PVC Measurements for a 55 River Manifold

happypoet

AC Members
Jul 9, 2010
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Missouri
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Aaron
Hi all,
I was looking for this set of numbers before breaking down and figuring it out myself. I'll leave them here in case someone wants them in the future. Here's the pic, descriptions to follow:
ng9R6.jpg


The PVC is 3/4" diameter.

The three long pieces are 43". Combined with the inch or so from the other side of the elbows, that's 45" of pipe, so 1.5" space on each side. It's about right. I might do 42 or 42.5 if I were to start over, but I have just enough space as is.

There are four 3/4" street elbows on each corner. "Street" means that one end is male, and the other is female, so that they fit directly into the T's.

There are a total of six 3/4" T's, three on each side. As you can see, the middle of each three is at at the same angle as the elbows, while the two outer ones point upward.

Connecting the middle T to the two outer T's is a 1.5" long piece of 3/4" pipe. I have two on each end, so a total of four.

The two upward pipes on the left are 8" long (again, 3/4" diameter), and on the right is one 8", and one 12".

I will probably cut one of the 8" pieces on the left down to 5" or so.

The powerheads (Marineland 1140's, rated at 300 gph each), have their strainers on. They are attached to the 3/4" pipe with a simple 3/4" slip joiner. They do not fit tight, but rather rest snugly. I will silicone around the edges at the top of the joiner to make sure that is water-tight.

On the right I have two more elbows, and two more 8" pieces of PVC (in which I have drilled many 3/16" holes), which are capped at the end. Once again, everything is 3/4" diameter.

I may or may not glue everything together with pvc glue. I have read in many places that this is essential, but I've also read of several people who have NOT glued and had no problems. Things seem pretty snug...

I am doing a slightly unusual set-up, and most people do not use the horizontal additions on the right, and go with slightly shorter (4-6") vertical intake tubes.



So, in sum:

3 x 43" lengths
4 x lengths of 4"-12" of your choice for intake and powerheads.
4 x elbows
6 x T's
2 x joiners if needed for your particular powerhead.

Optional: 2 more elbows and two 6-8" lengths if you want to horizontal intakes as I did.

Please let me know if you have any questions!
 
I've put in pictures of the usual intake for river tanks for those who haven't seen other river tanks. My hope is that will show why your horizontal extensions are different.

I'll be interested in hearing how your intakes work out. I'm fascinated by hill stream loaches.

rivertank2.jpg rivertank1.jpg
 
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I would say you would be able to get away with not gluing if it is snug. Maybe try plugging three holes and blow into it see how it holds. Just a thought. But looks great!
 
I didn't glue mine together. They went together nice and snug.

Question...Are you going to be adding sponges over the intake section or just leave it uncovered?
 
I wouldn't glue them together...I made something similar for brewing (a false bottom manifold with PVC) and the ability to take it apart and clean it is indispensable. Different application, obviously, but it'd still be a nice luxury to have. PVC fits in elbows and Ts really snugly.
 
Why not use an ecotech vortech pump to create the current. The pumps are marine pumps but have settings that could be used in freshwater. Plus the best advantage is you can dial the speed of the pump.
 
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