refugium- how to return water?

**Mangrove** · 10-19-2002, 12:03 PM

Was wondering what you guys had (plumbing -wise) on the end of the return from your refugium? I have a pump to pump water into the refugium, it passes through the refugium, then exits via a 1 1/4" bulkhead which has a 90 degree (up) pvc piece inside the refugium so it skims the tomp of the water, then after it exits the bulkhead I am blank on what plumbing bits to have on it. Help....

I dont think I can find flex pvc local but I have a place with flex nylon (refridge ice-maker type) hose. Also didn't know how it would stay in the tank, make a "U" outa pvc?

**Reefland** · 10-22-2002, 03:43 PM

I am a little fuzzy, you'll have to excuse me.

Are you needing to pump the water from the refugium or is it above the tank and will gravity feed down?

**Mangrove** · 10-22-2002, 03:46 PM

It is above the tank. I'll have a pump pumping water into it, it'll exit via a bulkhead. After that point I am blank on how to plumb it from the bulkhead to the tank. Flexable hose? Rigid pvc? I am hoping someone will post pics...

**Reefland** · 10-22-2002, 03:52 PM

I don't have any pics but if the refugium is sitting above the tank, I would use schedule 40 PVC. Directly from the bulkhead, place a 90 elbow and then just go straight down with it. If you have to, you can use some 45 elbows to direct the water so it enters at an angle versus straight down.

I think your leaving it open for a spill if you use flexible hose. Securing it to assure it cannot flop out of the tank could be a problem.

Scott Z.

**Mangrove** · 10-22-2002, 04:26 PM

Use orange glue on the pipe? Cure period? Boil the pipe in a pot after I glue it to remove chemicals?

**Reefland** · 10-22-2002, 04:29 PM

Normal PVC primer and cement will be fine; you should be able to pick up the two in a package for a few bucks at your local hardware store. After gluing, allow 24 hours for it to completely set up and everything should be fine. I have never boiled the pipes or taken any other approach after gluing to try and remove chemicals; I have never heard of a problem as long as you give it ample time to dry.