currently pipes like valve pipes dont recognize the tank as a tank and as such cant pump from it.

Valve pipes do not pump liquids. Wooden pipes do. Or do you mean valve pipes do not accept liquids?

I was thinking valve pipes were the ones that had a restone engine built in to let it release. if that was the purpose they are not working.

I believe you've mixed up the switch pipes with valve pipes from Addtional Buildcraft Objects. I remember they have integrated engines.