Drain and return size question?

NeSsyAqua · Nov 28, 2017

What would u guys recommend, 1 inch drain (herbie style overflow) and 3/4 inch return or 1 inch drain (herbie style overflow) and 1 inch return?? Pls help me decide if wats a better choice for my tank??
Its a 60g rimless cube btw.

Roggio · Nov 28, 2017

1” Return, 1” drain, 1” emergency drain

mfinn · Nov 28, 2017

If the tank is undrilled, checkout the eshopps large overflow kit.
Then you can have a bean animal style 3 drain system.

NeSsyAqua · Nov 28, 2017

mfinn said:
If the tank is undrilled, checkout the eshopps large overflow kit.
Then you can have a bean animal style 3 drain system.

Tank is reef ready. So it has an overflow and already drilled.

Drauka99 · Nov 28, 2017

Most Reef ready have 2 - 1" holes in the overflow. That is suitable for a Herbie drain and emergency. You would need a return line, I vote a 1" return as well to minimize the head loss.

NeSsyAqua · Nov 28, 2017

I did some research and majority says that 1 inch drain and 3/4 inch return is better so bigger drain smaller return, is it true?

Drauka99 · Nov 28, 2017

if noise is not an issue then yes that should be fine. A herbie drain uses a valve to create a full siphon on one drain and then has a backup open drain in case the flow overwhelms the siphon line (or the siphon line gets clogged). if you are utilizing a single drain (durso style most likely) you won't (OR SHOULD NOT) be using a valve.

NeSsyAqua · Nov 28, 2017

Drauka99 said:
if noise is not an issue then yes that should be fine. A herbie drain uses a valve to create a full siphon on one drain and then has a backup open drain in case the flow overwhelms the siphon line (or the siphon line gets clogged). if you are utilizing a single drain (durso style most likely) you won't (OR SHOULD NOT) be using a valve.

Tank has 2 hole for a 1 inch bulkhead and im using those 2 to create a herbie style drain. And the main drain is gonna have a valve and the emergency is not gonna have a valve.
My question is, is 1 inch drain and 3/4 inch return better than 1 inch drain and 1 inch return. (Bigger drain and smaller return?)

Drauka99 · Nov 28, 2017

all 3 being 1" would be best. A 3/4" return is going to create greater head loss (less flow from) on your return pump. If I had to chose which one to leave 3/4 if one HAD to be 3/4 then it would be the return line.

NeSsyAqua · Nov 28, 2017

Drauka99 said:
all 3 being 1" would be best. A 3/4" return is going to create greater head loss (less flow from) on your return pump. If I had to chose which one to leave 3/4 if one HAD to be 3/4 then it would be the return line.

I dont really care about flow coming from my return cause ill be adding 3 powerheads. So does it matter?

Drauka99 · Nov 29, 2017

To me it does. Head Loss = less flow which means less efficiency from your return pump. i would rather plump something to maximize the efficiency of whatever pump I use and then adjust the pump size for the flow I want.

Rip Van Winkle · Nov 29, 2017

NeSsyAqua said:
I dont really care about flow coming from my return cause ill be adding 3 powerheads. So does it matter?

It really does matter if you have a sump. Circulating flow in the tank is different than flow throughout a system (tank and sump).

I think that your tank is already drilled to 1"? So maybe this is a mute point but in case I'm mistaken and it's not, then I would suggest going as large a drain as you can.
Why? Many reasons. Maybe the primary reason being that if you ever decide to upgrade your return pump the larger drain will be able to accommodate the higher flow rate.

I recently had to take home a sea cucumber. Today I found my sea cucumber in one of my drains. Luckily my drains are 2" so it wasn't a problem but if they had been smaller, it would have been a disaster.

I find myself repeating this suggestion (for as large size drains as possible) very often. Can I ask why most people try to put the smallest drain possible on their systems and limit themselves? I just don't see the logic in it. Because it's cheaper?

For your return, I agree with what Drauka99 states above. But again, go as large as you can (afford?).

Ferrell · Nov 29, 2017

+1 as large a drain or drains as you can muster. And as large a return that is feasible. My 75 has bean animal 1 1/2” and 1” return and is flowing awesome ...once balanced of course. I can even dial up the pump to 100% with no adverse effects on flow or problems drawing. The large lines can take it.