Eb0la11's 165G Reef Tank Build

parkinsn · #1 07-21-2009, 11:27 PM

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 · #2 07-22-2009, 12:34 AM

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?

banditpowdercoat · #3 07-22-2009, 01:44 AM

yes ABS is fine

parkinsn · #4 07-22-2009, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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?

Wosley does not have gate valves, thats the first place i checked as their main branch is across the street from my work. Try western pump i think they have them but not the size that i wanted at the time.

Your water level, depending on your pump will rise about 1/2" above the level of where your overflow spills, if that makes sense. So you would want your emergency about a 5/8" above where the water will spill in on your overflow, and yes below the top of your tank or when your main line clogs you will have serious issues

As for the ABS, some people say its ok and some dont. ABS is for drain lines and PVC is for drinking lines. I personally would not plumb a whole system in it, but i have never tried so i cant say long term how it works/leaches. If its the black color you want you can get the dark grey PVC (i think Lastlight used the grey and it looks pretty sweet)