90 Gallon DIY Return Flow Problem

[MaggieTX]

I just finished up hard plumbing for my 90 gallon rimless tank. When I went and turned on my pump for the water test this was the result. The return rate is no where near what I expected. Are there any obvious flaws that y'all can see? It is 3/4th inch PVC, there is one true union swing check valve, one 90 degree angle, and one 45 degree angle. The pump is a Jebao 6500 and is supposed to be rated for 1700 GPH. I know its not going to do 1700 but, I was expecting around 1000. Please help

 

[WVNed]

Nice pics. I don't see any of the overflow or plumbing though. If you only have 1 drain you will get approximatly 400 gph through it. Less because of the fittings.

http://www.reefaquarium.com/2012/aquarium-plumbing-basics/

 

[MaggieTX]

 

[WVNed]

It looks good to me. That is about all the flow you will get with that size plumbing. I am no wizard of plumbing though.

 

[Fudsey]

Is that last pic while the return is running? Looks like your check valve isn't opening completely in that pic. I'd remove it anyways.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Nice pics. I don't see any of the overflow or plumbing though. If you only have 1 drain you will get approximatly 400 gph through it. Less because of the fittings.

http://www.reefaquarium.com/2012/aquarium-plumbing-basics/

More with full siphon

 

[MaggieTX]

Is that last pic while the return is running? Looks like your check valve isn't opening completely in that pic. I'd remove it anyways.

The pump is not running in that picture. Wouldn't removing the swing valve be dangerous if the pump were to fail and create a back siphon?

 

[Fudsey]

If your returns are above the waterline then no. If below, it will drain until they are exposed. I have a basement sump and my returns are above or at the water level for just this reason. What's in the pipes won't even come close to overflowing my sump.

 

[Fritzhamer]

I'd remove the check valve also, I don't trust them at all. Drill a siphon break at the top in case the locline gets submerged ever or make sure it doesn't get submerged. Make sure the Jebao is running at 100% of course. You'll get better with 1" plumbing but no where near 1,000 gph.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

I dont know. I am running and older Jeboa/Speedwave rated at about the same flow on my 75g. 3/4" lock line 90° elbow to 3/4" tube to 3/4" manifold with 2 90°elbows, to 3/4" tube to the pump. I am only running my pump at 50% and get a goid amount of flow, at 100% its like turning on the garden hose full blast. I am running a beanamimal drain 1" pcv pipe.

 

[Fritzhamer]

You're also splitting the return which will reduce the perceived total flow.

 

[MaggieTX]

Okay so I took yall's advice and removed all of the hard plumbing and replaced it with soft tube. I just wanted to see it it was the plumbing or the pump size that was the problem. I am so much happier with this return rate! I still might reduce the size of the flare nozzles from 3 inch to 2 1/4th inch. Thank you for all of your help, I am beyond grateful.