The other 2 pieces are the return and the from the overflow to the sump. I didn't use the middle piece b/c I didn't get it under the tank so I used hose rather than hard plumbing it. Eventually I'll use it but for now the hose will have to do. I saw the return on here that someone had made and thought it was a really cool idea. Water return from two spouts and opposite directions keeps the water flowing well. I love making stuff myself and actually impressed myself with this one. Next projext is a 4x4x2 plywood tank. Would this be big enough for a motoro for life?