I have some small 2.5-5 gallon rimless tanks and would like to know if any one has made there own inlet outlet pipes. I want to find clear plastic or glass and bend and drill my own. I found some long test tubes that have one closed end and have been thinking about trying to bend them and cut slots with a diamond cutting wheel for the inlet , for the outlet I was going to heat a glass tube and push the end over a steel ball bearing to get the flare.

I would think it would work but would like some input before I try it.

Thank you
Donnie

Get some acrylic extruded rods, and use a heat gun to bend them.

It sounds simple enough, I would think people would be doing it

If you Google "DIY acrylic lily pipes" there's a ton of tutorials, a bunch of them on this site even. A number of Youtube video tutorials too. Plenty to get yourself comfortable and started.

I've ordered some extruded pipes from U.S. Plastic Corp and got a cheap heat gun from Harbor Freight. For about $35 I have enough supplies to make myself 10 sets, so even if I mess up the first 5, I'm still coming out ahead and having a bit of fun.

I did a little glass blowing in college for my chemistry program. It requires skill, but isn't rocket science. I'd say go for it if you have time and want to give it a try.

+1 to acrylic because its much easier to mold then glass...

I've done some in acrylic. I've posted some photos in my ada mini m journal in my signature below. really fun project.

Yep, I made my own and it wasn't pretty. I TIG welded this out of 316 stainless steel. The idea was to make a "drop box" that I could easily pour dry ferts / concentrated chemicals into. To get the best mixing action, I designed it to put a strong vortex onto the water before it went down to the cascade 700. Uggggg, HORRIBLE IDEA!! The execution was flawless and it doesn't leak a drop, but the design was a complete "FAIL."

The vortex is so strong that it sucks air into the downcomer and thus the pump is constantly chopping air. ++sigh++

I fixed it by cutting a 'red plastic party cup' in half and sticking that into chamber. That prevents a swirling action and just lets the water drop in.

If anyone else tries something like this, make sure you have at lest 4 or 5 inches between the side inlet and the bottom outlet. Also, don't offset the inlet; put it 'straight on' so the water chaotically gushes in.

dimensions:
Inlet 3/4" ASME pipe
Outlet 3/4" NPT female
Diameter of column, 2 3/8"

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