Replacing Return Pump

[ed0009]

I will be replacing my externally mounted return pump that is attached to a bulkhead in my sump however I need to replace the bulkhead and and glue a pc.of pvc to it. I guess I would have to drain a portion of my sump. The question is how long can the system be turned off so I can do the work?


Thanks,
Ed

[Sniperhank]

You can turn it off for as long as you like as long as the main system has the appropriate amount of flow to keep CO2 exchange going. At a minimum it'll have to be down for 24 hours to make sure the PVC glue is all dry and the silicone for the bulkhead has cured. This is more of a focus on the silicone than the PVC glue/primer.

[ed0009]

Thanks SniperHank. Do you think keeping my power heads on along with a air pump and air stone be enough to aerate tank in the mean time

[Sniperhank]

Easily. You can run a tank sump less with ease. Many people do it, it just makes things easier and convenient. Just go with the power heads. A tank should have 10-50x turnover of the water column. There is no need for an air stone. It'll cause you issues as the popping bubbles will cause salt creep.


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