need help/advice/plans

[Flareside]

I need to build a pvc rack to plumb all the nipples for airlines to.
Does anybody have any advice, pics etc?? Probably going to set it up for 20 airlines for now. What size pvc to buy, I heard the cement is toxic to fish in an airline syatem??? What size holes to drill, what valves to buy (preferably from Kens, not Jehmco- since Ken is local)
I snagged a piston pump at the RI auction this weekend and I want to run 20 sponges to start

[joe_jaskot]

The size of the pvc piping depends on the amount of air your pump produces. Small pump 3/4" or 1" pvc would be fine. Larger pump or blower go with 1 1/4" to 2 1/2" pvc. Go with metal air valves that allow you to adjust the air flow. Drill the holes just a bit smaller than the diameter of the valve. Use pvc cement. It is non toxic to fish. Don't forget to put an end cap on the pvc. You may want to install a bleeder valve in case your air flow is too much.

[Flareside]

Joe, than you very much!!!

should I make a rectangle out of the pvc pipe? So that the entire "loop" is pressurized the same

as opposed to a single bar with valves on it....

When I bought the pump someone said that the first couple valves nearest to the pump would have more air pressure than the valves at the end unless I made the system a rectangle... seems kinda over kill but its my first time and others have experience...:lookaround:
thoughts??

[joe_jaskot]

I would use a straight run of pvc pipe. The purpose of the adjustable air valves is to control the amount of air flowing through it. I suggested putting in an extra valve (bleeder valve) because most systems have too much air.

[EMTBMIKE]

I have two air pumps running on two different set ups. If you are going to use 6 or less outlets I would use straight pvc. If you are going to use 7 or more outlets. I would built a figure 8 shape out of the pvc. This will ensure equal pressure to all of your outlets. I would also put the connection that hooks up to your pump in the middle of the figure 8. I tried both set ups. With the straight pvc the first 3 outlets will have a lot of pressure. While the last 3 would have less pressure. With the figure 8 pvc. All out lets have equal pressure. It took me 15 more minutes to build the figure 8 set up and in my opinion is worth the extra time.

[nick a]

I prefer a loop system as well. Even with the high dollar needle valves I use to control flow to the individual sponges/stones/etc...., a dead-end run makes it fairly difficult to correctly control the flow. Everytime you adjust one, it changes the others........

If you're just planning on running everything wide open, the dead-end is cool. If you'd like more fine tuning ability, use a loop.

Once the glue dries--no worries. So, get everything the way you want it before you connect up to tanks. Bleed-off valves are one of the most useful/most often negleted things to add---take Joe's advice!

[Flareside]

thank you guys very much- Since I may expand to add more lines down the road, it may be best to build a loop type system to start with then...

Can a bleeder valve be a partially open extra valve?

[nick a]

That's not really the best option but really all depends on the rating of the pump you got at the auction. If the 20 or so lines you're planning are 90% of the pumps output capacity, then you're golden. If it's only 50%.......it'd be better to put an extra TEE, then the next smaller size PVC reducer, then a ball valve.

The coiled up black flexhose in the pic is where I bleed excess air. The coils help deaden noise and having that available is handy when bagging fish (I haven't received my masters license in the bag snatch and twist yet LOL)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/tnzka/rack871001.jpg

[phillyofish]

Good Tips guy!

[Flareside]

Thanks for the advice as well as the pics- nice set up!!

Ok, here is my scenario-
I bought a pump this past weekend at RI. I asked the seller at the auction (before I paid $70) if it was in good shape. He told me it doesnt work as it did when new but worked well. People outside said it was an old Hagen piston pump that should easily do 80+ tanks. Im kinda bummed after spending the money

The pump had a 10 valve manifold on it. I tried to run 6 sponges in ten gallon tanks off of it and it cant even do that.
It can run 4 with no airstones, I can play with the valves to get the 5th sponge to work, but the 6th sponge is in a 29 gal and I cant get it to work at all-

It overheats and shuts off after about 2 hours. Maybe too much pressure building up? (yet it seems that it should be able to run 6 sponges without airstones????)

If I remove the manifold and let it run wide open with no restrictions, it still kicks off when it heats up. I was going to build a pvc system for the airlines, but it seems that this pump is very tired?

Any advice here? Am I doing something wrong?

I ordered a new AV 50 pump from Kens last night. I hope to get some PVC if that pumps works out.
(How long do diaphrams last?)

[fischfan13]

It overheats and shuts off after about 2 hours. Maybe too much pressure building up? (yet it seems that it should be able to run 6 sponges without airstones????)

If I remove the manifold and let it run wide open with no restrictions, it still kicks off when it heats up. I was going to build a pvc system for the airlines, but it seems that this pump is very tired?

Any advice here? Am I doing something wrong?



My advice...get rid of the pump.
Between the power that it is NOT giving you and the power that it IS running via electricity it sounds like it is a loss.

[joe_jaskot]

Without knowing the model of the piston pump that you bought, it is hard to help you out. Many of the older piston pumps required oil to operate efficiently. As far as the new dolphin pump goes, I know a few hobbyist that are very happy with them. A diaphragm should last for a few years. Most diaphragms wear out due to excessive back pressure.

[Flareside]

the old Hagen is a model 70. I was a bit miffed that the guy put it in the auction knowing that there may have been a problem with it. After filling the tanks over the weekend, I certainly wouldnt be happy to come home and find that the pump shut down while I was at work- thus loosing all of my stock.

On the plus side, before the auction began, the same guy gave me (for free) a dirty tenecor acrylic 50 gal, cabinet, and light- which with some elbow grease cleaned up and looks mint now- so I cant be upset for getting hosed on a worthless pump :lookaround:

thank you guys again for the advice and help