Designing a manifold

[Broadfield]

Thanks for all the help guys. I was thinking about using as many unions as possible. This may be a dumb question, but how does the union attach to the pipe itself? Just twist on? Are there any disadvantages to using hate valves everywhere is used a ball valves other than higher costs?

The union is just like any other slip fitting... it will slip and glue on. Unless you get threaded unions... but it's not very common that you would need a threaded union. Gate valves are for controlling the amount of flow. Ball valves are for completely shutting off the flow... quickly. So only use gate valves where you want to limit the amount of flow.

 

[Be102]

The union is just like any other slip fitting... it will slip and glue on. Unless you get threaded unions... but it's not very common that you would need a threaded union. Gate valves are for controlling the amount of flow. Ball valves are for completely shutting off the flow... quickly. So only use gate valves where you want to limit the amount of flow.

Do you suggest I downsize when using t's and whatnot? Im asking because of the connections off the manifold probably don't need as strong of a flow going into them.

 

[dbl]

I personally have 1" PVC coming out of the return pump. My manifold however steps down to 3/4". So I have 3/4" gate valves for each manifold outlet. I actually run a 1/2 hp chiller off of one of the outlets without issue.

 

[Be102]

I personally have 1" PVC coming out of the return pump. My manifold however steps down to 3/4". So I have 3/4" gate valves for each manifold outlet. I actually run a 1/2 hp chiller off of one of the outlets without issue.

Whats the difference between these two unions? Sorry I keep asking such silly questions.. http://www.pvcfittingsonline.com/897-010-1-schedule-80-pvc-union.html , http://www.pvcfittingsonline.com/1-sch-80-pvc-union-slip-x-fipt-899-010.html ? One is able to slid off both sides?

 

[Be102]

I personally have 1" PVC coming out of the return pump. My manifold however steps down to 3/4". So I have 3/4" gate valves for each manifold outlet. I actually run a 1/2 hp chiller off of one of the outlets without issue.

So does your manifold downgrade from 1 > 3/4' Like I am thinking that the manifold wont need to have as much flow like you said. Or does your tee's themselves go down to 3/4 as well? and then from there? Sorry again I am so confusing...

 

[revhtree]

This is under my 60 cube. Manifold for reactors and water changes.

Sorry if I missed this but where did you get those PVC to the wall clips?

 

[dbl]

Whats the difference between these two unions? Sorry I keep asking such silly questions.. http://www.pvcfittingsonline.com/897-010-1-schedule-80-pvc-union.html , http://www.pvcfittingsonline.com/1-sch-80-pvc-union-slip-x-fipt-899-010.html ? One is able to slid off both sides?

One is a slip/slip union...meaning both connections ends are slip (cemented). The other one is a slip/thread...meaning you would use a threaded connection on one end and a slip (cement) on the other.

So does your manifold downgrade from 1 > 3/4' Like I am thinking that the manifold wont need to have as much flow like you said. Or does your tee's themselves go down to 3/4 as well? and then from there? Sorry again I am so confusing...

I used a reduction T off my return line. So it went from 1" on the pass-through and the T reduces down to 3/4". Like this one.

Hopefully all this makes sense. And we will keep answering questions until you get it...not silly at all.

 

[Be102]

One is a slip/slip union...meaning both connections ends are slip (cemented). The other one is a slip/thread...meaning you would use a threaded connection on one end and a slip (cement) on the other.



I used a reduction T off my return line. So it went from 1" on the pass-through and the T reduces down to 3/4". Like this one.

Hopefully all this makes sense. And we will keep answering questions until you get it...not silly at all.

I appreciate the help. I will ask if I have anymore questions. I love Reef2Reef

 

[dbl]

Sorry if I missed this but where did you get those PVC to the wall clips?

@revhtree, here they are. At least something similar and the ones I use.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sm-clamp-for-pvc-pipe.html

 

[Nick James]

I am debating on how to run my manifold off my return pipe. Maybe someone with more plumbing knowledge can give their opinion. The return pipe will be going straight up with two 90's going up and over the rim of the tank. I thought of adding a wye fitting and placing the manifold on the horizontal outlet of the wye. I see many people just have it "inline" and their whole return pipe basically turns horizontal. Is it beneficial or detrimental doing it one way or the other? I am looking to reduce the amount of gph lost as a result of turns, etc.

Neither of these are my pictures but demonstrate the two ways of running the manifold:

This is what I mean by "inline"

This is what I mean by using a wye, even tho in this they used a T

Thanks in advance.

 

[pelphrey]

I'm also interested in the wye fitting. I have one that I plan to use to build a new manifold, my objective is to go up from the pump to the return pipe with the wye inline here and a manifold off the wye.

 

[Be102]

@Broadfield , what are these three fittings ? The gray ones... are they some sort of connection to a valve? Also, where did you find your colored pvc/colored connectors?

 

[Don Lidtke]

BRS, Bulk Reef Supply has some great ball valves, Cepex Ball Valve. They are a bit expensive but have unions built in and seals can be tightened if needed.

 

[Be102]

Finally ordering my plumbing and connections today, overflow came in yesterday I still can't really seem to figure out what sized pvc to pick up however. My pump will be the varios 8 which has a 1 1/4 output. I'm thinking about matching that from the pump and probabaly through out the whole plumbing. Is this too much? Should I just do the manifold like you suggested as a 3/4 pipe? I'm thinking about just doing one return line to the tank and probabaly using locline or something to make it flexible.

 

[eschulist]

What are these three fittings ? The gray ones... are they some sort of connection to a valve? Also, where did you find your colored pvc/colored connectors?

They look like reducing adapters. Exactly which one I can't tell.

The colored pipe is Formufit. I used the same stuff on my new build, its very nice.

 

[Be102]

They look like reducing adapters. Exactly which one I can't tell.

The colored pipe is Formufit. I used the same stuff on my new build, its very nice.

How ironic, I just asked @dbl if they were reef safe this morning thanks for this

 

[pelphrey]

@Broadfield , what are these three fittings ? The gray ones... are they some sort of connection to a valve? Also, where did you find your colored pvc/colored connectors?

They are the Red Sea Barb adapters. See this post - http://reef2reef.com/threads/show-o...ea-reefer-series.219309/page-157#post-3409833

You have to use the barb adapters for the red sea reefer plumbing and a 3/4" MPT x 3/4" SLIP fitting for your plumbing.

 

[Aceone]

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[Fin]

Sorry if I missed this but where did you get those PVC to the wall clips?

Rev, I got mine at Farmer Boy Ag for about a fifth of the cost of what they have at BRS. In example, the 1" clamps are $1.19 each at Farmer Boy Ag, vs the $5.99 each 1" clamps at BRS.

http://www.farmerboyag.com/1-Quick-Latch-Pipe-Hanger

 

[JBradford]

Nice find!