Eb0la11's 165G Reef Tank Build

[parkinsn]

Originally Posted by Eb0la11

Where is a good place to get plumbing parts in Calgary? I found Home Depot wasnt extensive enough.

Rona is generally better that HD. i usually go to Wosley, they will have anything you need (except gate valves)

[fishytime]

Originally Posted by parkinsn

they will have anything you need (except gate valves)

Which we stock at RC also other specialty parts. *holds up product with cheesy infomercial guy smile*

[Eb0la11]

Originally Posted by fishytime

Which we stock at RC also other specialty parts. *holds up product with cheesy infomercial guy smile*

Ok I have 3 parts that I am having a hard time finding.

1. 1/2" Ball and Socket PVC (Lock line I think its called or something?) I keep finding 3/4" but not 1/2"

2. 2" PVC Gate Valves

3. A 1 1/2" Y Connector

Do you have all those parts? If you do, I'm literally going to come by tomorrow. And if thats the case I would also probably get a small sheet of 5mm glass cut, I think 13 and 1/2" x 11 and 15/16" but I can talk about that there I would think.

Anyways, let me know.

[fishytime]

1/2" loc line is there, pretty sure we have 2" gates, not sure about the "y"... Give Kevin a call after 1pm to make sure 4033381880.

[Eb0la11]

Ok, so I got the 1/2" loc line from Red Coral. I decided against the gate valve for now cause it was pricier than I was willing to pay. 59.99

I think I can find it for 20-$30 elsewhere. The fellow there, his name slips my mind, not Kevin, said that they might drop the price if I found it cheaper elsewhere. Ive already seen them online for 20 dollars so I think I just gotta look.

So I had three questions now.

1) Do you guys feel if I installed a herbie style drain if I could have only one of the pipes have the gate valve on it? The secondary pipe acts as an emergency anyways and I feel like it has no need to be restricted ever. Thoughts?

2) When I plumb, I use PVC cement for slip fittings and teflon tape for screw fittings, correct? Is there anything else that people use to help if there's a leak? Is Oatie PVC glue reef safe? Or is there a different brand I need to buy? Is teflon tape reef safe?

3) For my four 1/2" returns I am wondering if a 90 degree 1/2" pvc hose barb wouldnt be best. I know 90s restrict flow, but this would be the only one in the lines. How do you guys feel about that? Ive seen other enthusiasts do it, so I feel like it'd be ok. Am I wrong?

[parkinsn]

Gate valves are pricey but i doubt you will find them cheaper in the city or at all (other than RC, which it where i got mine). you can get them online for cheaper but by the time you pay shipping/tax/pst/duty (depending) and your time it might be worth it just to grab one and bite the bullet.

1) You dont want to restrict your emergency drain. If something happens to your main drain you want it to be able to handle all the water your pump is pushing. Also leave it out of your sump water so you can hear it trickling so you know something is a miss.

2) Use the primer as well as the glue as it makes for a better seal and cleans the dirt off. Both teflon and the Oatly glue are reef safe. Make sure you give the glue time to dry before running water through it. and when you glue give a 1/4 turn to ensure a good fit. Remember when you dry fit to leave a little extra in your measurements for when you cement as it will go a little further in then when you dry fit.

3) I have used the 90 degree barbs before with no issues. yes they restrict the flow, but try this calc and see what it really does to your flow.
http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/hlc2.php

[Eb0la11]

Thanks Parkins. Some good tips in there. I appreciate that! I'll visit wosely's to see if they have gate valves any cheaper, and if not I'll bite the bullet and buy the one I need.

So Im now almost ready to start plumbing and have a new question. How tall should my emergency drain be in relation to my overflow water height? Also, how can I estimate where this line will be when my tank is not filled yet? I assume the emergency drain will be above the water line but below the top of the tank. Is that correct?

Also, is ABS piping reef safe/non toxic as well?

[Red Coral Aquariums]

Originally Posted by Eb0la11

Ok, so I got the 1/2" loc line from Red Coral.

***Hey sorry I missed you today

I decided against the gate valve for now cause it was pricier than I was willing to pay. 59.99

I think I can find it for 20-$30 elsewhere.

***Yes if I could buy them for that price I could sell for cheaper

The fellow there, his name slips my mind, not Kevin, said that they might drop the price if I found it cheaper elsewhere. Ive already seen them online for 20 dollars so I think I just gotta look.

*** See what happens when I leave for a bit LOL

So I had three questions now.

1) Do you guys feel if I installed a herbie style drain if I could have only one of the pipes have the gate valve on it? The secondary pipe acts as an emergency anyways and I feel like it has no need to be restricted ever. Thoughts?

** you only need one (1) gate valve. we have some example tanks in the shop that show how a herbie system works

2) When I plumb, I use PVC cement for slip fittings and teflon tape for screw fittings, correct? Is there anything else that people use to help if there's a leak? Is Oatie PVC glue reef safe? Or is there a different brand I need to buy? Is teflon tape reef safe?

** I prefer pipe dope over teflon tape.

3) For my four 1/2" returns I am wondering if a 90 degree 1/2" pvc hose barb wouldnt be best. I know 90s restrict flow, but this would be the only one in the lines. How do you guys feel about that? Ive seen other enthusiasts do it, so I feel like it'd be ok. Am I wrong?

*** depends on pump you will get gph loss with 90's


*** Kevin

[parkinsn]

Originally Posted by Red Coral Aquariums

** I prefer pipe dope over teflon tape.
Kevin

Thats why your always in a good mood when i come in there