Return Pump has 1/2" outlet, but I'm using 1" PVC

peekay · 11/14/2018, 12:46 PM

I bought a 'standard' return pump when I purchased my SCAquarium and it has a 1/2 " threaded outlet (see picture). The pump came with a 1/2" adapter to create a 1/2" barbed fitting. When I asked Steve at SCAquarium about how to plumb this he sent a picture of the 1" tubing over the 1/2" barbed fitting tied down with a zip tie (see picture - doesn't seem to be the most secure method). In your guys' expert experience, what are my plumbing options if I'm using solid sched 40 PVC to plumb my system?

PK

nereefpat · 11/14/2018, 01:26 PM

I would use 1/2" tubing over the 1/2' barb. Then use barb to threaded or barb to slip adapters and to get your 1" pvc.

homer1475 · 11/14/2018, 01:58 PM

I ended up buying a male screw to glue fitting, then a bushing to go from 1/2 to 1. I originally bought a PNP system from steve, so have that exact same pump. I use it on my mixing station now.

peekay · 11/14/2018, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homer1475

I ended up buying a male screw to glue fitting, then a bushing to go from 1/2 to 1. I originally bought a PNP system from steve, so have that exact same pump. I use it on my mixing station now.

That's exactly what I was thinking. What pump did you end up going with for your return on the PNP system?

I'm thinking about switching up.

homer1475 · 11/14/2018, 02:09 PM

I bought a waveline(forget model number) only because of it's apex integration and neptune had not come out with thier's yet. Been rock solid for 3 years now, low energy usage, and it's about the size of a soda can.

WVfishguy · 11/14/2018, 02:12 PM

That's not a twist tie, that's a plastic hose clamp. You can but those at hardware stores, or an online aquarium supply store like Bulk Reef Supply, I think. I have some but don't know where I got them.

I'd try 3/4 inch OD tubing over the 1/2 barb to cut down on back pressure IF IT FITS SNUGLY. And if you need to use hard PVC, I'd 3/4 inch. It's less likely to restrict flow if (when) algae & gunk build up in the tubing. And it will fit the barb better. With such little back pressure (depending on the elbows in your system) there's little chance of the hose coming off. But I'd use two hose clamps - those plastic ones are not the most secure things in the world.

You can buy various PVC adapters for any size you need. You can increase the 3/4 to 1 inch easily.

I'd never hard plumb PVC to the pump. You need to be able to remove the pump easily for cleaning or replacement. You probably knew that.

homer1475 · 11/14/2018, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WVfishguy

I'd never hard plumb PVC to the pump. You need to be able to remove the pump easily for cleaning or replacement. You probably knew that.

As mentioned, never hard plumb directly to the pump. I guess I should have mentioned I have a section of spa flex and a union for easy removal, and sound dampening.

peekay · 11/14/2018, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homer1475

As mentioned, never hard plumb directly to the pump. I guess I should have mentioned I have a section of spa flex and a union for easy removal, and sound dampening.

Yes, for sure. I've read that. I plan on using a small length of spa flex from the pump to the hard PVC for sure.

homer1475 · 11/14/2018, 02:40 PM

Let me dig through photobucket, might still have a photo.

homer1475 · 11/14/2018, 02:49 PM

This is a good one. Here you can see how I attached spa flex to the stock pump. Alo the size difference between the waveline, and stock pump.

peekay · 11/14/2018, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homer1475

This is a good one. Here you can see how I attached spa flex to the stock pump. Alo the size difference between the waveline, and stock pump.

Where did you find the male threaded slip fitting that screws onto the SCA pump? I was thinking of doing the same, but I can't seem to find the part.

homer1475 · 11/14/2018, 03:33 PM

lowes. It's actually 2 parts. 1/2" Male threaded x 1/2" female slip, then a 1/2" x 1" coupler.

11/14/2018, 01:26 PM	#2
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	I would use 1/2" tubing over the 1/2' barb. Then use barb to threaded or barb to slip adapters and to get your 1" pvc. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

11/14/2018, 01:58 PM	#3
homer1475 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 5,313	I ended up buying a male screw to glue fitting, then a bushing to go from 1/2 to 1. I originally bought a PNP system from steve, so have that exact same pump. I use it on my mixing station now. __________________ 80G SCA Build: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2560256 Originally posted by der_wille_zur_macht: "He's just taking his lunch to work"

11/14/2018, 02:09 PM	#5
homer1475 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 5,313	I bought a waveline(forget model number) only because of it's apex integration and neptune had not come out with thier's yet. Been rock solid for 3 years now, low energy usage, and it's about the size of a soda can. __________________ 80G SCA Build: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2560256 Originally posted by der_wille_zur_macht: "He's just taking his lunch to work"

11/14/2018, 02:40 PM	#9
homer1475 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 5,313	Let me dig through photobucket, might still have a photo. __________________ 80G SCA Build: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2560256 Originally posted by der_wille_zur_macht: "He's just taking his lunch to work"

11/14/2018, 02:49 PM	#10
homer1475 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 5,313	This is a good one. Here you can see how I attached spa flex to the stock pump. Alo the size difference between the waveline, and stock pump. __________________ 80G SCA Build: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2560256 Originally posted by der_wille_zur_macht: "He's just taking his lunch to work"

11/14/2018, 02:12 PM	#6
WVfishguy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Huntington, WV Posts: 677	That's not a twist tie, that's a plastic hose clamp. You can but those at hardware stores, or an online aquarium supply store like Bulk Reef Supply, I think. I have some but don't know where I got them. I'd try 3/4 inch OD tubing over the 1/2 barb to cut down on back pressure IF IT FITS SNUGLY. And if you need to use hard PVC, I'd 3/4 inch. It's less likely to restrict flow if (when) algae & gunk build up in the tubing. And it will fit the barb better. With such little back pressure (depending on the elbows in your system) there's little chance of the hose coming off. But I'd use two hose clamps - those plastic ones are not the most secure things in the world. You can buy various PVC adapters for any size you need. You can increase the 3/4 to 1 inch easily. I'd never hard plumb PVC to the pump. You need to be able to remove the pump easily for cleaning or replacement. You probably knew that.

11/14/2018, 03:33 PM	#12
homer1475 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 5,313	lowes. It's actually 2 parts. 1/2" Male threaded x 1/2" female slip, then a 1/2" x 1" coupler. __________________ 80G SCA Build: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2560256 Originally posted by der_wille_zur_macht: "He's just taking his lunch to work" Last edited by homer1475; 11/14/2018 at 03:41 PM.