Pvc

my HOB skimmer is blowing bubbles again. right into my DT.

My new idea is to take the elbow off and replace it with something more like a U


so instead of the return being like this (o,O,0 represent bubbles):

||
||
|| ..... ooO0oo
|== ooOo

I want it to do this:


o || o
o || o
o|| o
|___|

So I'm thinking I'll need a T, one additional elbow (2 total) and some pieces to connect it. in this way, the bubble will go up and then I'll just have exploding on the surface bubble problems that I will find some other solution for.


Anyway, my question is, before I go to Home Depot, what kind of PVC pieces can I use for in my tank? Will regular ol white PVC work? The elbow that's on there now is gray.

EDIT: I am not planning on gluing it together... just fitting it together.

 

Schedule 80 PVC would not be needed for this application. White PVC is fine. Once you've perfected it, you can use plastic spray paint to paint it blue or black (Assuming you have a background).

 

Peredhil, you don't have a sump?

 

Thanks! Good info. My background is purple coralline

nope. DT only. No space for it. Next tank will have one for sure.

 

I figured there was a reason your skimmer empties into your DT. :-/

 

Any pipe will do.
Sched 40, 80, whatever. There is one with a much thinner wall, which in turns gives a larger ID then the other. I personally use this as you can get it to bend SLIGHTLY, and the added ID gives me some peace of mind despite the fact I loose any of the benefits seeing as the elbows and such have the normal ID.

Look for elbows with a spigot end. This will allow you to make your U much smaller and save some space.

Here is a picture of one. This way you can use one spigot elbow, and one normal elbow.