Sump Questions Still Confused

[NEistingray]

Hi guy's I'm planning on changing to a sump on my ray tank instead of the canisters however I'm very confused as to how some things work and after looking at some plans I still don't understand!

I plan on getting a custom tank and have the option of having the tank drilled if I go down this route how to I ensure that the plumbing stays in place in the hole? Do I have to silicone it in place?

When returning the water back into the tank do you need to custom make your own spray bar? Do you simply use old canister bits to keep it in place?

Cheers!

 

[Oughtsix]

You use a "BULKHEAD" to plumb the entry and exit of pipes to the tank.

The bulkhead goes through the hole in the glass and a PVC nut secures it. There is a rubber seal (washer) that sits between the flange and the glass to seal the bulkhead. The hole in the middle of the bulkhead is made to accept a welded PVC pipe (slip) joint or threaded NPT (National pipe thread) fitting screwed into the hole. I prefer the bulkheads with internal threads for threaded pipe fittings.

It is pretty easy to make a spraybar by drilling a bunch of small holes along the length of a pvc pipe. You usually start with really small holes and enlarge them as needed to get the flow and pressure right. There is nothing wrong with re-purposing a spray bar from another filter... IF THE SPRAYBAR IS BIG ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE FLOW FROM YOUR RETURN PUMP!

 

[Spiritofthesoul]

Yup definitely use a bulkhead and glue the return pipes to it and tighten it to the tank

 

[NgaNasty]

To make sure the bulkhead seals. I would put a small bead of silicone around the drilled hole then tightened the bulkhead bulkhead down for a seal

 

[NEistingray]

Ahhhh thank's fella's realise that's what was missing, thought something wasn't right!

 

[Clay]

To make sure the bulkhead seals. I would put a small bead of silicone around the drilled hole then tightened the bulkhead bulkhead down for a seal

Common mistake. Silicone is not needed and can cause the seal to actually fail. It is best to use a bulkhead with a rubber gasket and well cleaned glass. No silicone.