14 replies to this topic

[JackMack]

Hi guys,

A while back I purchased a 2x2ft cube tank with 10mm thick glass with holes drilled for an overflow.
Unfortunately all of the original plumbing has been stripped by the previous owner,
I plan to build a stand for this as soon as I work out the plumbing and once the sump is made.

Can anyone explain to me via links/pictures on what I'll need?

One hole is 50mm, the other 20mm.

All suggestions appreciated.

Cheers

[Rovik]

Some pictures or a diagram of the holes/tank would be helpful...

 

There are various ways you can go about it, Depending where the holes are situated.

 

Are the hole on the bottom panel or side ?

Do you have space behind the tank and the wall or will it be pushed right up (Flush) against the wall ?

What pump (L/H flow rate) will you be using ?

What flow rate and turbulence is desirable for what you are keeping ?

How much do you want to spend ?

Do you have any other equipment that needs to be inline or plumbed into the system ? e.g. UV sterilizer, In-line heater ? 

 

All these factors determine what diameter pipe you want to use, what parts you use ect.

Plumbing is only something you want to do once, because its a pain in the ass to change once it's wet and even more so if something goes wrong...Burst pipe or some other failure. 

[jeffblack]

Bunnings have everything you need

[JackMack]

Bunnings have everything you need

They also have useless employees and terrible organisation skills.
Not to mention the part that I don't know what I need.

Will take some snaps now.



Let me know if I need some with more detail.

cheers

Edited by JackMack, 02 November 2013 - 03:42 PM.

[jeffblack]

That they do, the bulkheads are normally in the plumbing section, not the reticulation section, took me awhile to find it all but got it all in the end.

[JackMack]

Do you have space behind the tank and the wall or will it be pushed right up (Flush) against the wall ? I'm not too fussed about having a tank flush with the wall

What pump (L/H flow rate) will you be using ? 2000lph but I have a ball valve laying around.

What flow rate and turbulence is desirable for what you are keeping ? It's set to be a peppermint display tank, so a decent turbulent flow is preferred. 

How much do you want to spend ? As an 18yo saving to buy a car; As little as possible.

Do you have any other equipment that needs to be inline or plumbed into the system ? e.g. UV sterilizer, In-line heater ? I don't, I do however plan to get a stainless steal heater to throw into my sump.

Thanks for your time.

Cheers

That they do, the bulkheads are normally in the plumbing section, not the reticulation section, took me awhile to find it all but got it all in the end.

I went there and found just about everything I needed not long ago but I didn't have sufficient funds to get all of it,
When I went back I had trouble finding a large majority of what I had seen previously, even the strainers were no where to be found.

Cheers

[jeffblack]

Yep all the stuff you need is quite pricey, think all of my pipework/fittings and bulkheads cost around 150-200.

 

Never found any strainers, I figure no way fish are going to get on the pump side, and I have some egg crate stopping them from getting on drain side.

Edited by jeffblack, 02 November 2013 - 04:04 PM.

[JackMack]

I was hoping you accidentally threw in some extra zeros there.
Surely it can't be that costly can it?
I found the strainers, they were just on some foot valves.
Cheers

[jeffblack]

Hah just the bulkheads I think were about 40 each, probably ways to do it cheaper from pvc.

[JackMack]

$38 for the 50mm and $14 for the 20mm at Aquotix.
I was hoping to get the plumbing and sump out of the way for around $100 (Not incl media), I already have a tank I just need to add baffles.
The cabinet and media are what I was expecting to cost the most.

 

Can either of you tell me what else I'll need (apart from lengths of pipe)?
http://www.aquariumo.../poly-fittings/

Cheers
 

[Rovik]

As an 18yo saving to buy a car; As little as possible.

 
That makes 2 for us, Hhahahaha
 
But in all seriousness.... Plumbing is the worst place you can skimp on.... The consequences for failure due to a defective component are disastrous. 
All of the Poly plumbing on Aquarium online store (Aquotix) are Hansen,
And Hansen, True to their motto really do offer the best installed value.
 
You simply can't go wrong with a high quality injection molded fitting....That's why Aquotix only stock that brand for major fittings. There is no margin for failure whether it be one of their display tanks, Or a Clients. Not to mention most of them are self sealing !!!  
 
I would strongly consider saving your money and doing it once, right the first time round if your serious about it.
 
 
What you will need are:
 
2x Flanges (Bulk heads)
2x 90' Elbows 
1x 18mm Barb (Or similar) (For Outlet)
1x strainers 
1x small length of PVC for overflow inlet (Or you could use Ribbed pond hosing (CHEAPER but Ghetto)
Length of 18mm (Or larger) hosing for outlet.
1x Flow accelerator (Optional) for outlet See photo
2x green top valves (DO NOT USE PVC BALL VALVES - they are complete crap (Unless for High pressure application), Expensive and eventually seize up.
 
A large zip tie (Optional)   To quick tie the hose firm on to barb, Generally they are OK friction fitted, even commercially but a quick tie just adds some more assurance. 
 
Silicone spray or non water soluble, Non toxic petroleum jelly. (Optional) To lubricate the large rubber o-rings on the bulk head prior to installation (Keeps them fresh and promotes an excellent seal)
 
Please see my horrible technical diagram drawn expertly in 2 minutes on paint (Freehand):
Also some pics of my plumbing to give you an idea of what I am suggesting.
 

 
 


 
 
 
 
My parting advice would be to save a little extra to purchase decent quality fittings and purchase in one go.

If you like the sound and look of Hansen fittings after looking on Aquarium online store, I would strongly consider heading to their physical address and asking one of the staff members for a hand along with your diagram. That way you get everyone in one go, Dummy test prior to purchase and be set. A ball park figure of $100 for all your plumbing is fairly reasonable. 

[jeffblack]

He beat me to it, hansen fittings are what I used. Love the freehand drawing lol

[Leigh]

Great post there by Rovik. Wait if you have to, so that you do it right first time. Wish I had learnt that earlier. Saves money in the long run.

[JackMack]

Thanks a lot Rovik!
Couldn't have asked for a better explanation (or price).
I will be sure to post some photos after I've purchased/set everything up.

Thanks again for the input guys.

[waxy]

Yep well done rovik. Nicely explained.