Sump driving me crazy!!!!

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I

isellcars

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 1, 2012
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I have just set up my 90g and 29g sump. The main tank is drilled and I have a 1" outflow and a 3/4" return. First of all the only tubing I could find for the return was from Lowes and the tubing seems to have a memory. It won't straighten out enough and is causing it to leak. None of my LFS have any flexible tubing for this set-up, even though they sell the same int overflow that I have.
Any suggestions?


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You could try using PVC instead of tubing. If your outflow holes are threaded it is easy, but even if not threaded, you can use threaded hose barbs that would connect short hose to PVC. I would recommend using a PVC union to make disconnecting a snap wherever you feel maintenance is needed. Be sure to use teflon tape where threads connect and if combining PVC to tubing with hose barbs, inexpensive clamps are great insurance.
Here is my sump, with a union to make detaching the pump simply.
image001-108.jpg

below is a shot using clamps to connect a out of tank heater clamping tubing to PVC.
12-12-07_0432.jpg

12-12-07_0432-1.jpg
 
Yeah the 'Home Stores' suck for this stuff...

The good vinyl tubing is online, try Foster and Smiths, they have a good selection and more importantly, actual size measurements.

PVC is good, but flexible PVC is better, still uses regular PVC cement, and fittings, but can bend where regular PVC is rigid. Just go to any pool/hot tub supply and they have tons! I found some super flexible sump pump output hose for my overflows at McLendon's (local HARDWARE store)with terrific success. (1.5" ID and is corrugated so is flexes with ease)

Also try a REAL hardware store for this special pluming stuff- much more selection usually.
 
Found out the leak wasn't from the tubing but from the one of the pipes going through the drilled glass. I guess the rubber gasket didn't seal properly. Can I just remove water from over flow only or does the entire tank need to be emptied?


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FYI, you can get all of the coils out of newly bought flex hose by immersing it in water just short of boiling. Dip the hose in the water for 10-15 seconds and then hold the tubing in your outstretched hands until it cools back down to ambient temp. The tubing will stay straightened out. Thick-walled tubing may require longer soak times or an additional soak to fully relax the coil.
 
Yeah just pull the water out of the overflow, you might have to lower the water level in the tank of course. Thanks Oddball for the tip, the flew hose coils drive me nuts, trying to make the go left when they wanna go right.
 
I gave up on the clear vinyl and reinforced clear vinyl tubing. It always fills up with algae because it is translucent and eventually gets brittle over time. It also kinks.

I have had some luck with the black spiral bound kink free pond tubing. If you can get a good seal on the ends... boil the end and use a touch of silicone caulk for lube and a quality hose clamp... it is much nicer to work with than the clear vinyl.

The flexible pvc I have used has been VERY stiff.
 
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