Many use Spears, but they can be relatively pricey. I cannot remember where I got my KBI. I want to say from my builder. Amazon also has Spears but only seen in schedule 80, but I know they also make 40 if that matters. There are other brands on Amazon...made in usa as well if you care and is around $23.
Yes 5 gallon, ATO pump sits inside with tube from pump to return pump chamber where the "Optical Eye" is attached no parts to get stuck.
I'll take a look tomorrow on Amazon for some gate valves and see what I can find. Don't want to go crazy obviously. Also what's the Optical Eye?
Ranco is the next thing to buy tomorrow
10 1/2 inches clearance. That's been plenty for me. Keep in mind, I set mine up so I wouldn't have to be under there very often. All I've ever done in 2 years now is change 4 filter socks every 2-4 weeks. One time, I drained and vacuumed the whole thing to get 20 Midas fry out of it, and I had plenty of head room under the stand to do that, too.
I have no plants growing under my stand, no chambers in my sump, no K1 and air pumps to change/aim/adust. I have a powerhead in the sump that keeps it all flowing, so there's nothing on the bottom of it to vacuum out--I don't clean it ever. So your needs may vary if you do more things in your sump than I do which most people do.
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What's the height of your stand and sump? I can't remember if you had Chris build you a sump in your build. But I plan on doing the same as you. I have no interest in growing plants in it. Maybe a possible holding tank if some of the tank residents are not getting along but other than that it would be the same as yours. And a powerhead in there's a good idea to keep everything moving around