Eb0la11's 165G Reef Tank Build

[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?

[banditpowdercoat]

yes ABS is fine

[parkinsn]

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)

[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

[Red Coral Aquariums]

Originally Posted by parkinsn

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

lol

[Eb0la11]

Thanks Kevin, too bad I missed you. Hopefully you guys can give my room mate the gears a bit when he comes to the bbq on Saturday. He hasnt signed up for can reef or any of that yet I dont think. I'll be MCing a friends wedding that night in BC so wont make it.

I'll see how my Gate Valve search goes. Worst case scenario its my one "specialty" fitting and might just bite the bullet.

[kien]

Hey, is the wedding you are MC'ing at Panorama???

[Eb0la11]

haha no its in Kelowna. Why, you going to a wedding as well? lol