Pumbing Question
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: DIY
Forum Description: Do it Yourself
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=35623
Printed Date: July 25 2026 at 2:37pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Pumbing Question
Posted By: Sitaga
Subject: Pumbing Question
Date Posted: October 06 2009 at 3:02pm
|
I'm setting up a 6 tank system and have some questions on plumbing the water going into the 6 tanks.
Here are a couple pictures:
 In this set up I have ball valves leading to each row of tanks, then a ball valve in between each tank on the row.
 In this set up I have a ball value going to each individual tank.
Now the questions
1. Which will give me the most overall flow or will they be equal?
2. If going with the top method will the difference in flow between the two tanks be different enough to put the extra ball valve in between the tanks or should I just leave it out?
3. Should I leave the top right tank wide open, then adjust the rest to match it or is there a different method to ensuring I am not holding back flow on the pump?
Thanks for the help!
Bill ------------- Tons of livestock including fish, coral, and inverts currently in stock. We also have Reeflo pumps, SeaChem additives, Brine Shrimp Direct foods, and ATI lighting in stock. |
Replies:
Posted By: john hill
Date Posted: October 06 2009 at 6:12pm
|
just a thought but why not just run up to the top tanks then let the water flow down to the other tanks ------------- out with the large and in with the nano |
Posted By: Sitaga
Date Posted: October 06 2009 at 6:16pm
|
I was thinking about that also, but didn't know if the 1/2" input on the 2nd row would allow enough water to come in from the top row. I could adjust the top tank until the pressure was right. The overflow is 3/4", so I figured that would be enough for each tank. ------------- Tons of livestock including fish, coral, and inverts currently in stock. We also have Reeflo pumps, SeaChem additives, Brine Shrimp Direct foods, and ATI lighting in stock. |
Posted By: bfessler
Date Posted: October 06 2009 at 10:55pm
|
I don't know how you are stacking the tanks but if they are just as it is in the picture and the sump is directly below the tanks then I would run one main trunk line straight up the center between the tanks and Tee of at each shelf. attach ball valves right to the bulkhead fittings and one at the bottom of the trunk line. this will allow you to easily adjust the flow at each tank and service the pump. It will also save you a lot of redundant trunk lines. oops I added supplies to the sump as well, but you get the Idea.
If the supply pump is strong enough to provide adiquate flow to all the tanks I prefer to use this manifold system because you will have greater pressure for circulation than if you simply allow the water to overflow to the tank below. However if the pump is not capable of providing enough flow to each tank then do the overflow thing and use powerheads for circulation.  ------------- Burt An equal opportunity reefer, I support all hobbyists and organizations involved in Marine Aquarium Keeping. [email protected] |
Posted By: Sitaga
Date Posted: October 07 2009 at 8:42pm
|
Sounds easy enough. I don't know why I was thinking in only T's, the crosses look like they will work much better! ------------- Tons of livestock including fish, coral, and inverts currently in stock. We also have Reeflo pumps, SeaChem additives, Brine Shrimp Direct foods, and ATI lighting in stock. |
Posted By: Jake Pehrson
Date Posted: October 07 2009 at 10:01pm
|
If you really want to send water directly to each tank then Burt has the best idea, but I think I would flow the water from the top tank down like John said. Don't use the return pump for water movement, just for water turn over. Use some type of powerhead (Korallia?) for water movement in each tank.
------------- Jake Pehrson Murray http://coralplanet.com" rel="nofollow - coralplanet.com http://utahbeeranch.com" rel="nofollow - :) |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: October 11 2009 at 8:31pm
|
I absolutely agree with Jake. He has a lot of experience with this.
If this is for a coral farming system it makes sense to set up each tank with it's own coral specific water flow using a combination of powerheads for soft vs. LPS vs. SPS. In my farming set ups I placed coral closer or further away from the direct stream according to it's needs. Feel free to call if you would like tips on farming coral. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
|