Aquarium Plumbing Installation Tips

Aquariums are a terrific addition to any backyard. They look great and they are so relaxing. Of course installation is quite a project. If you are about to plumb an aquarium you are going to want to check out these aquarium plumbing installation tips.

1. Never reduce the intake of any pump or you will greatly reduce the life of the pump. 2. Do not reduce the return of the pump unless absolutely necessary. If you reduce the return line of the pump then you will need to increase the shut off head. This will shorten the life of the pump so don't do it unless it is an absolute must. 3. Use a screen on the intake side of your pump. Most of the submersible pumps actually come with the screen but if your pump does not you will need to place one. 4. Use a plumbing line that is larger than the pump intake diameter to feed your pump. Reduce it right at the pump. This ensures your pump runs correctly. 5. Do not hard plumb the return line of your pump. This is the biggest mistake amateurs make. It increases the pressure and makes the pump have to work too hard and it will burn up. 6. You should not have to have a valve more than 1/3 of the way from your pump. If you do then it's too large. If you valve a pump your pump will run hotter and if the pump is too large it will cavitate which will damage the pump. 7. Never use the maximum flow rate of the filter. If the filter can't keep up with the pump then you've got too little filtration or too much pump. 8. The maximum turnover shouldn't ever be more than 5 times the volume of the aquarium. 9. If you are setting up a central filtration system you need to make sure that everything is balanced. 10. You should use a separate pump to drive your skimmer. It will eliminate the need to constantly adjust valves.

Taking on an aquarium project is a real commitment especially if you plan to house fish. These 10 tips to aquarium plumbing will help keep you on the right track. Of course installing and maintaining are a big project but worth it all!