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03/08/2018, 11:32 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 9
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3/4" or 1" return - help please
thank you. I have 2 reef tanks (125G and 110G) that I am about to consolidate my fish and corals into a new acrylic 180. The 180 is peninsula style (viewed from 3 sides) with a single overflow box on one end. In the overflow box, there are two drain holes that will accommodate 1 1/2" PVC (I'll use 1 for drain and one for emergency) and a single return hole which will accommodate a 3/4" PVC. Here's where I need help.
Do you think it would be advisable to drill the return hole larger to accommodate 1" PVC? Both of my other tanks use 3/4" but I don't have nearly as strong of a pump on them (my new pump will push 4,100GPH at full power). Not sure if it makes a difference, but I'm also going to run 2 MP40's from the same end of the tank. Flow shouldn't be an issue. Anyway, that's one question/dilemma. |
03/08/2018, 11:46 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 20,050
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Your return hole size and piping used should be suitable for the pump being used and to not create a restriction..
Typically that would be the same size as the outlet of the pump or greater.. I highly doubt your 4100GPH pump has such a tiny 3/4" outlet.. And NO WAY are you going to get 4100GPH through 3/4" or even 1" really. oh and FYI.. Typically for a 180G tank having return pump flowrate of up to 1800GPH after head loss.. (typically recommended to have 3 to 10x display tank size) is suitable.. 4100GPH is massive overkill unless your sump is in your basement or 10+feet below the display tank
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03/08/2018, 03:39 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Olympia. WA.
Posts: 8,648
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If you are going to use loc-line on the inside of your tank on the return, might as well stay with the 3/4" bulkhead. As far as I know ( or could find) loc-line doesn't come in 1"
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240 gallon soft coral tank 50 gallon lps tank |
03/08/2018, 06:13 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: Jul 2016
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Got it. I have a smaller pump I think I'll use instead (I was just thinking bigger is better!!). I will have a manifold running off it, but that won't draw much flow at all. Thank you.
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03/08/2018, 09:01 PM | #5 |
Snar snar
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Pinellas, FL
Posts: 929
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MP40 will only make it half way, go with 1.5” Everything and use the big pump. If you want quiet go with DC.
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Simplify, trust me... Current Tank Info: 180 Gallon Reef, Apex, Simplicity 320 DC Skimmer, 3 Radions Gen2,1 mp40w, Jebao PP-20, 55g sump, Jebao DCP-15000 |
03/08/2018, 09:31 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: May 2013
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 528
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Other than the ability to fit bulkheads (don't forget the flange size and space to swing a wrench), larger pipes are never worse. If you are using loc-line you can always bring up a large pipe, split, then have multiple loc-line outlets.
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03/08/2018, 11:58 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: May 2003
Location: Anaheim, CA
Posts: 6,902
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4100 GPH is a lot of flow and way more then you need. For that much flow you really want 1.5” tubing. I doubt you overflow will be able to handle 4100 gph. It is also very possible your sump will not either. It costs a lot in electricity to pump that much water up 6’ or so with no real benefit. Like uncle said 1800 GPH is plenty.
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240G mixed reef, 29G SPS/LPS clam tank, 50G mixed reef Current Tank Info: 300g mixed reef, 50g cube |
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