tank remodeling,sump question? (last page)

[Delphinus]

Originally Posted by Seriak

I bought mine from Western Pump. I just asked for 3/4" and 1" spa flex. It was very tight when I tried to put it in the the fittings dry. Once the glue is on, it goes in a little easier. I was told not to use primer so I didn't and no leaks so far.

+1 .. there is a primer you can use if you want, also can be had from Western Pump.

When I google G941HT I see it looks like the same spaflex I'd get from Western Pump so I don't know what the heck that rubber hose page from greenline was all about. I'm going to blame DST. DST screws up everything. Stupid DST. Ask me a question tomorrow and hopefully I'll answer it better. That's my story and I'm sticking with it. DST.

[The Codfather]

Originally Posted by Seriak

I was told not to use primer so I didn't and no leaks so far.

Did someone just tell you this? Or is it in literature? The use of the primer with the solvent weld is some cases a must. But depends on application and which brand name. The only one I have seen even recommends a primer, but not a must, but only in a drainage application, not a pressure application. Just my 2 cents.

[Seriak]

Originally Posted by The Codfather

Did someone just tell you this? Or is it in literature? The use of the primer with the solvent weld is some cases a must. But depends on application and which brand name. The only one I have seen even recommends a primer, but not a must, but only in a drainage application, not a pressure application. Just my 2 cents.

I read the tip in Brad's tank Journal and so I googled it and the general consensus was to not use primer for spaflex. So that is what I did.

[jjntm]

I am a plumber... and I can tell you that primer is only meant to clean the pipe before applying the cement... It is not needed under such low pressure systems like our aquariums. I have used the spa flex well for my 220 gal tank upgrade and never used primer and have no issue's... The one thing about the spa flex to make you aware of... for the first month or so the flex line is almost slimy, but does not affect the water quality... if you have any questions feel free to pm me

[eli@fijireefrock.com]

Thanks guys and gals for your input on the spa-flex it turned out to be 11/4" and had to replace it with the right 11/2" witch fit tight now,Process is going a little slower than I expected and during all the cutting and moving a couple of rain barrels I sprung a leak that I had to clean about 75glns out the basement . And now I have a couple commercial fans running with all windows and doors open,a little chili.I must say,crazy as it might sound,have to enjoy this hobby to much to be able to go through all this
here are few photos of what is done so far.

50 feet roll of 1.1/5" spa-flex
Left side untouched



Cut out of the right side




Inside the aquarium room showing one shallow frag tank and on its right will have another 60glns frag tank to.


Full wall photo with the cut-out covering the 180glns

[eli@fijireefrock.com]

upgrade been coming slowly,as of now I have all tanks up and running except for the 240glns witch I will start filling it tomorrow then aquascape then lighting then finishing the stand...
A little more info. here is a photo of the heart and main arteries going from the pump distributed to all the tanks


Here it is again attached to the pump



And now into the sump ready for power



I will have few more photos tomorrow with it all cleaned up.
I just finished aquascaping the 180glns (what a big pain to remove all remaining corals and 350lbs of rocks to replace most of it back (wow i sure don't recommend re-aquascaping any setup with so much rocks) I must say that I lost none of the fish or all my corals but I sure do need to bring in more corals for filling the tank again...

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by jjntm

I am a plumber... and I can tell you that primer is only meant to clean the pipe before applying the cement... It is not needed under such low pressure systems like our aquariums.

PVC cementing is a two part process, yes the primer cleans the fitting and pipe, but it is cleaning away oils, dirt, ect and the factory coating on PVC pipe and fittings. Also it acts as a bonding agent by making the surfaces softer allowing the glue to react and soak in to the PVC farther creating a stronger bond.

As for low PSI systems not needing it, PVC is only meant for low PSI systems, the 145 PSI cold is a max pressure, 99.9% of all PVC systems operate at under 70 PSI and probably the majority of that under 30 PSI which is where tanks can operate.

as for getting away with not using primer, .. ya you could, but you would have more leaks with out primer than you would with it. this is a design process shortcuts can work but they are never the right way to do anything.

for people who don't want the purple ugly primer look, (the main reason people want to not use primer) get clear primer and clear glue.

Steve

[eli@fijireefrock.com]

well now that I am placing the stand for the 240glns there is a gap if aprox. 1/4" on the bottom of one side of the stand.
What should I place under there to level the stand? Someone said use pennies or a piece of metal? would that be fine of would I run into problems later on?
any input would be much appreciated as I am planning to start filling the tank tonight.

[The Grizz]

Metal shims would be my choice or oak shims.

[eli@fijireefrock.com]

Originally Posted by The Grizz

Metal shims would be my choice or oak shims.

Thanks Greg I will go and find some scrap metal now