rack advice

[markfnq]

hi,

I am considering setting up a decent sized rack of a dozen tanks 3x2 ,s and 4x2 ,s on a 3 tier system using . 40mm bulkheads and largish sump.

possible pump, laguna 16000 lph . I am going to run flex pipe from bulkhead into 90 mm pvc then to sump as shown in prototype pic. I think it will work and will be less of

a hassle plumbing wise. Return to tanks will have taps .I have never set up a large linked system before ,but have a fair knowledge on what direction to head.

What pitfalls should I be looking at ? I know plumbing tanks are a hassle at the best of times. My main concern is getting the flow back to the tanks right.

Would you believe it is going to be cheaper for me to get the tanks made in Brisbane and shipped to cairns than to buy

up here ??. I know this isnt going to be a cheap venture so i want to get i right first time.!As usual any advice always greatly appreciated.

regards Mark.

[krellious]

RE the pic. Why dont you use a tpiece and use the blue conduit glue to keep it in place. The pic doesnt look like a secure connection. As per the rest. I have never used a sump set up so cant add anymore

[Ducksta]

You can run in to pressure problems and blow connections out if your joins aren't spot on. I think that is why most people use solid pvc. If you are set on using the flexi stuff I'd look for some type of proper joiner pieces - although I'm not sure if they exist?

[markfnq]

i have a roll of the flex in the garage. i will go rigid pvc for peace of mind.

was just looking for the easy way out.

thanks mark

[Ged]

I did my fishroom plumbing using irrigation poly pipe with couplings.

If you have plenty of flex I suggest that you contact one of your local irrigation suppliers or try Purple Pig down in Townsville to see if they can supply a joiner to suit.

The PVC tubing would be cheaper and more rigid then poly pipe or flex tube.

You are on the right track putting valves on the return to each tank as you can then regulate the flow.

[DFishkeeper]

The key to getting the best performance from your return pump is to minimise friction resistance by using large diameter pipe, I suggest 50mm for a Laguna 16,000lph, from the pump to the tank rank. Then run 40mm across the top of the tanks in a loop, and use Tpieces and 15mm individual taps for each tank (I used 15mm on some of my tanks and 20mm on others, and I wish I had used 15mm on all, plenty of flow and much more precise control). You can get T's that reduce to 15mm or fit a reducer to a standard T. And don't forget to put in an extra tap to allow you to bleed off any excess flow back into your sump if necessary. You can also reduce friction resistance significantly on any bends by using 2 x 45 degree bends joined together instead of 90 degree bends.

And very importantly, make sure your drains are big enough to handle the flow. I use 40mm drains on all my tanks.

Cheers, Doug

[Euan Edwards]

I run that system now Mark but have siliconed the flex into the 90 mm main just to prevent any overflow dripping. You could tap direct into the bulk head or run an elbow as suggested (which I do). Your return to the tank will be under pressure so best to use threaded fittings or glued pvc, though 3 levels (max head 1.8 m) over 12 tanks should distribute the pressure well. I get away with 19 mm polypipe + a ring clamp here n there, but only run an 8KL pump.

Re: sump, it should be able to take the complete volume (without overflowing) of water that drains down from each tank when the pump is switched off.

Are there no tank makers in Cairns? freight cost will be fun.

cheers, mate of EE's

[joller]

i wouldn't use ribbed hose at all, it creates turbulance in the pipe, which slows the flow down, and you can increase pump efficiency by using PVC pressure hose instead of hard PVC, it reduces the distance the water needs to flow and there will be no need for elbows that create larger momentum losses

if you're gonna use the power you might as well be getting the most out of it

[markfnq]

After lots of number crunching this is the best i can come up with so far and keep within the budget . Left hand side 6 x4x2x18 ,right 6 x 3x2x18 and 3 x 2x2x18. Four footers sumped

40mm bulkheads .25mm poly back to tanks. pump laguna 11000 lph ,roughly 2000 litres in tank volume in the four footers.To plumb the whole system on pressure pipe was just to dear for my liking and cant see value for money. I will try to minimize 90 degree bends to keep the flow rate up

Should i have have one or two taps per tank?. i will put a bleeder back into the sump so i can play around with it a bit. Left hand side will be run on air and diy over tank

trickle. doing it this way gives me a bit more freedom as well. Lots do do first i am going to put some vents in the eves and extra insulation to deal with our summer heat in Cairns. Any brain storming ideas before i start.?

Thanks Mark.

green: sump to tank

yellow : tanks to sump

[Foti]

Looking good what has been the distance that you decided to go regards to hight between top of tank and bottom of the cross beam that will be supporting the tank above ?