. Other people use "flex" type PVC....lots of choices.

3. Glue specific to the pipe you've chosen. For PVC, it is special PVC cement that is commonly available..usually grey colour or clear.

awesome thanks for the info! little nervous about doing it... just wanna make sure im prepared when I attempt to tackle this project

when doing the plumbing do a dry run.. cut everything put it together and then take it apart as you go and glue.. easiest way.

For glue Oatey is a common brand available at most hardware stores. Be sure to use primer as well, which is applied prior to the cement. This will create a better seal and reduce the chances of a leak.

PVC cement:
http://www.hobbysubmarines.com/images/pvc_cement.jpg

PVC Primer
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:3.../525071448.jpg

Just remember, Parts will go together further with glue than without. If you cut the pipes to bottom out in the fittings, and fully assemble dry, good luck getting apart. I cut pipes to bottom, but only assemble half deep when dry fitting.