How To Change Red Sea Diaphragm To A Precision Gate Valve

The standard diaphragm valve on Red Sea Reefers is a weak point and will often lead to a noisy tank. Switching that to a high precision gate valve is easy - here's how to do it.
This install was for a Red Sea Reefer Peninsula 500, which has 32mm plumbing.
Everything you need is here (check your plumbing sizes first):
Red Sea spare parts - www.redseafish.com/support/sp...
32mm ball valve - www.fastlight.co.uk/acatalog/...
32mm gate valve - www.fastlight.co.uk/acatalog/...
32mm elbow - www.fastlight.co.uk/acatalog/...
32mm pressure pipe - www.fastlight.co.uk/acatalog/...
Optional:
32mm hosetail - www.fastlight.co.uk/acatalog/...
25mm flexible hose - www.fastlight.co.uk/acatalog/...
Solvent weld - www.fastlight.co.uk/acatalog/...
The outside diameter of my drain pipe is 32mm, so I needed all 32mm fittings. If the outside diameter of your main drain pipe is 25mm, you will need all 25mm fittings. With my method, you just need to cut off the sump valved downpipe, then re-build the rest of the pipe but adding a gate valve instead of the diaphragm valve. So just copy the stock pipe and re-build it with the same pieces. This might mean you don't need the ball valve or 90 degree elbow - for example if your sump valved downpipe is just straight with no bend like mine.
Here's the guy who's done it without buying the sump valve downpipe:
www.sgreefclub.com/forum/topi...
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0:00 Intro
0:29: Why do this?
1:25 What you'll need
2:59 Building the new pipe
4:42 Gluing it all together
6:03 Installation
7:28 Total cost
7:50 What i'd do differently
10:16 Parts list

[@ReefDork]

If the connector on your tank is too close to the gate valve to cut away, follow this guide instead: www.sgreefclub.com/forum/topic/186453-tutorial-on-how-to-change-red-sea-reefer-downflow-valve-to-a-gate-valve/

[@melodic_breezy]

Hi mate after reading this article, instead of having to buy an return adapter and screw adapter, can you not just buy a 32mm bonded tank connector that you can insert a bit of 32mm pipe into which will then insert into the new gate valve, I also need to replace this valve but I don’t want to downsize the plumbing to 25mm entering the sump

[@leem7924]

Alex - I need to do this! My default valve on my Red Sea Reefer 425xl has just started gurgling after 4months running. Love the videos you make and dedication you have for this hobby. Thanks to all your great help and advise i have setup my RSR 425xl with exceptional results, all owed to your valuable videos and help and advice! Thanks mate, now a member and now looking forward to more great videos!! Happy reefing :D

[@tigerlilyshouseoffish4589]

Best write up I have seen on this mod. Thank you.

[@artistic_spaz3724]

Might try to tackle this myself, thanks so much for the clear instructions

[@toffski]

Excellent tutorial Alex. I might just do this to my new RSR250 before I fill it. Thanks!

[@pauldeacon8764]

Well done Alex! 😀👍👍

[@AFCRichmond2782]

Congratulations and thanks 👍🏼🐟🐠

[@tarlarjr370g]

great video

[@deansmith2124]

Great video, thanks mate.

[@apss5736]

Great video

[@chrisallan-lancashirereef5130]

Superb. Thank you

[@tekkersreefer8055]

Great just vid i need to do on my 300xl thanks reefer big help

[@NerdistAquarist]

I replace my diaphragm valve a few months ago. I should have done it a long time ago, so much better than stock.

[@Conectadonz]

I did mine as well, and I added an one way valve, so that could be a good idea for you! Happy reefing…

[@scottshipley570]

Why would you need a one way valve? The water will never flow back up, it’s impossible

[@Conectadonz]

Sorry one way valve for the return line! My bad…

[@Hulltiger_Aquatics]

Legend 👍 might do it at some point (probably never) great video though

[@Emmanuel-rs7eu]

I always use two unions in front and behind of a gate valve. I had one that got stuck a few years ago and I had no options than to cut it down in order to clean it out.

[@sunnygoold9449]

This is a great idea.... Red Sea REALLY should include a proper gate valve instead. With mine I just tighten the valve completely to squeeze out any stuff in there and then open it... I do that every time I need to adjust the valve. That way it's always gone back to normal. Honestly I am just too afraid to monkey around with the plumbing beyond that ;) And I really don't know why RedSea continues with the valves they have. They MUST know this is a big reason not to buy RedSea in the first place.

[@PracticalReefer]

Nice one, need to consider doing this to my XL200 before filling it! Nice job although feel a Red Sea drop in replacement valve would be an awesome option from them in future! 🤞

[@ReefDork]

100% - I'm really hoping they bring one out soon...

[@johncornwall1]

@@ReefDork I'm wondering if the G2 pipework would be a straight swap, which would then be one step closer to easy ReefMat connectivity - once you'd mutilated the sump itself.

[@simonveldhuis586]

I always rotate to cut using that pvc cutting knife... ive had a couple pipes crack doing it the way you do... it also keeps the shape of the pipe better which makes it less likely to leak. Great video though and I have been toying with the idea for a while myself

[@ReefDork]

Yeah, I used to do that until I saw someone more experienced than me just chomping it! I agree it's more sympathetic to the pipe to twist it

[@philhulkes8659]

Great idea, I thought that red sea were going to start stocking the gate valves from there new s series reefers and adapting them to fit all models

[@ReefDork]

I feel like an update is coming from them this year - new sump too. It's long overdue...

[@Tyrko]

Thank you for this video. I'm buying a P650 second hand, but I reckon I'd want to replace that valve. The new Red Sea Peninsula S-700 G2+ looks like a big improvement, but honestly I can't afford it.

[@ReefDork]

It's not perfect, but it's SOOOO much better than the stock valve...

[@adelaidebrooks1602]

What benefits would you get putting the gate valve on the drain pipe what runs to a clarisea roller mat or would i be pointless?

[@smokeandkippers]

Hi Alex, I need some advice concerning purchasing a reef float. Can you help, please?

[@user-bi1dj4qq2u]

Hi Dork, thanks, so informative as always! Quick questions: is the glue you used specifically for aquariums or a generic pvc glue? And are the valves metal free or coated with anti-rust? My new tank should be delivered soon so might as well do this before tank is running?

[@ReefDork]

It has to be aquarium safe solvent although I'm sure there are a few brands. The plumbing is all PVC so free from metals...

[@completecleaningmaintenanc4426]

Great video as always. I’m just getting into the hobby and replacing my max nano with a reefer170. Where did you get the gate valve from? As you live near me I’m in Guildford and I believe your in Woking> Thanks Jason

[@ReefDork]

Fastlight.co.uk

[@lanorthgaming778]

I’m thinking of getting a Red Sea reefer tank soon, so this video was really helpful! Question though: what beginner tank size would you recommend?

[@ReefDork]

Pros and cons of big and small. 3 feet is a good size for me

[@artistic_spaz3724]

I just got a new reefer 250 and it seems massive to me! But seems like a good balance of being spacious and enough water volume to keep managing water parameters easier while not being so huge that water changes are too inconvenient or equipment being crazy expensive :)

[@lanorthgaming778]

Thanks! I’ll keep that in mind!!

[@nurse.reef.repeatandsomuch1758]

Man I wish I can get these pieces here in the US in one seller

[@ReefDork]

I think the G2 Red Sea tanks come with optional plumbing upgrades for G1 tanks now...

[@Name-ot3xw]

I'm willing to bet that the bulkhead fittings are metric standard plumbing, probably could have just bought the adapter you wanted at whatever they call Home Depot where you're at.

[@ap6826]

This is so helpful....But as a US based reefer it's hard to get the metric sized upgrades. I jumped ahead of myself & bought 1 1/14 inch equipment for this upgrade guide.... Any advice on how to connect this to that 32mm stock piece from the down pipe? I can only find adapters from a 32mm to 1 inch....is there another adapter I can add on this to get that to fit my 1 1/4 inch equipment? Trying to avoid returning everything I had gotten on sale Thanks!

[@ReefDork]

I think Red Sea have started doing adapters/converters...

[@AdamEwart]

Something maybe important to highlight...your 32mm piping will likely be in DIN sizing. This varies from some domestic standard sizing (Australia uses ANSI standard, and a piece of 25mm ANSI is about .5mm oversize to fit inside 25mm DIN), which means needing to do some solid research to find a suitable method of adaption. Trust me on this...I learnt the very expensive way 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@SalamanderFangskin]

I have realized that the "Tangit" brand, in Mexico is "Sista". The same logo and everything, also by Henkel 🤣

[@smashy152]

My red sea valve does not move in notches its rather smooth but its only a few month old, guessing it can be brought back to like new by removing the valve cover and cleaning inside the valve like red sea recommends (can be done without removing any pipes)

[@ReefDork]

I've cleaned mine a few times... Makes zero difference 😅

[@Jv_ramos]

Hey alex is it same with the red sea 250 ?what size of ball balve and gate valve did you use?thank you

[@ReefDork]

Not sure - have a look at the pipe online if you can find it. If not, follow the link in the pinned comment. I used 32mm.

[@uri25kmister36]

Anybody know any reliable websites to buy saltwater fish off of ?

[@gap9992]

Great idea to add the ball valve so you don't need to use the gate valve to stop flow. Am I right in thinking I could save £50 by just re-using the original down pipe cutting it as in the video?

[@ReefDork]

Yep, absolutely. The reason I didn't do that is because it means disconnecting the tank from the sump for at least 24 hours...

[@TomoBishBosh]

Great video Alex, as someone who is new to reef tanks, im not quite sure i understand why your weir box starting making that gargling noise, was it due to the diaphragm or the algae build up? wouldnt this be solved by clearing the main pipe back down to the return pump? Apologies if this is a stupid question, i just cant quite wrap my head around the concept here. Thanks!

[@ReefDork]

No, very good question. The gargling is caused by the water level being either too high or too low in the weir box. It's the water going through the pipes that makes the noise, not the weir box itself. So on a brand new tank, if you don't set it right, it'll gargle. The diaphragm can only do rough, not fine adjustments. That's cool when the tank is new, but over time the biofilm/algae etc means you need to be able to make finer adjustments. So at that point, the diaphragm is useless and you need a gate valve. Cleaning the plumbing may well fix the issue, but doing so is a fairly major operation and involves removing all the pipes, putting them in water mixed with vinegar or citric acid, and giving them a real good scrub. Which would take hours and isn't practical on a running reef tank. And I think you'd need to clean the weir box properly too, which is nigh on impossible! And you'd need to do all that every 6 months I reckon. You can remove and clean the diaphragm valve itself, but I didn't find that helped. I tried using a 2 metre bottle brush to clean the pipes but that didn't work either - the biofilm is well established after a year or more so it takes much more than a bit of a scrubbing. Hope that's not too confusing an answer! In short, Waterbox and Cade aquariums both use a gate valve. The only reason not to is because they're expensive. Everything in life, including tanks, needs to be built to a price, so i'm cool with that - I just wish Red Sea would offer an after market upgrade pipe that people could slot in without having to even think about it.

[@TomoBishBosh]

@@ReefDork makes senese now! Thank you Alex!

[@user-sw4dx5pn9n]

Just noticed that you are running a fan in the sump area, is this a cooling fan or to help with humidity?

[@ReefDork]

Both really - in the summer the cab gets really warm and humid and I found that was the main cause of my temperature going up. It levelled off massively when I fitted the fan and doesn't overheat so much now 🙂

[@foxglovemead]

Why change it if it works and exactly balances water in/out of the sump and self-corrects (maintains the height)? Behind the (now) red knob, there are 20 divisions on the black bezel. Opening the valve one division also lowers the operating height by about the same amount - a happy coincidence?

[@ReefDork]

Because it doesn't...

[@tekkersreefer8055]

Hi alex would the same size pipe ie 32m be same on reeefer 300xl

[@ReefDork]

Don't know I'm afraid...

[@coppo81]

Hi Alex how is this a year on still running silent? I have the G2 tank and don't think the new version valve is any better. Can go months without having to adjust then to several times a day. Might be time to fit a gate valve.

[@ReefDork]

It's still very difficult to get the adjustment perfect and I have a small dribble going down the emergency drain. But I can tune out gurgling easily and I don't fear touching the valve like I used to!

[@TomoBishBosh]

Quick question about this Alex, as I’ve just got a Red Sea 170 which isn’t up and running yet and I figured I’d get it upgrade in before it’s established. Do you need the connecter/ball valve? If I’m not buying the extra pipe from Red Sea like you did, I wouldn’t need a connector like that? What’s the benefit of the ball valve here?

[@ReefDork]

Have a look at the link in the description - that does it without changing the full pipe.

[@TomoBishBosh]

@@ReefDork Does it matter than the 32mm pipe is being swapped out for a 25mm pipe in the blog post? I'm not actually sure its possible to do 32mm with the reefer return pump adapter that needs to be used? When i look at drainage designs at work, lowering pipe capacity could cause issues for a system designed for larger.

[@alanallington1001]

Alex has heard about the 50% rise on electric! Use a candle next time.

[@ReefDork]

😅 I bought a 2nd light that fixes that. It looks great but I had to re-record this entire video cos the audio was knackered and I forgot to turn it on 2nd time 😅

[@dm0ney743]

It's so frustrating living in Canada we use metric but all our construction/plumbing materials are imperial from us influence. I literally cannot order or find metric anywhere which I would prefer for a cleaner look

[@MogsysAquarium]

Brilliant Alex please come and do mine 🙏🙏🙏😂

[@ReefDork]

😁

[@BlazedReefer]

Ive just ordered the 350 g2+, is this switch up still necessary?

[@ReefDork]

Hard to say - the g2 hasn't been out long enough to know if the new diaphragm valve is improved. All I'll say is that it's MUCH easier to make the change while the tank is dry!

[@BlazedReefer]

@@ReefDork so maybe just add a gate from the get go..if everyone does this we will never know what the v2 diaphragm is like 🤣🤣

[@j_sanchez55_]

Just curious if you would be willing to build this and sell it to me for my 525xl? I can't buy the right sized pvc pipes in the US and the company that your links for the pvc pipes don't ship to US

[@ReefDork]

Sorry, bit too much for me 😕

[@MalcolmCrabbe]

I know were facing a hike in electricity costs, but there is no need to do the piece to camera by candle light... so dark we can hardly see you !

[@ReefDork]

I've bought a 2nd light that fixes that. Forgot to turn it on 🤦

[@randomdutchguy]

But........you had noise because it was going through the emergency ....... right?

[@ReefDork]

Yeah, but it's impossible to adjust the diaphragm correctly to stop that happening...