Plumbing 101 help!

[Iconz]

Alright, as the time draws closer and closer til I start buying my drygoods, I'm going to need some answers to some of the beginner's questions.

First of all, can someone give me a "Plumbing 101", or a "how to" overall view?

Here's what I have in my list of equipment to buy that I think regards to plumbing, overall:

Display tank (All-Glass 75g w/ MegaFlow overflow - 48"x18"x21")
Sump/Refuge tank (20g - 24x17x12)
Return Pump - Mag Drive #7

I plan on getting a skimmer, but am still debating which one to get.

EDIT: As far as the type of tank, I'd have to learn what type of corals each one falls under or how to indentify which category each one falls under (lps, sps, softies, etc...), but from what I've seen, I like some of the leathers, zoos, plates, mushrooms, and a few others. I'm also wanting to keep some fish as well, tang(s), a pair of clowns, and some others.

Other questions I have...

What else do I need?

In what situation do I use powerheads?

What function does a close loop give?

Where does my return line enter my tank? ; Does it come over the top, or does it need to be drilled?

What risks for natural syphoning are there, and how do I avoid them?

Valves, which ones do I use, and where all do I put them?

I know this is alot, but its all stuff that I would like to know.

Thanks to all of you ahead of time!

-JD

[Fatman]

Gratz Iconz, I would recommend a larger pump.
Even though Im not exactly sure that type of tank your planning to run.
Check out this thead on manifolds btw.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...hreadid=965083

I did a simialir "newbie" mistake and went with pumps + powerheads, but even this causes dead spots that quickly get loaded with algea. I plan to build these manifolds for both of my tanks now and throw away the power heads.

[Fatman]

In what situation do I use powerheads?
I posted but I dont recommend them now knowing their drawbacks (eat power, and are not very efficient)

What function does a close loop give?

Where does my return line enter my tank? ; Does it come over the top, or does it need to be drilled?
Depends on the tank, my tank had a pre-drilled overflow with exit and return line in the same corner. Over the top is not unheard of.

What risks for natural syphoning are there, and how do I avoid them?
The usually put little holes on the highest point of your return but the problem with this (at least that I had) was that it would shoot micro bubbles into the tank, so I instead just placed the return right at the water line in the tank, so it would siphon a gallon of water MAX and soon hit air. (remember siphoning only happens when the power goes out)

Valves, which ones do I use, and where all do I put them?
I did not use any valves, I know alot of people use them for simplicity in having to move things or if they want to easily disconnect reconnect items. Maybe some people can post pics of their plumbing.


Remember that you want alot of flow but not so much pressure.

[Iconz]

Alright, I've upgraded my return pump selection to a Mag 9.5

I have read a TON on the manifolds. I love the idea of a manifold over powerheads. The Dart doesn't seem like a bad selection for my CLM, but i'm concerned about noise... So, this brings me to my next question...

Noise controll!?!?

How do you keep the noise from all of your pumps, water moving, air moving, etc... down?

- I have thought about using 'sound insulation' on the inside of my stand.

What else could i do?

Thanks,

JD

[Fatman]

Besides keeping it inside the stand not much else. Someone else can chime in if submursible are quiter than external. So far Ive been dealing with submersible. What you will notice is the pump isnt so loud , its the water overflowing in the overflow thats loud.

[Iconz]

Yeah, i plan on keeping as much as possible in my stand. I'm just curious if there is something that you can line the inside of your stand with that will also help reduce noise?

[jojo22]

styrafoam. but if water got behind it that could be bad!

[Iconz]

Okay! So, I've read on manifolds and how to plumb them. Only a couple outstanding questions, but I'll ask those later.

Now, as far as from the overflow drain... Stand pipe through the bulkhead, then where does the water go?! I have no idea!

Thx,
JD

[jojo22]

Down to your sump/refuge. And back to the tank through the manifold.

[Iconz]

ya, but more detail please! where in the sump/refuge, or better yet, how do i design my 20g sump/refuge as far as splitting it up and stuff?