Gluing PVC into a Vectra pump
People often ask how do you plumb the Vectra pump to your tank. While I know it is easier to use flexible tubing, that's never my preference. Plus, the Vectra doesn't come with a hose barb connection. Whether you use this pump internally or externally, it's still important to get the PVC glued into the blue part correctly.
The Vectra M1 uses 3/4" PVC pipe. That's what you see in the picture above, it's the return pump for the 60g frag system.
The blue fitting is very shallow (I still wish they'd double the height of this one part so it matches every other PVC fitting on the market). Cut the pvc pipe perfectly straight so every bit of surface in the connection will have pipe against it. Using ABS to PVC cement: Apply the cleaner primer first on the fitting and the PVC pipe, then the solvent on both as well. Place the blue fitting on the ground on a board or thick cardboard and press the PVC in firmly and hold for 20 seconds so it's completely seated.
I do flip it up quickly to verify it's completely seated, then press back down on the solid surface so it won't work its way out again. While holding it in place, I run my finger around the seam to clean away any excess and smooth that area. This connection isn't a big challenge, you just have to know what you're going to do as you have to work quickly. If you did a good job, the inside of the connection should be PVC flush with the base of the blue part.
Lastly, don't forget about placing the collar around this fitting before gluing the next connection ... just like you do with any union.
