Sump and Plumbing for my 535. Need help

[Fish Tank Travis]

I’m just curious, is there a reason why more people don’t use ABS pipe instead of PVC? It should be fine to hold up and best of all, it’s black. I guess, I would rather have black piping instead of white, but I could be way off here. I run vinyl tubing for my sump, so I’m not very experienced with running PVC.

 

[DN328]

I’m just curious, is there a reason why more people don’t use ABS pipe instead of PVC? It should be fine to hold up and best of all, it’s black. I guess, I would rather have black piping instead of white, but I could be way off here. I run vinyl tubing for my sump, so I’m not very experienced with running PVC.

I think a part of this is due to availability of sizing of ABS at big box stores, all the related unions, connection options for PVC vs ABS. I think ABS is more brittal than schedule 40 PVC?

They do make colored PVC pipes as well, but you pay extra for the "cool factor" vs the dull white with printed text. Underneath the stand I prefer white. I do use a ABS T for the intake on my closed loop because it is black. But used PVC to connect to bulkhead.

 

[JK47]

I’m using this. I picked up the abs/pvc transition glue that you recommended.

View attachment 1302744

The transition solvent is a light green. Not something I like to look set against black. It dries that color as well. Christie’s red hot by itself is dark blue and blends in much better FYI

 

[mrrobxc]

The transition solvent is a light green. Not something I like to look set against black. It dries that color as well. Christie’s red hot by itself is dark blue and blends in much better FYI

Does Christie’s Red hot bond ABs with PVC?

 

[JK47]

Does Christie’s Red hot bond ABs with PVC?

Christie’s will bond damn near anything plastic. Use on both sides of the fittings and make sure you turn. Good to go with that

 

[mrrobxc]

Thanks guys.

I’m trying to figure out a dilemma . The two holes that I’ll be using for my overflow to the sump are 4.25 inches from the top. My calculations are that at a power outage, the tank will drain just over 76 gallons into the sump. Since the simpbis only a 125, I’d have to run the sump at a very low water level or I could be in big trouble.

So to solve for that, I can either get a new sump or I can raise the level of the drains by adding an internal overflow box over the two holes. That will allow me to run a higher water level in my existing sump without fear of what will happen during an outage.

I wanted to ask if you think this would be a good idea or if I should junk up to a 180 gallon sump.

If I do install the internal overflow box, would I attach with Weldon or with silicone? Also, would I have to drill into the pot of my tank to gain access to the inside of this overflow box? Two 3” holes should be enough for me to get my hands through.

Here is the overflow box I have in mind. It’s the largest for sale and rates at up to 3500 gph. Wondering if that’s even enough for the tank.

 

[JK47]

Thanks guys.

I’m trying to figure out a dilemma . The two holes that I’ll be using for my overflow to the sump are 4.25 inches from the top. My calculations are that at a power outage, the tank will drain just over 76 gallons into the sump. Since the simpbis only a 125, I’d have to run the sump at a very low water level or I could be in big trouble.

So to solve for that, I can either get a new sump or I can raise the level of the drains by adding an internal overflow box over the two holes. That will allow me to run a higher water level in my existing sump without fear of what will happen during an outage.

I wanted to ask if you think this would be a good idea or if I should junk up to a 180 gallon sump.

If I do install the internal overflow box, would I attach with Weldon or with silicone? Also, would I have to drill into the pot of my tank to gain access to the inside of this overflow box? Two 3” holes should be enough for me to get my hands through.

Here is the overflow box I have in mind. It’s the largest for sale and rates at up to 3500 gph. Wondering if that’s even enough for the tank.

View attachment 1302830

Overflow box all day long. Make sure the measurements of the overflow box are deep enough to get a bulkhead installed. They make shallow ones but that is tough to find in 2”

Depending on where you install the box, that will set your water level. I prefer a bit lower but not everyone does. Use weldon. Never use silicone on acrylic if you can help it.

 

[mrrobxc]

Overflow box all day long. Make sure the measurements of the overflow box are deep enough to get a bulkhead installed. They make shallow ones but that is tough to find in 2”

Depending on where you install the box, that will set your water level. I prefer a bit lower but not everyone does. Use weldon. Never use silicone on acrylic if you can help it.

Awesome. Would I need to drill holes above it for access? Also, I got the low profile strainers that you recommended for the bulkheads. Should I keep those on or would it be redundant?

 

[mrrobxc]

Also, would drilling 3” holes in the roof of the acrylic cause any structural integrity issues?

 

[JK47]

Awesome. Would I need to drill holes above it for access? Also, I got the low profile strainers that you recommended for the bulkheads. Should I keep those on or would it be redundant?

Yep

Also, would drilling 3” holes in the roof of the acrylic chase any structural integrity issues?

Depends on where you drill and the tank. Each is different Holes are better because they have no corners to crack.

*cause. Not chase. Damn spell check.

Fixed