Return Line

[hube]

Bought a return pump that has a 1” nozzle and drilled my tank glass for a 1” bulkhead. I don’t really know what to do next, I know I have to get a return line set up but for some reason I am finding it difficult to find a return line that screws into a 1” bulkhead. Am I misunderstanding something?

 

[TX_REEF]

what are you using for the plumbing runs? PVC or some type of flex tube? If you check out my tank thread, you'll see how I drilled and plumbed my frag tank start to finish, which may be helpful.

 

[hube]

what are you using for the plumbing runs? PVC or some type of flex tube? If you check out my tank thread, you'll see how I drilled and plumbed my frag tank start to finish, which may be helpful.

Yeah that was helpful, so I guess my question comes down to the locking, I have an ABS 1” bulkhead with thread x thread, but I can’t find screw on loclines for it anywhere. In terms of plumbing I’m leaning towards pvc.

 

[dedragon]

double check the sizes of the bulkhead, but here is the official loc line website https://www.loc-line.com/products/type/type-adapter-threaded/

If it really is 1" threaded just get a 1" to 3/4" threaded pvc fitting and then screw in the locline adapter

 

[TX_REEF]

for the inflow to the bulkhead, you want to secure the PVC into the bulkhead with PVC primer and glue, in this case the exterior threads will not be used. For the locline inside the tank, you need to purchase a fitting that screws into the bulkhead thread and converts to locline fittings, I used this:

Male NPT Connector

Loc-Line flexible modular hose offers endless plumbing configurations and is useful for unique plumbing designs. Loc- Line Modular plumbing is most commonly used on return lines and closed loops where it is important to direct the water flow in a particular direction. For 1/2" Loc-Line NPT...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[hube]

double check the sizes of the bulkhead, but here is the official loc line website https://www.loc-line.com/products/type/type-adapter-threaded/

If it really is 1" threaded just get a 1" to 3/4" threaded pvc fitting and then screw in the locline fitting

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulk...D=1695&indexName=brs_prod_m2_default_products

This is the bulkhead I bought and I bought the 1” option, so am I misunderstanding how the sizing works between the size of the bulkhead and the threading?

 

[hube]

for the inflow to the bulkhead, you want to secure the PVC into the bulkhead with PVC primer and glue, in this case the exterior threads will not be used. For the locline inside the tank, you need to purchase a fitting that screws into the bulkhead thread and converts to locline fittings, I used this:

Male NPT Connector

Loc-Line flexible modular hose offers endless plumbing configurations and is useful for unique plumbing designs. Loc- Line Modular plumbing is most commonly used on return lines and closed loops where it is important to direct the water flow in a particular direction. For 1/2" Loc-Line NPT...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Gotcha, I saw that in your tank build, so when I have to buy the npt connector, would I also have to buy some tool to connect the lines/nozzles to the connector?

 

[TX_REEF]

Gotcha, I saw that in your tank build, so would I have to buy the npt connector, would I have to buy some tool to connect the lines/nozzles to the connector?

nope, loc line is easy to work with using your bare hands. The tool can "help" but is far from necessary unless you have arthritis or something that affects your finger strength/dexterity

 

[hube]

nope, loc line is easy to work with using your bare hands. The tool can "help" but is far from necessary unless you have arthritis or something that affects your finger strength/dexterity

Awesome, thanks!

 

[dedragon]

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulk...D=1695&indexName=brs_prod_m2_default_products

This is the bulkhead I bought and I bought the 1” option, so am I misunderstanding how the sizing works between the size of the bulkhead and the threading?

you are correct was just double checking. This reducing bushing should work out. Just goes inside of the tank and then the 3/4" loc line adapter right into it

Charlotte Pipe Schedule 40 1 in. MPT X 3/4 in. D FPT PVC Reducing Bushing 1 pk Mfr# PVC 02112 2000 - Ace Hardware

PVC Schedule 40 is highly durable, with high tensile and impact strength. It is easy to install and has better sound deadening qualities than PVC Schedule 40 DWV Foam Core. Installation requires the use of primer and solvent cement. For DWV applications, gradual sloping DWV fittings must be...

www.acehardware.com

 

[dedragon]

for the inflow to the bulkhead, you want to secure the PVC into the bulkhead with PVC primer and glue, in this case the exterior threads will not be used.

I guess you could use teflon tape but i prefer this as well on the exterior. Just drop a union underneath (like you did in your photo) and you are good to go. I always tell people to put in the unions in case you ever need to switch up plumbing