Manifold on top of bracing?

[billpa]

Hi Anthony,

I'm getting ready to build a manifold for my 180g FOWLR. It will be on a closed loop powered by an Ampmaster 3000 (3600gph). The output is 1.5" and I was planning on keeping it 1.5" until I got to the top of the tank and then dropping down to 3/4" for the manifold. This size pipe is the largest I can go without actually seeing it. Now I am thinking dropping the size that small for the entire perimeter might not be a good thing. I could be wrong though

Any thoughts?

I was also considering running the manifold on top of my eurobrace. I would keep it 1.5" and use reducing tees for the outputs...probably 1" or 3/4" outputs.

Thanks in advance,

billpa

[billpa]

ttt...anyone?

[Anthony Calfo]

you certainly could use 1/2" pipe topside if you want more velocity from effluents, or simply more effluents/tees

[billpa]

Thanks for the input Anthony

I didn't mean 1/2" pipe, I meant 1.5" pipe. I thought it would be better if I kept the pipe diameter as wide as I could around the perimeter and then use reducing tees (ie. 1.5"x1.5"x3/4") for the outputs. But I think I am going to stick with my original plan of 3/4" perimeter under the bracing...then add loc-line to all the outputs to make it adjustable.

Does anyone know how locline connects to pvc? I have seen the male thread adapters but I was curious if it slip fits into pvc. I have never used loc-line so I dont know how it works.

Thanks!

billpa

[Anthony Calfo]

you've misunderstood mate (I was not clear, my apologies)... I did mean at the point of reduction (tees).

So instead of going from 1.5" down to only 3/4" (tees), the final reduction is to 1/2"

As for the articulated pipe... it very friendly/easy. There a wide range of adapters such as the threaded ones.

[billpa]

Oh....my bad I gotcha. Would you recommend one over the other? I was under the impression that the more I keep my pump (Ampmaster) at 1.5" output, the better. If I drop down to 3/4" for the entire manifold, will I be sacrificing volume for velocity? Thanks for all the help Anthony. I will make sure to take a ton of pictures so the next guy, or bloke as you put it , will have a better understanding. I have read all there is on RC about manifolds...there are a few threads with photos that have helped out tremendously but they are few and far between.

Thanks

billpa

[Anthony Calfo]

yes... sacrificing volume for velocity, the former being very fine to have (diffused) so long as the total turnover is rather massive. Most folks don't have/use pumps big enough for a diffused manifold with 3/4" or larger tees...

but no worries... you can always buy a handful of reducer fittings to step down from 3/4 to 1/2" if you don't like the results. Much easier than routing out a 1/2" tee to step back up

and big thanks for posting pics! It will be appreciated by many. Thanks kindly

[Hawk72]

billpa,

I have found that if you bring the 1.5" up to the manifold you get a much more consistant flow from your outlets. In my case I brought 1" PVC up to the manifold inlet tee then reduced the inlet tee to 1/2" for the manifold its self.

Jason

[billpa]

thanks Jason!

bill