Build Series| Eps. 17| Aquarium Plumbing

/ reefergil
/ reefergil
Apex Cabinet: • Build Series| Eps. 9| ...
Oh man, getting so close to getting this 100 gallon rimless saltwater aquarium wet. I'm all done with the pluming on this tank. I went with Neptune Systems Apex color theme throughout the entire build. I show how to paint PVC fittings and go over aquarium plumbing tips. My aquarium manifold has more ball valves than I'll ever need. Having more than not enough is always better. Let me know what you guys think.

[@BriansAquariums]

Holy crap bud that is an insanely nice plumbing job. I can see this as a build thread soon on R2R once it's full of corals!

[@ReeferGil]

LOL, thanks Brian. That would be nice to see for sure!

[@ArrickthaRed]

Ok you have won the award for best OCD matching plumbing. Honestly I would not g that far. The amount of time money and planning needed to do this with regular plumbing is daunting. The result however is top notch. Great job. Now all you have to do is come to my house and plumb my new tank when I get it and you will be done.

[@ReeferGil]

I really did enjoy this project and would be more than happy to help out a fellow reefer do theirs. Thanks for the post Arrick!

[@rrrreefer9721]

Easily the best plumbing video on KZbin.

[@ReeferGil]

Wow, thank you!

[@SharbucklesReef]

Love how accurate and descriptive you are. Great job.

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Sharbuckles... that's one of my goals.

[@WCorbin182]

Incredible video. I love how you explained everything in detail. This will help future builds that want to DIY their own plumbing (Hint Hint myself) lol I'm learning so much from this build so It will help me in my reboot of my home 105 gallon DSA tank. Thank you again for being such a big help to the community.

[@ReeferGil]

Hey DC, thank you very much for the encouragement man. Really cool comment you posted! Looking forward to seeing your reboot.

[@miket6767]

best plumbing video I've seen so far. thank you for this!! :)

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you VERY much!

[@wildreefkeeper]

OMG, this is absolutely brilliant! Manifold! So smart. 🙌

[@NickP1707]

Some great ideas, thanks, I’m in planning stages of a new tank build. Thanks again from England UK 🇬🇧

[@KreefAquariumhobby]

Can't say it enough... I love your work!

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you K Reef!

[@pelphrey]

Looks great!! A lot of great pro tips in the video as well, checking gaskets, clear primer and cement, gloves, UNIONS!!!

[@ReeferGil]

Haha, just following your lead man.

[@MileHighReefers]

Looks so good! I love the attention to detail.

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you Scott! Great interview with Jake Adams by the way.

[@thepassionreef]

Good stuff ReeferGill...very well explained...cant wait to see this tank up and running and flourishing as your 90....

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Ash, I'm fired up to get this moving!

[@waynelscott]

That is a beautiful job on the plumbing and painting the individual pieces. Can’t wait for the next update.

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you Wayne, it was a fun project! Well, except for the leaks!

[@darrellbooker2085]

This video is amazing. I’m need to watch it a 100 times so I can used most your ideas. I’m so nervous about doing plumbing.

[@AmericanReefing]

Dude! This build is awesome. The tanks look fantastic and everything is so clean and looks great.

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you very much sir!

[@ReefEco]

Killer! I like your style - no compromises : ) Man, I can't wait to get started on my build - you are an inspiration!

[@ReeferGil]

Hey Eco, awesome comment. Thank you man!

[@skillz_311]

By far the best vid for plumbing tanks!!

[@ReeferGil]

Hey Skillz, that's a huge complement. Thank you man.

[@jeroromouse9699]

Man.. I know those feelings during plumbing pvc to a reef.. Fun and fustrations!

[@ReeferGil]

Still have to water test it, fingers crossed

[@cubanreefer1582]

Thank God that the garbage truck is always late for you to recuperate the rest of the skimmer Amazing work of art you did there my friend, beautiful combination of craftsmanship and the colors I love it.

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you Cuban, true test some time this week. WATER!!

[@diverdown507]

Awesome video. Very detailed explanation of how and why you plumbed your system. Very nice job.

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you very much!

[@kalleMandelstam]

Always nice to see some ocd plumbing! Looking really good!

[@ReeferGil]

Haha, thank you sir!

[@SCReefer]

AWESOME UPDATE...ITS GOOD TO BE OCD THINGS COME OUT PERFECT. THE TANK LOOKS AWESOME AND THE APEX CABINET LOOKS REALLY COOL.

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks SC, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@snowymatrix]

I'm in the process of plumbing my new sump but after watching your excellent video I realised I need more unions! Thanks👍🍺

[@ReeferGil]

Awesome, so glad it helped!

[@CincinnatiReefer]

Awesome job man. Looks great. Along for the journey!

[@ReeferGil]

LOL, very long journey, I'm getting there though.

[@ReefPlace]

Great Job!!!! Congratulations, from Brazil!

[@ReeferGil]

Got to love Brazil! Thank you!

[@Brennen_Nisporic]

Dude ! This build is legendary!

[@ReeferGil]

HAHA, time will tell. Thanks!

[@bronxreeferbrock1750]

Great job! Looks amazing

[@ReeferGil]

Appreciate that, thank you.

[@saltwaterdrew]

Thanks for making me feel better about my own OCD tendencies.

[@ReeferGil]

Haha, we have to stick together!

[@JoesCoralReef]

Looks sharp. Good work!

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you Joe, I'm happy with it so far. Still need to run water through it.

[@hj8607]

I had always thought that tape was the best for a water tight thread , however, further research and experience has proven a non hardening thread paste is far more effective and less likely to deteriorate with time . NICE build , great attention to detail .

[@garysutherland2369]

Hey Gil, awesome job on the plumbing man, grey and orange really works!! 👍🏻

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Gary, I'm glad I went with this scheme.

[@crappy_fpv]

Awsome video and beautiful job I'm about to plumb my very first tank this was super helpfull

[@ReeferGil]

Thats exciting, good luck. I'm sure you'll do great.

[@ericta00]

Look awesome gil!!!!!! Keep it up

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you Eric

[@SuperYellowtang]

Amazing tutorial buddy great set up already 👍

[@ReeferGil]

Right on, I'm happy with it so far.

[@danielsalt363]

Looking epicly good man, the ocd is for real!

[@ReeferGil]

It is... IT IS!!!

[@ghiapower3908]

looks sweet , great work

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you!

[@oddvidsdontchya2898]

Well done sir. Very sharp.

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you!

[@PRFishGirl]

Man I love the Bucketless Water change system u have.. wish I can do something like that.. looks great

[@ReeferGil]

Yea, it's going to come in really handy, so glad I don't have to haul buckets for the 100 display.

[@dudepros]

I love your work 👌🏻

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you sir!

[@g5flier]

Nice job on the build and the video!

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you Jim!

[@yuyiboy]

I thought I had OCD but after your build videos, it turns out I’m just normal!! 😂😂😂😂 great video 👍🏼

[@ReeferGil]

I actually laughed out loud, thanks for the post and laugh.

[@OnTheReef]

Nice job on the plumbing.

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks, still need to water test it, fingers crossed.

[@Just-In-Credible]

Good video

[@00ninja00]

It’s crazy how ocd we are about our tanks, and even just plumbing we are super ocd and everything gotta match like our clothes we are wearing for the day. Lol hahaha. What I do notice is the old timers and back in the 00s and 90s reefers weren’t as color matching as today. Nowadays everyone is a lot more match conscience when building our systems. Which is super nice to see, and it’s really cool to get ideas from. But ultimately, it’s still a reef and the ultimate goal is to grow corals. I myself am super ocd too, but usually after a couple years of the tank running, I’m less picky about everything being perfect and matching! Lol

[@ReeferGil]

I agree. Tank builds take on a new degree of consideration when we are looking for keeping a color scheme. Lots of fun and much more enjoyable in my opinion. But like you said, it's like getting that first scratch on your new car. Less picky about it as the years march on.

[@alancunningham5120]

That is going to be one beast of a tank once it's done, can't imagine how much dollar you have spent on that badboy!!

[@ReeferGil]

alan cunningham Thanks Alan, purchases little by little

[@yoooofufuuu]

Wow ,,nice setup

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Yooo

[@yourfellowreefer7145]

Looks awesome Reefer gill ! Like how everything matches I did the same for mine , looks sharp !

[@ReeferGil]

Nice, I subbed to you.

[@yourfellowreefer7145]

ReeferGil thanks man !

[@PsyWARAquariums]

do you remember where you purchased the gate valves and ball valves? i assume it was BRS?

[@madbotanyorganicfarmsllc1603]

I am so in LOVE with the orange. I want to do something like that so very bad. I am on the hunt for some florescent orange silicone.

[@ReeferGil]

It came out pretty good, I'm happy with the results. Good luck with your project, I'm sure you'll love it.

[@kg2nc]

You done a great job and love the orange color. #workofart

[@ReeferGil]

Ha, thanks Ruben, came out good.

[@BillyPipes]

The check valves are going to hammer when you kill the lower because they rely on head pressure. When you kill the power and they start hammering just put a finger over the tip of the return nozzles in the display tank and they'll stop👍. Had to watch the video again lol

[@ReeferGil]

They definitely do "snap" when I turn off the power. Thanks for the tip!

[@terrydavenport5542]

@@ReeferGil Where did you get the sump...??

[@brettsmith4695]

I like it. I'm jealous

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Brett, it coming along.

[@raylee4324]

Nice job on this build but you forgot to mention that the cut ends need to be sanded to make a tight fit when pushed in. Love your layout of everything before getting started.

[@MrStuckey12]

Can't wait for the update

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Aaron!

[@johnjeffries6229]

Awesome build! Just wondering as you mentioned it won’t form a good seal. Did you glue up the plumbing connections with the painted PVC?

[@BillyPipes]

Legit work bud

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks you!

[@shoja7264]

Your OCD makes me want to call you OCD God!!!😂😍😂 I would never be this way, but I idolize you. So Jelly!!!

[@user-jx5zk2jr5t]

Nice work Sir.What size pvc do you use for drain line and return line..thanx

[@FLSharkdiver]

#ReeferGil- I am getting ready to plumb my tank and i HAVE a 20'' Synergy Overflow box!! Anyways, in min 5:15 what plumbing did you use for your returns at the top of the tank? Did you say a Male threaded street 90?

[@tednpam3979]

Great video. I have a question. I have a 420 gal tank that I'm working on. The return pump is a Reeflo Super Dart / Snapper Gold Hybrid (4300⁄2400 GPH) that has a 2" FPT inlet and a 1.5" FPT outlet. I too, was wanting to use 3/4" Loc-line at the tank. Do I stay with 1.5" on the pipe from the return pump to the tank and then reduce to 3/4" bulk heads or do I not use Loc-lines and reduce to maybe a 1" bulk head? Thanks in advance!

[@ReeferGil]

Hey Ted, not really sure how I'd plumb a 420. I don't want to steer you in the wrong direction as I don't know if a 3/4" return would be the right size for your volume of water.

[@Colin_Robinson_EV]

Lol so true about multiple stops at lowes😅

[@ReeferGil]

Lol

[@jaymealcay1977]

I like it

[@ReeferGil]

Right on Jayme, glad to hear.

[@tiff7436]

How do you know how many fittings you'll need and what kind (45,90 degree, unions)? I'm trying to replace the RSR 250s return to a Spears valve? I heard going 1" is better to keep noise down? I'm new to saltwater, plumbing and basically everything 😂

[@katehalle407]

Too much time on your hands!!! Haha 😉 nice work!!

[@ReeferGil]

Kate Halle Time is hard to come by. This is why is taken me 6 months to get here. Thank you Kate!

[@rickmiranda8183]

Wow!!!

[@ReeferGil]

Rick Miranda Thanks Rick!

[@jsafatarango7105]

❤

[@GENISIS1TWENTYONE]

What made you choose threaded bulkheads vs slip and how are they holding up against leaks?

[@ReeferGil]

GENISIS1TWENTYONE The non threaded seemed too loose. Threaded is holding up, zero leaks

[@jhickox]

So this plumbing setup has 3 individual drain lines?

[@captivebredcanada]

It's probably long gone, but unless its shattered into a million pieces you could repair the skimmer body with ether weldon 40 if you are reattaching pieces or weldon 16 perhaps for welding cracks. Obviously you wouldn't want to use this on your display but it would still be fine for a frag / qt system.

[@ReeferGil]

Hey man, yeah, that happened like three months ago. I was seriously angry beyond return. I slam dunked it into the garbage can. It had a V shaped break in it.

[@billiemeyer8164]

Just FYI, every 90* elbow you use adds restriction to the flow of the system. Each 90* is like adding 6"-12" of pipe. It cuts down flow and also requires more power to push through those restrictions.

[@ReeferGil]

Yup! It's worked out great for over a year. Thanks for the post. 👍

[@ryanmonaghan8020]

15 Thumbs down, WHY? Gil this is an incredible job

[@ReeferGil]

Oh, you know. They all hated the video!

[@ogsvideos6423]

If it's not too late try crazy glue to piece back together that skimmer. Crazy glue works great with plastic.

[@ReeferGil]

Yeah, it's too late. It had a V shape crack in it. Oh well.

[@ogsvideos6423]

next time. Hey whats Gil short for?

[@TexasRanchu]

When you said, "i have a vetra pump to pump water from basement to the tank" I though man why spend too much money for a return pump from basement. But, you said..i need to turn it off remote...you thought it through... very detailed...

[@ReeferGil]

Thank Thomas, I already had the Vectra pump. I was going to use it at my main return pump, but decided to go with the COR20. It just all worked out, thanks man!

[@demacherius1]

Looks awesome but why do you reduce the drain line from 1.5" to 1"? wouldnt it be easyer to uns 1" all the way ?

[@ReeferGil]

Hey Mike, I would have preferred running 1" drains all the way. Synergy Reef Overflows come with 1.5" pre installed bulkheads. I had no choice but to use the 1.5" from the overflow system and reduce down to 1" before entering the sump.

[@danrao3707]

Fantastic job! Very impressive. Can you tell me where you found those threaded to slip 90's leading into your return bulkheads? Also are they schedule 80 or did you paint them?

[@ReeferGil]

I want to say I got those at either Lowe's or Home Depot. Yes, they came white, but I painted them grey. Thanks for the kind words too!

[@danrao3707]

​@@ReeferGilI'll have to go check them out. I can't seem to find them anywhere else. Thank you for the reply.

[@maddawgzzzz]

Glue also sets in about 10 minutes. I Test after 20 everything holds up.

[@ReeferGil]

Right on, thanks!

[@sheldonjessup]

Looks great! I would just note that Krylon says their paint is not underwater safe.

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Sheldon!

[@Elev8minh]

@reefergil no more videos my friend????? Hope your doing well I really enjoy your content

[@mjminino]

Does your pump do well with the inlet up against the side like that?

[@ReeferGil]

I run it with about two finger widths distance from the side of the sump. I am conscious of not letting the inlet rest up against the side of the sump. I've had no issues. Thanks for the post and great observation.

[@uriahmayo106]

You are literally me in the future.

[@ReeferGil]

I literally just busted up, thanks for the laugh and good luck with your future aquarium endeavors.

[@ctran9254]

Hello Reefer Gil… by any chance would you be able to share your list of plumbing pieces? I’m doing a very similar set up and find your videos extremely helpful

[@ReeferGil]

Yup, I still have the list. You can send me a PM from my YT home page.

[@nicholasevans673]

That's the same scheme Im going for, is there info on who made the sump and what size it is?

[@ReeferGil]

It's by Zero Edge Aquariums, but it took them a longtime to get it to me.

[@tsurro8086]

Looks good, the color matching is awesome, not sure why u have two sockholders when u only need one with that set up, over flow drain, For that size tank u probably need two

[@ReeferGil]

Yeah, we will see if I need two. The secondary drain might pull out surface skimming from the overflow box. We shall see. Thank Surro!

[@jordancrocker939]

hello, where did you get the female bulk heads from im look for 1 inch. build looks good

[@ReeferGil]

I purchased them from Bulk Reef Supply. Good luck and thank you.

[@atombomb232610]

You should always have a union near any 90 degree fitting. your 6 month cleanings will be easier. You should clean the sludge out of your pipes a minimum of every 6 month or expect to have weird stuff happen like algae blooms and pest swarms that seem like they come from nowhere.

[@ReeferGil]

Great advice!

[@AquaPeet]

Just brainstorming here; I wonder how much water flow a 90 degree fitting will reduce. In my mind it must give the pump a harder time. It surely disables the aibility to stick a pipe cleaner brush through it :) Perhaps two 45 degrees fit together will create a more subtle curve and won't slow down the water as much? It at least would allow a pipe cleaner brush to go through... let me know what you think!

[@jimharkins3695]

Gil, question for you......What type of reducer did you use for the drains at the bottom of the unions for the 1 1/2" to 1" tubing?

[@ReeferGil]

I used slip to slip and glued. Was that what you were asking?

[@jimharkins3695]

@@ReeferGil was it a Schedule 80 Reducing Coupler 1 1⁄2” Slip x 1” Slip or a Schedule 80 Reducing Bushing 1 1⁄2” Spigot x 1” Slip? It is hard to tell from the video.

[@WillieBossieJr]

Please share your piping diagram/design/plans for this... it its very awesome.

[@acortez3195]

Definitely overkill for what I'm trying to do. But shows you you the possibilities.

[@alexc5993]

Heyh guys. anyone has his parts list for the pipings? =)

[@WilSantiagoReefing]

Awesome video ReegerGil! What's up with the 5 thumbs down. I get 5 or 6 thumbs down within a minute of my videos coming out. Your system is looking sick! Great job

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Wil, appreciate it. Haters will hate.

[@WallerBillyBluesBand]

Are you concerned your painted parts will deteriorate and sluff off the paint into your tank areas?

[@ReeferGil]

Not at all. If it somehow melted back into its liquid form I'd worry. But if it just peeled off and floated it would not be anymore hazardous than if it stayed on the intended painted parts.... unless a fish mistakes it for food.

[@sayedmohamd5223]

Hey bro, whats that transparent plastic piece of plastic between the pvc pipes ?

[@ReeferGil]

Those are check valves to prevent the water from draining into the sump.

[@beemerkid1]

Just so you know, the ball valves should be positioned in the flow of water , so the handle when open goes with the flow. That’s the proper way. But nice set up

[@revZ098]

I notice on your thumbnail that your using the apex return pump that recently came out on the market? Are you still planning to use the vectra ?

[@ReeferGil]

I'm using the Vectra to return water from the saltwater bin back into the tank for water changes. I went over it in the video. I'm using the COR20 in the return pump.

[@revZ098]

ReeferGil oh im sorry i must have missed that in the video Anyways keep up the great work Look forward to the progress of your build :)

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks USMAN!! Hoping things come together as I progress.

[@marinelifewithshiv]

It's a important topic good one 👍 #marineligewithshiv

[@saurabhdoha]

Can you please share the Dim of your tank and the tank as well.

[@ronmorales]

Great Video. Is your pump a Cor15 or Cor20?

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Ron, it's a 20! Voooomvoooooom

[@ronmorales]

Awesome. Been following your videos for years. Finally starting my first build. Thanks for all your information it's really help me understand a lot about this hobby.

[@ReeferGil]

Hey Ron, that's a really big compliment. Thank you and best of luck with your build. I can only imagine you're fired up for it.

[@slimjim199006]

>Saves money by spray painting schedule 40 plumbing. >Has a vectra for mixing saltwater.

[@richardpoole1770]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nelsonaviles344]

What did you put under your Sump or is it just painted?

[@ReeferGil]

The orange bottom is painted.

[@nelsonaviles344]

ReeferGil really! So there is no need for a mat under the sump like you would need under a aquarium? I only ask because I’m in middle of setting up my system but I’m like over thinking that part of if if I even need a mat under my trigger Sump.

[@mjssustainablefashion6042]

should have a primary and secondary pump. incase your away and no one around to change a pump. the other will turn on.

[@ReeferGil]

Maria Cruz I do leave a lot, but my fish tank sitter used to own an LFS. He knows where my spare is. I'm not going to run two returns at the same time. Not for me. Thanks for the post!