Above tank fuge set-up questions

[cpreefguy]

Hey, I got a free fuge and stand (thanks eleyan!!!) and I had some set-up questions. I have it pretty much ready to go, I just had some questions about the plumbing. The top of the fuge sits about 4 inches above the top of my main tank and the water line in the fuge will be about 2 inches above the main water line. Im going to have a 200gph pump in the main tank going to the fuge and 1" line back to the main tank. I was wondering if there is some sort of valve I can buy so if the power goes out or if Im doing water changes my tank wont overflow. Any suggestions?

[SaltyJim]

I would think that gravity would help you out in these situations. If the power goes out, the fuge will drain until the water goes below the return line. As long as your tank has enough volume available, you should not overflow. I'd be more concerned with something blocking your 1" line back to the main tank and overflowing the fuge. Can you make that any larger?

Jim

[dan]

i agree with salty jim. need to go with 1 1/2 drain. your fuge will only drain out where you have the bulk head at the top of the fuge no matter how high your water level is above the main tank.

[wkopplin]

You can also install a pipe that is just below the surface of you fuge which will quickly be dry in the event of a power failure. Put a screen on the 1" pipe if you need to. That will keep snails and critters from getting in there.

Also, try to get the fuge drain line into your tank as level with the surface of you tank as possible to avoid bubble issues.

[SaltyJim]

You can also install a pipe that is just below the surface of you fuge which will quickly be dry in the event of a power failure.

I'm not sure what you mean by this. Could you explain Blake?


Put a screen on the 1" pipe if you need to. That will keep snails and critters from getting in there.

The screen is a great idea, just not too fine a mesh that would keep the benefits of a gravity-fed fuge from flowing into the tank (ie pods).

Jim

[wkopplin]

You submerge your drain pipe from the fuge just below the surface. I have seen this done when the drain bulkhead is not at the top of the fuge, but rather at the bottom. Even when it is at the top, if you put an elbow in it and aim it upwards, you can get a little more water volume out of your fuge.

That way if the power goes out, it stops the drain almost instantly. Downside is that it can be a little loud, but if you are running fuge - like volumes through there, it should be quiet.

[SaltyJim]

Oh...I see. I was just envisioning your idea backwards, and could not figure out how it would help. Your description makes a lot more sense to me now. :)

[alexwolf]

i had a problem with the drail below the surface, it would back up and overflow. I added a street 90 facing upwards like Blake said, and now no problems.

[cpreefguy]

Hmm, Im still a little confused. Thanks for the replies. If someone tells me what I need to buy and wants to come and help me set it up, Id be more than happy to give whomever some frags...

[cpreefguy]

pretty please???