Drain Design...Works or not?

[ReefRockerLive]

I have 2 choices to choose from when it comes to deciding if I am going to use the MegaFlow design from All-Glass or a simple 1" PVC and the strainer that comes with the bulkhead kit facing upwards.
I will post a picture tomarrow to better clearify what I am trying to do.
Thanks

[nyfireman3097]

yes that would help out alot
Nick

[ReefRockerLive]

Here are those pictures:

Above is the megaflow design from All-Glass


Above is the simple drain setup

Which setup works best with the less chance of suddenly stoping due to insufficiant flow?

[nyfireman3097]

the top is the best to go with JMHO
Nick

[nbd13]

use the top, it will give you less noise and is a better design IMO.

Nick

[GTR]

The "simple design" will simply keep you awake a night.
Use of the strainer is a good idea but be sure you can get to it to clean it on a regular basis. Have an extra onhand so when you drop it into the abyss you'll have another to replace it.

SteveU

[ReefRockerLive]

I guess I'll go with the top design. Now...how do I start it up? Were would I place the airline tubing to get the flow started?

[nyfireman3097]

starts its self its a drain the water gets up to the level n it drains into it
Nick

[GTR]

The return to the sump will start and continue by gravity. Even though the strainer is well below water level the water will be pushed up into the line.

BE SURE THE PIECE OUT OF THE WATER has a small breather hole drilled in it to allow the air to escape. That hole will also need to be cleared of salt build up to keep it the same size and open.

SteveU

[ReefRockerLive]

How would I go about stoping the flow if I need to change something?
Thanks,
Vinny

[nyfireman3097]

shut off valve on the line so u close it stop water from flowing out shut off return pump
Nick

[ReefRockerLive]

If I am understanding this right...I would have to drill a hole on the cap that is on the top of the megaflow design and fit a small check valve in that hole and attach some airline tubing to the other end of the airline check valve and at the end of the tubing, I would need a shut off valve.
Were would I get a shut off valve? Are they the ones that come with the maxi-jet pumps, the ones you turn to shut off air circulation?

[CCG]

You do need to drill a small hole in the top cap (this prevents siphoning) but you don’t need to do anything else to it. No check valve or hose. When you shut off your pump the water still stop flowing by itself so you don’t really have to do anything. If you want to put a shut off valve on the drain you can but you don’t need to.

Colin

[Orion76]

^ what he said ^

A shut off valve is redundant, water will stop flowing when you turn off the pump. And if you'd close this valve with the pump running you'll get wet feet

[ReefRockerLive]

I finally got the water in the tank! I will be starting up the overflow tomarrow and pump.
When I was putting the water in the tank, my sand was stirred up again and the tank is cloudy again, if the tank remains cloudy for more than 10 hours, will I need to do a water change?
Also, I may need some more sand, were would I get some southdown like sand?