Im setting up this 90 gal with a 20 gal sump for my oscar. My question is what kind of plumbing should I use pvc or vinyl tubing? This is my first time using a sump on an aquarium so any tips are appreciated.
sump plumbing question
- Thread starter troutman54
- Start date
it is already drilled and came with 2 bulk heads but the ends that come out of the bottom of the tank seem to be for a flexable tube like a vinyl tube. I do have enough pvc laying around to plumb it but I'd need to buy different bulk heads, but if I were to keep the bulk heads that came with it I'd have to buy the vinyl tubing. I attached a picture of the bottom part of the bulk heads that came with the tank.
dr exum
dr exum
Each type can work well, it is really about what you are comfortable working with.
It also might be determined by the type pump you use.
Some have threaded outflows that work well with threaded PVC, some don't and if they don't, vinyl tubing and hose clamps are your best option.
I like PVC because once cut to size, it can fit into the plan in a very solid way, and PVC is cheap, and available almost anywhere.
With PVC I like to use union connecters in different areas, to make the maintenance of disconnection easy.
Below is a union connector that allows disconnection, in bend areas.
It also might be determined by the type pump you use.
Some have threaded outflows that work well with threaded PVC, some don't and if they don't, vinyl tubing and hose clamps are your best option.
I like PVC because once cut to size, it can fit into the plan in a very solid way, and PVC is cheap, and available almost anywhere.
With PVC I like to use union connecters in different areas, to make the maintenance of disconnection easy.
Below is a union connector that allows disconnection, in bend areas.
Most pumps nowadays come with adaptors so you can choose which plumbing you want and just use the correct adaptor per your choice. PVC pump outlets are generally smooth so the PVC just slides on (and glued). Flexible hose pump adaptors, as your picture shows, are barbed. You warm up the end of the flexible hose, push it on and generally use a jubilee clip to secure.
I notice that not only is your pump adaptor barbed, but your bulkheads are too, so really, unless you want to get new adaptors for your pump, and new bulkheads, it looks like flexible tubing is the way forward for you.
A word of warning, don't get cheap and flimsy hosing, it may kink and cause flow issues. Ribbed hosing or braided is the best.
Good luck.
I notice that not only is your pump adaptor barbed, but your bulkheads are too, so really, unless you want to get new adaptors for your pump, and new bulkheads, it looks like flexible tubing is the way forward for you.
A word of warning, don't get cheap and flimsy hosing, it may kink and cause flow issues. Ribbed hosing or braided is the best.
Good luck.
Looks like the bulkhead fittings have hose barb type connects, as does your pump, so tubing looks like the easiest option.
But just in case there is threading, hidden underneath that hose barb fitting.
Below is a union connector threaded to a pump, which makes maintenance on the pump and easy on/off.
But just in case there is threading, hidden underneath that hose barb fitting.
Below is a union connector threaded to a pump, which makes maintenance on the pump and easy on/off.
One more question, do I have to bond the black pieces of pvc to the white ones? They are the pieces that are in my tank behind the overflow.
Hand tight is ok behind the weir. If you decided to change the height of your durso you'll be glad you didn't glue it.