Brand New 8 gallon bio cube

[Katrina71]

Grey gate valves. HD or Lowe's have those? I'd prefer grey handles too. I guess if they matched, we could be ok with another color.

 

[Katrina71]

Actually, now that I think about it, the skimmer is red...hmmm. Red handles are easier and it would match!

 

[Katrina71]

Ok, grey and red it is. Now the confusing complicated part begins. Threaded, slip, yada yada. I need help! I'm clueless in this department. The only thing that I'm sure of is SPEARS.

 

[Katrina71]

Sorry, kinda hyper about everything. I'm really excited to build this!!!!

 

[Fin]

I haven't looked for the gray PVC online, but the stuff I used did not come from the states. Paul with OceansMotions - in Canada - sent me everything I needed when I set up the 140. It was the "Euro look" at the time. The gray you find at HD or Lowe's is going to be electrical conduit. Not sure gray is even available in furniture grade. I have never seen it.

One of the differences in the colored furniture grade PVC is the outer finish. Furniture grade has a polished exterior surface, whereas regular PVC does not.

The schedule 80 gray fittings (in particular the threaded ones) may also have a smaller inside diameter because they are generally thicker, intended to handle more pressure.

Unless you can find a source for the gray furniture grade, you might want to reconsider the color. I wouldn't get too hung up on making the plumbing color match. I did that once and honestly, I like my current color contrasting set up much better. But, that's me. And we all know how senile I am. ;Wacky

 

[Katrina71]

What all do you need that isn't there? We can find that too.

Remember this??? Ha ha.

 

[Katrina71]

Ok. He just said red, black, and grey is ok with him. He really wanted blue. Y'all know waaaay more than me here. I've only used standard white PVC.

 

[Katrina71]

I would have picked violet.

 

[Katrina71]

Feeling overwhelmed and confused.

 

[Fin]

Remember this??? Ha ha.

No fair using my own words. LOL!

 

[Fin]

Ok. He just said red, black, and grey is ok with him. He really wanted blue. Y'all know waaaay more than me here. I've only used standard white PVC.

Why did he rule out blue if he wants it?

 

[Fin]

I like the blue and white...

 

[najer]

Feeling overwhelmed and confused.

There are enough eyes on this for you to not panic, I know how to do it but don't know some of the fittings you use over there.

 

[Katrina71]

Why did he rule out blue if he wants it?

I didn't think you could get everything. I'm so clueless.

 

[Fin]

I didn't think you could get everything. I'm so clueless.

You can get blue pipe and fittings, but you won't find blue valves and unions. You won't find that in any colors except white and gray, I believe.

 

[Katrina71]

I need an education. I know 1 thing. We need an easy way to shut off water from the DT, and water from the sump.

 

[Fin]

I need an education. I know 1 thing. We need an easy way to shut off water from the DT, and water from the sump.

Ball valves. You want quick on and off for water shut off, so gate valves aren't the best for this.

 

[Fin]

Better yet - True Union Ball Valves, so you can shut the water off and remove a section of pipe, like between the sump and tank, so you can remove the sump for maintenance if you want or need to.

 

[Katrina71]

Obviously, we want it to be beautiful. This is a dream tank. I can't imagine the plumbing not being as pretty as the rest.

 

[Fin]

It will be awesome. Don’t fret too much over it. We will help you. Piece of cake!