SCA 120 Gallon Reef Tank | Ep.4 | Plumbing - Herbie Drain & Manifold Install

[@DeAndreEllison]

Nice, quick tip for anyone reading... use a piece of PVC pipe to lower the bulkheads into the holes of the overflow..

[@DanofEarth]

any idea what he used to split the return line in the overflow?

[@DeAndreEllison]

@@DanofEarth looks like a tee that was provided with the tank but you can prob find a standard threaded PVC tee to connect loc line to

[@Reefgrrl]

I love the look of the contrast between the plumbing and the rest of the cabinet space - looks clean and elegant. The stuff that bugs you isn't even noticeable unless you point it out. Great job!

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Reefgrrl yes the led doesn't light the entire cabinet ... combine that with the sump being painted black def gives it a unique look and effect.... I'm so tired of looking under the tank at this point. Time to focus on the display now.... whatever is wrong down there will just be wrong for the life of the tank hahahha

[@Reefgrrl]

No one will ever need to know....

[@DeeFromBrooklyn]

pretty intricate plumbing. . You're officially a scientist now. .

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

you could do this in your sleep old timer.. im still learning haha

[@donsmith7979]

Thanks. You can always "Monday morning Quarterback" plumbing design. Very important to spend some time planning. Looks good.

[@richardyoung2523]

A man with pride in his work. Looks beautiful.

[@rs8034a]

I’m glad I’m not the only person who makes these “Rube Goldberg” piping projects Well done!!

[@jdavidp66]

Glad you chose The Herbie Method. I have the SCA 150 and end up doing Herbie too. You shouldn't have a problem with your Return area running dry since you have the Jebao DC pump. You can adjust the speed and balance the water level. Once you have your Gate valve tuned you'll love the water of a gentle brook noise!

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

honestly I keep forgetting about the slow ramping of the DC pumps Ive never had one before... I'm basically gonna crank it up as high as the emergency drain can handle alone then adjust my siphon based off that... was your drilled for 3 holes? if so did you use threaded bulkhead for the return or use a slip threaded attachment to Mount the pipe? Just curious...

[@jdavidp66]

Yes , three holes. Used threaded bulkheads. But slip glued the pvc pipes. _lh3.googleusercontent.com/XZN8WwWupfQWJnxydxOW42Wes22vWCqDyXVJqRZEdn4RDkbEwqnuZMirTlSLeYfP63kek-iV33w_

[@jdavidp66]

Yeah, at first startup I let the water rush down the Emergency Drain inlet. Then gradually adjust/ open the Gate valve until the water from the emergency drain lowers just a bit with a minimal trickle. Your set!!

[@kiillintime2596]

Wow CJ, was wondering what was taking you so long to put this tank together. Now I know why. you're not half stepping anything. what an amazing build. great job! A+!

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

no doubt! takes a lot of time to do this.. had to fit it in on the weekends. Life has a way of getting in the way... thanks for watching man. we are finally ready for water!

[@raisethereef]

CJ, loving the build so far! Couple words of advice: 1) Put a plastic bulkhead strainer on the main drain. You will need a 1" coupler and the strainer can be found on Bulk Reef Supply. I use slip x slip and do NOT glue it in. However, if you can't remove it easily it may be a hindrance. The last thing you want is a snail or fish getting in the overflow box and going down the main drain. The strainer helps this 2) A silicone mat under your return pump will cut down vibrations a ton. Well worth the small investment!

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

I have strainers ready to go just didn't add them until I know the exact height ill need my stand pipes to be .. Ill work this out when i water test. the sump has a 1/4 thick blue yoga mat under it.. should do the job.. but we will see. thanks for the feedback!

[@mnelson10000]

I love seeing people get to build out the tank of their dreams... congrats, brother!

[@Davelembo]

Nice job CJ. I'm glad you found the good cutters. Nice job filming the build to. It's gonna help a lot of people

[@Reefkpr1]

Nice work CJ. Acetone will take off purple drip marks and sharpie markings. Some say it will eat plastic, but if you put some on a rag and wipe off immediately, it is no problem. I have done it a thousand times. That will give you a flawless look to your awesome plumbing job.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Tried alcohol and finger polish remover.. got some off. I will eventually get to it with acetone when I get tired of seeing the marks haha.. I'm taking a break from bending down under this tank for a little while

[@jcreefs6543]

Great job on the plumbing looking really good so far I am enjoying this build, going to be nice to see this tank up and running loved your last tank can't wait to see what you do with this new tank

[@Live4Ibanez]

I love the herbie method. I wanted my second tank to be 100% silent as possible. It slurps though if you don't do it durso. So I had to get a basic female/female coupling and attach it to the emergency overflow. I drilled a bunch of small holes into the middle of the coupling and the water barely trickled in. Fixed that problem. I also grabbed a cheap plastic guard and put it on the main so no snails could clog it up.

[@Live4Ibanez]

By the way, your plumbing is much, much cleaner than mine is! I think it's the blue pvc. Wish I'd had thought to use colored pvc at the time. There's always the next tank! ;)

[@GRude420]

Very nicely done, Sir! As with any other project in the world, the builder will see every small mistake, but most people wont even notice. I enjoyed the video!

[@benray4fun1]

Love your videos, they are so helpful & full of ideas. Your ideas based on research & experience is appreciated. I know it takes a lot of time for you to put these videos together & just want you to know it's not going unnoticed....

[@TonyJibster]

Well done CJ! It looks great. I just finished upgrading the plumbing on my existing reef (while it continued to run) and I noted several similarities in our approach (it blew my mind a bit…lol). I will make a video of it in the next week or so. My original drain had a long down pipe for the same reason (to minimize detritus build up in the first chamber), but I had an issue with air getting trapped in the pipe when power would resume after a power failure. Air would fill the pipe when flow stopped, and when it resumed, the flow could not push the air out the bottom of the pipe. Hopefully this won’t be an issue for you since you used 1” pipe (I had the problem using ½”). Anywho, I can’t wait to see it running. Thanks CJ!

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

glad you caught when I mentioned the pipe length... it will be a combination of the amount of water above the stand pipe in my over flow vs the length of the pipe submerged in my sump.. some things just have to be worked out with water in the tank.. If i can keep enough water pressure above the pipe inside the overflow I have no doubt it will be strong enough to push the air out in the sump below .. that's the plan at least.. we all have "plans" right hahah.. thanks for watching man

[@ManCaveReef]

it looks very nice and clean.. As of right now I'm in the process of making manifold in a filter room to make my life easy... Thumbs up

[@KevinENHVlogs]

You did a nice job. everything looks like it came out nice and should be functional. Looking forward to the next one.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Kevin ENH Vlogs so far so good just water tested it livestream style haha! Had a leaky bulkhead but everything else was solid

[@rppvt]

I love that you make the same mistakes we all do and are owning them in this vid. looking great

[@samueldiaz72]

Bro your like my hero. You use *cheap and brand name things and give honest review . I’m building the 150 SC tank and I wanted to use a jebao pump but everyone told me NOO that they where cheap

[@jerrislittlereef4023]

Great job with the plumbing. The sump looks really cool!

[@Leigh33]

wow. now that's some intricate plumbing right there. Wonderful job and your first attempt too. Awesome.

[@scottnelson3703]

Hey CJ I just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed your videos or your JBJ and watched them all while waiting for my SCA 50 pnp to arrive. I am ne to the hobby and find you videos very helpful. One piece of advice when you glue pvc you do not have to use pvc primer. It will hold just as well without it. I will definitely be following this build. Thank you for the great videos.

[@RogueAquariums]

clean DIY plumbing CJ. everything looks neatly done & is effective at the same time. 😎

[@douglassmith4403]

Thats PVC art CJ! Great job!

[@SharbucklesReef]

Bro you went hard on the plumbing. Looks good. Fingers crossed it all flows smoothly.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Sharbuckles Reef knew what I needed it to do everything else just happened on the fly haha. I'll find out soon... about to put water in tonight hopefully

[@SharbucklesReef]

CJ'S AQUARIUMS live stream that s**t!!!

[@WestPhillyReef]

CJ, you should definitely live stream the event!

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

West Philly Reef I did ... replay is up now... raw and uncut even the leaks I had haha

[@An0n_Ym0us_79]

I love how you are showing us everything involved. Still trying to understand how the plumbing works. If I understand, the return pump is pumping part of the water back to the tank and part of the water to the algae scrubber and reactor which goes back in the pump? Curious, where did you learn about plumbing and have any good sources where I can learn more?

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

thats pretty much it... all of the water eventually makes it to the display and drains back down into the sump.... I dont have any links but google and youtube will show u alot the rest is just experience..

[@An0n_Ym0us_79]

CJ'S AQUARIUMS Do you have to get a larger pump to account for the reduction in flow back to the aquarium? Not sure if I am wording hat correctly but hopefully you understand what I mean.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Trihope140.6 yes larger pump is needed when feeding multiple peaces of equipment. I oversized mine to be safe. Didn't know for sure what size would have worked and have enough power

[@JSpalding]

Water!!! Did one hell of a job bro. Kudos 👍👍

[@mtkregs]

Pretty solid plan. It's coming together nicely.

[@larryloaf4938]

dam CJ looks tight and so well thought out so pleased for you

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

appreciate it!

[@Kawwwman]

looks awesome CJ. I cant wait to see it running. its always exciting making a new build!

[@Bandicoot1936]

looks great cj. ill be following along with this build. i run a herbie on my 90g. if you place the main siphon drain too deep into the sump, it will be harder to purge all the air out during every initial start up. i placed mine just a few inches below the water level in the sump.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Daves Rift yea I mentioned that in the vid... just liked the idea of it being that deep. In reality it will right at that first baffles height.. about to test it now 👌🏾

[@Bandicoot1936]

nice. i know you were looking for clear primer. honestly i dont even use primer. i dont think its necessary,(some will disagree im sure) especially when using new, clean pvc. ive never had a glued joint fail doing it this way. the glue itself actually softens the pvc then melds it together.

[@AcuaTV]

Man, I wish you lived closer, I have a bunch of clear primer leftover from my plumbing! I got mine at Amazon because my local stores didn't have it so just in case someone is looking for it they can order it ahead of time. I agree with you, unions unions unions! At any rate, you did a great job with the plumbing!

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

AcuaTV man me and you both! Hahah I did waste gas looking for it so I have it some effort. I knew it was on Amazon but just got tired of waiting. All good ... time to water test .. get these cords in order and move on to Aquascaping this tank!

[@Reject06]

hey on that full siphine, you may wanna put an elbow or something so that it doesn't create a little tornado bringing in air/water

[@worm5406]

Looks real good CJ. I like the attention to detail you put in to the video. On the primer. You could have primed all those joints at once and then come back and glued them all. Sometimes helps as bit as you can ensure the coverage and watch the drips.

[@InappropriateReefer]

Dang CJ, this is starting to look very serious! I'm loving the manifold system, learning a lot from your setup.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Inappropriate Reefer total diff situation compared to the JBJ AIO that's for sure... just wanted a functional setup that did everything I wanted this time... I'm sure u will do the same on your new system. Thanks for watching man

[@DanielFernandes-sy9if]

Great work cj it looks nice and clean and the return pump I have the same on my 125 and it's a great pump can wait to see that tank stock 👍

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Daniel Fernandes do u have a manifold? What setting u run it on?

[@DanielFernandes-sy9if]

CJ'S AQUARIUMS yes I do check out my channel and my pump I have on 3 the speed

[@johnsreef2622]

All I can say is WOW!! CJ this is an awesome job... Cant wait to see this in action👍

[@pelphrey]

Listing my reefer on craigslist this weekend and getting that SCA 120. Coulda Woulda.... Shoulda!!!! HAHAHA Plumbing came out clean, as Phillip said below acetone will remove the purple if you even care about it. That eurobrace and over flow never crossed my mind, I'd wouldn't be able to get my arms in there either.

[@moereefer]

Great job CJ I have the same tank but the 150 long from SCAquariums love it unfortunately I didn't get the stand and canopy.. but it's the same overflow and skimmer

[@wordup7668]

Loving the build CJ keep the videos coming.

[@edwin527]

Whats up CJ, Great vid ! Quick tip for you , when glueing your pvc, dont twist the fittings back and forth like that. Just press in and give 1 3/4 twist to avoid the purple splatter. 👍🏼 i rock with your vids though

[@AlinEkisde]

Love it, and love the job you do on this ch. Just one thing, to a correct connection of the pvc pipes, you need to do it straight with no rotation once you glued the zone m8. Old school trick.

[@whatchulookinat338]

lookin good, ohh the learning....I would finish any electrical before adding water. FWIW Ive had guys who've plumbed 100's of tank tell me primer isnt really needed in our systems as long as the pvc is clean. We dont see the high pressuresor code inspectors that make it cruical.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Paul Ponder I'll finish the electrical after I water test the tank... so far I only have 4 cords coming from the sump they all are long enough to route outside of the tank. Considered not using primer but figured why not make sure the pvc is fully bonded.. if I make a mess I can clean it with acetone or clear pvc cleaner

[@jong9970]

Very nice! I have a few of those "Oh well" small mistakes. I'd correct them now if they really bug you, or you'll end up like me...coulda woulda shoulda! I have a bucket of leftover fittings too, Lol. I like how you thought of most if not all of the situations that may arise.

[@WestPhillyReef]

I think You designed your sump very well and I think you should think about selling your design. What is your ALK/Cal supplementation plan and how will it be incorporated in your sump?

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

West Philly Reef there is a 10 x 10 footprint open in my fuge for a calcium reactor. I'm prob a year away from needing one.. while I stock the tank I'll supplement with Kalk in my ato if needed... hopefully someone can use this layout and improve on it. Specifically with the SCA brand ... still have to test it but I'm liking how it's looking so far

[@nickc5032]

Great Work I just found your channel from a comment you made on a BRS video. keep up the good work!!

[@BERELEAH]

Wow great job keep it coming. Just wondering what u used to paint the return black?

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

BERELEAH plasti dip spray

[@BERELEAH]

Thanks, is any spray paint ok or it has to be this one?

[@brandywine3235]

Great Job CJ!

[@AnnikaOBrien]

This is so exciting watching you put this all together. 🤗

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Annika O'Brien enjoy the ride.. A lot of work went into this build.. u have 30 Episodes to catch up on 🍿😎

[@mr.brownplumbing]

1/4 turn only when sliping your fittings. Back and forth causes air pockets. Manufactures instructions state a 1/4 turn will gluing fittings

[@eldridgehenry2]

great job CJ

[@saltwater2307]

Kendrick and Reefing ... dope channel

[@marcosherrera675]

Excellent bro..nice setup. The straps you used was a great idea. Did you get them from brs? I've been looking through plumbing videos on KZbin, came across this one by accident, I'm glad I did. Im definitely going to use those straps on my build too..how's it all going for you a few years later?

[@DocNasse]

The tool at 0:32 is made for metal pipes, i can see how it does not work at all for pvc lol.. Did someone sell it as a pvc cutter??

[@Shayna-jy2vc]

Lookin good cj can't wait to see what u do with thee rock work!

[@112czr]

try mr. clean magic eraser to clean the purple off the pvc or some nail polish remover (gently) ... hope it works

[@jeremylynch8992]

Very nice!!! Looks great!!!

[@matthewgordon904]

If you are ever looking for clear on clear plumbing primer you can get weld on p-68 and cement clear weld on 705 on amazon or some other online site... I never have any luck finding the clear primer locally... just future reference

[@jackcuthbert7799]

hey great vid! use some acetone on an old rag to rub off that purple primer! comes off easy! :D hope that help!

[@EagleAquatics]

awesome set up man nicely done. What did you paint the outlet black with?

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Eagle Aquatics I used plasti dip spray

[@EagleAquatics]

CJ'S AQUARIUMS thanks man I have to paint a few thing black in my new 125 also

[@PhongLe-rl5vg]

solid plumbing CJ, are you planning on using your reactor for carbon or pellets?

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

ill be running carbon... system will be biopellet and carbon dose free.

[@PhongLe-rl5vg]

i gotcha. nice work. following along this build..

[@wrekhavoc]

Nice looking great CJ!!!!

[@PurelyAquatic]

Its looking so good!

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

cannot WAIT to fill this thing up man... been working on it for a month now empty hahah

[@PurelyAquatic]

I know the feeling. lol

[@tristanlambert2258]

Sweet build bro really loving it...

[@WCorbin182]

That's a good job. I saw some things I need to apply to my current set up. I wanna re plumb my system to make my life just a tad bit more easy and to make adjustments for my new side cabinets. PVC primer is a B smh that stuff takes no prisoners but you did a good job with it. #noadvicezone

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

yours looked fine to me... you going to pump your sump outside of the tank or something? whatever you do don't take my advice! hahahahahaha imma trade mark #noadvicezone

[@user-rk3id2zf8c]

Can you give me the link where you bought the returned pipe that you painted in black? Awesome job btw, very inspirational as I need to do the plumbing also now.

[@South-Texas-Drones_5801]

1-st cutter you showed is for cutting copper hard line not a pvc cutter 🤭

[@dogstar77]

Man clean build CJ! Subscribed.

[@juanm8059]

purple primer doesnt look too bad..did you use O rings between the bulk heads coming from the bottom of the tank or any silicone?

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

no I used the same primer and cement to attach PVC to the bulkheads... even though bulkheads are not made from pvc, Ive never had a prob doing it this way in the past

[@raisethereef]

You should not use a gasket on the bottom side, only the top and do not over tighten.

[@juanm8059]

Ryan Thompson thanks good to know

[@EDKsurly]

Nice dude. So the baffle on the left is for a small strip of filter floss?

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

yes thats where i put my mechanical media.. there are still a few other adjustments to make for it to be more effective

[@vincenttaylor2975]

Can't wait for water!

[@divadrekab1]

The first cutters are for copper, who told you those where for pvc?

[@BraddaMarlon]

So for ball and gate valves did you have to get 1 1/4 inch valves?

[@mikehowell9053]

Awesome setup

[@rrrreefer9721]

Which video has your plumbing where you show how it recirculates for sump cleaning?

[@countyliving]

Try to have a bucket and sling the primer out of the brush before you put it on the fitting or pipe and it won’t run down the fittings

[@BraddaMarlon]

so even the gate valve came from supply house? What about the bulkhead? I also noticed there is no check valve?

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Marlon's C yes they have all valves and bulkheads u may need... no need for check valves if you have a properly sized sump. It will never flood

[@BraddaMarlon]

CJ'S AQUARIUMS I've looked for the gate valves but can't find them do you have a link to the one you ordered. I'm setting up my tank and buying the fittings

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

gate valve came from BRS my mistake... everything else cam from the supply house site

[@JCSReefing]

What up CJ. Just curious on the Gate valve did you get the Spears one from BRS or there ecconomy one? Also, how much Colored PVC did ya buy?

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

JCS Reefing used the brs gate valve... figured I wouldn't go cheap on something I'll be depending on not seizing up... I got 3 pieces of blue pvc... after a few wrong cuts the extra saved me. Had 3/4 of a piece left over at the end..

[@JCSReefing]

CJ'S AQUARIUMS thanks man!

[@JupiterSailfish]

Looks clean man, I like it!

[@064maine]

Man great job I need my tank done like this

[@callahanwelsh]

Cool setup, mahalos from MauiWaui! :)

[@byrd940]

Can you post the sizes and where you got the plumbing, I wanna replicate this, especially for the self cleaning

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

supplyhouse.com and BRS is where i got the plumbing.. all 1'' and 1/2'' size pieces.. dont have full list thought I had alot of leftovers

[@Pun1sh3r7]

Hey great stuff very informative thanks for taking the time :D gave me some great ideas.

[@Pun1sh3r7]

not sure where you got your pipes they look great i just used schedule 40 white :/ but very happy with the build even added a valve for my water changes :)

[@narcosisscorals9768]

i love your video editing

[@Abreezeducttesting]

CJ, did you glue the main drain pipe in your overflow? I'm asking because detritus will build up in the bottom of your overflow. I made that mistake before a very clean setup brother!

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

no I didn't glue any of the stand pipes or return lines for that exact reason.. i can pull a pipe and let all the detritus build up go right down the drains.. we all learn thru experience.. I just tried not to repeat mistakes made with my first reef years ago. thanks for watching man

[@JD-qo8hk]

Looks great man!

[@9StickNate]

Slick plumbing bro-

[@thereefrookie7320]

Hey CJ, I have a question on your Herbie drain. How deep is your main siphon drain? I have read it needs to be in 6 inches of water and that seems like a lot to me. Is yours under 6 inches of water?

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

its about 6-8' below the water

[@thereefrookie7320]

CJ'S AQUARIUMS wow...How much water drains into your sump when the return pump is shut off. Do you feel like doing a video on the herbie drain?

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

already did... kzbin.info/www/bejne/bISldodmnbqbns0 should answer those quesitons for u

[@kimberlieanastasiaSmith]

need a video for newbies for first timers

[@charlesdennis7371]

great job, looks great

[@kingcole327]

I’m starting up a 120 gallon tank and I’m scared to drill it because i don’t know if it’s tempered glass any advice homie

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

KingCole call tank manufacture and make sure. Most tanks back Glass is not tempered. But call make sure

[@Randhart]

Man this loos sweet, good job!!

[@diverdown507]

Hey CJ. If that purple primer bothers you too much you can paint it with white enamel paint. Great build looks great

[@RailFanRick]

Those ball valves also act as unions.

[@Emmanuel-rs7eu]

Great video but one thing with your gluing, dont ever twist back and forth with pcv glue like you did. You might end up with a bad joint and leak in the long run. You push as you rotate clockwise and hold it in place for 30 seconds. But thanks for sharing video.

[@brandonplank4233]

The emergency line doesn't dictate water level

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

The emergency stand pipe in the overflow is the upper limit

[@maddawgzzzz]

love this man. thanks for the encouragement. way better than that tub of lard rico

[@timgentry]

Did you use 1 in plumbing on the return line?

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Tim's Tank yes