1/2" pvc for return on 30 gallon tank

[Chris Villalobos]

When I first plumbed my tank I didn't think I would need a high turnover rate so I installed a 1/2" return bulkhead. But, now I'm looking for that magical x10 turnover rate, and I'm surprised that my 700 gph (Aquatop Maxflow Submersible Pump SWP-2600) is only providing 90gph! Only x3 turnover.

I have 3.5 ft vertical height. One 90 degree elbow. One neck down adaptor from 3/4" ID hose to 1/2" PVC. And one t-off to run a uv sterilizer at around 30gph returning back into the sump.

My question: Is 1/2" pvc really that restrictive or is my Aquatop Pump with 7' max head just a piece of junk?

I need around 200 gph to get that magical 10x turnover.

 

[Smo]

Why do you think you need 10x turnover and how are you measuring your pumps installed output?

 

[Cornerboy]

Following. I just picked up one and a quarter inch PVC for my new 55 gal build. I'm interested in what people have to say...

 

[Chris Villalobos]

Why do you think you need 10x turnover and how are you measuring your pumps installed output?

Going for the Triton method with the idea of getting the waste from the display tank down to the sump as fast as possible. I measure my pump's output by measuring the rate of water coming from my overflow. Right now I'm getting 2 cups water per 5 seconds.

I talked with a representative from BRS and am going with a 1585 gph controllable Skimz DC unit. The head pressure is just too much for my current pump but according to BRS 1/2" pvc should be able to handle 200 to 300 gph.

 

[Cornerboy]

I need to look at the Skims DC. I ordered the Sicce 3.5 which I want to use to get started and will eventually use as a backup I hope. I'm still looking for more information to come out on the Sicce SDC 7.0 and the COR. I was also looking at the s-1 as you were but I think I will run into a similar head pressure problem as my sump is in the next room, 20 ft away. This is for a 55 gallon Corner tank with a 55 gallon sump. I don't want to do all the plumbing twice so I went with one and a quarter inch PVC to give me room to grow. I hear that bigger is better for the flow and head pressure but this is my first build. I'd like to avoid Plumbing it twice if I upgrade down the road

 

[Chris Villalobos]

If I had to do it over again I would have not wasted my time with 1/2". Looks like 300 gph is pushing the max velocity for that diameter. For the same velocity 3/4" pipe flows around 600 gph.

https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pvc-pipes-friction-loss-d_803.html

 

[WWIII]

I think BRS gave you the best solution for the current situation!

 

[Chris Villalobos]

Following. I just picked up one and a quarter inch PVC for my new 55 gal build. I'm interested in what people have to say...

I guess my only thought would be that I wouldn't want to install 1 1/4" bulkheads on a 55 gallon tank for aesthetic reasons. But I guess I could always just neck the lines down to fit the smaller bulkheads on the tank. I like the idea of a 55 gallon sump that would be really nice for a zero water change system.

 

[Cornerboy]

I guess my only thought would be that I wouldn't want to install 1 1/4" bulkheads on a 55 gallon tank for aesthetic reasons. But I guess I could always just neck the lines down to fit the smaller bulkheads on the tank. I like the idea of a 55 gallon sump that would be really nice for a zero water change system.

It came drilled with a three-quarter inch and 1 inch hole in the bottom and it's tempered glass so I'm not touching the bulkheads. I think I'm going to put in two true Union ball valve at the bottom of the tank and then change it to one and a quarter inch throughout the rest of the system.

I would love to get to ZERO water changes!! I've already been told to never vacuum my 3-inch sand bed because I want to keep tons of copepods.

The waterkeeping plan is looking like this:
1) 75 lbs Pukani + some marine pure
2) chaeto fuge
3) Omega 130 protein skimmer
4) ozone (very little)
5) kalkwasser & vinegar ATO
6) dose magnesium/trace elements and feed amino acids.

So what do you think will be my weakest link? What am I missing? Cyno?

 

[Chris Villalobos]

I think you have thought a lot about your setup and there are a million ways to set up a tank that will work. As long as you stick to a plan and learn from your mistakes you will be a great reef keeper. I personally vacuum my sand bed because eventually detritus builds up. There is just stuff that breaks down to the point of being dust that the aquarium will not consume further.

I'm setting up to try the Triton method, because I know I can keep my nutrient levels close to zero in my tank without water changes. The only reason I did water changes in the past is because I didn't know what was going on with my trace elements.

Triton has a three part dosing system keyed off alkalinity consumption that supposedly replaces all the trace elements at the appropriate levels. They also recommend that you use their full spectrum water test a few times a year ($40 a test) to make sure your water stays inline with seawater.

With a huge fuge area like yours using chaeto and 10x turnover you could try it. But with zero water changes, I think you'll have to go with the Triton dosing or your water would definitely become stripped of trace elements.

 

[Cornerboy]

Yeah. I'm definitely going to do the Triton test once or twice a year. I'm a eventually be in that "Triton other" category. I'm just trying to set up a system with a very low recurring cost and relatively low recurring maintenance. I'm not even sure if kalkwasser, vinegar dosing, and ozone may be overkill for an LPS softie tank, but I think it's a good initial plan of attack. Thanks for the feedback Chris!!

 

[Paleozoic_reefer]

OK...so this doesn’t have anything to do with your original question but it’s good to see another “Villalobos” on R2R!!

 

[Cornerboy]

Ooops!! So, sorry for the hijacking!! Now i must Google villalobos...

 

[Paleozoic_reefer]

Ha!! Cornerboy, my name is Joshua Villalobos and it’s not very often I see someone with the same last name....especially on the best saltwater tank forum on the web!

 

[Cornerboy]

Welcome Chris!! You sound like an old-timer already.

 

[S.O.MLemos]

I’m running to 1/2” return lines on my 55 with a various 2 pump and I’m getting at least 500gph and it’s not even turned up all the way. I’d say you have a pump issue but that’s just my input

 

[S.O.MLemos]

Sorry I just read your post again and thought you said you had 2 - 1/2” returns not just one. Makes more sense now

 

[Chris Villalobos]

I’m running to 1/2” return lines on my 55 with a various 2 pump and I’m getting at least 500gph and it’s not even turned up all the way. I’d say you have a pump issue but that’s just my input

Good to know. I double checked my plumbing for blockages, but didn't find any. It must be the pump.

 

[S.O.MLemos]

I was very hesitant when I bought my pump because of price(I was very close to ordering Jabeo stuff) but a friend talked me into it and I’m so glad I spent the extra money for reef octo pump and protein skimmer.

“The pump is like the heart of your system so get a good one or you’ll have a stroke” are his exact words lol

 

[Chris Villalobos]

Sorry I just read your post again and thought you said you had 2 - 1/2” returns not just one. Makes more sense now

Ahhh. OK. I was really surprised when you said you were getting 500gph. I really do like those 1/2" bulkheads cause they seem tiny compared to the 1" bulkhead. I was able to install them closer to the top of the aquarium too. Plumping two would have been a great idea for my tank.