Help with Bean Animal Setup

[Cruz Mc5]

I'm currently working on the drain for my new tank. Tank is around 90 gallons and has an internal overflow box. There are 4 1.75 inch holes in the bottom. My plan is for 3 drains/1 return. Given the hole size, the bulkheads will be able to fit a 1" pipe. After leaving the bottom of the tank, the pipes will go through a wall, into my garage, and then have about a 6-10 foot horizontal run to the sump. The total change in height will be around 5 feet (from top of drain, to exit point in sump).

Should I simply run 1" pipe for all the drains?

Or should I run 1.5" pipe in the overflow, reduce to 1" to get through the bulkhead, and then go back to 1.5" for the rest of the run?

Or should I do a combination of both. 1.5 inch in the overflow, reduce to 1" for the bulkhead, and keep them at 1" after the bulkhead on the way to the sump?

Thanks in advance for the help and sorry if this has been asked a bunch before. I tried doing some searches and couldn't find a good answer.

 

[Hitman]

I did 1” then 1.5” from the bottom of the bulkhead to the sump. I also did 1.5” from my pumps back to the bulkheads then 1” again for my return.

 

[JoshH]

I would Keep it simple, 1 inch plumbing will handle a TON of flow for your 90. I don't see a need to change sizes on the drains atall, aside from the return where I would suggest doing what @Hitman describes above.

I will add, if you don't already have bulkheads that fit, be careful of buying 1" bulkheads as some will fit a 1 3/4" hole and others need a 1 7/8" hole. Pay attention in the description of the bulkhead when you go to buy

 

[Cruz Mc5]

Thanks guys. The only reason I was questioning it was because on the original design, it was a 1.5” pipe and a 1” bulkhead. He reduced it just to get it through the bulkhead and then went back to 1.5”. I also saw threads suggesting that 1” isn’t necessarily big enough for a quiet operation, but then saw others running a 1” fine.

And thanks for the tip about the bulkheads. I’m picking them up tomorrow so I’ll make sure and double check everything.

 

[Hitman]

Correct me if I’m wrong but I think the size differences are Schedule 80 vs 40 with the 80’s needing a bigger hole as they are thicker. Most tanks will use the black schedule 40’s unless the manufacturer designed them for 80’s. With that said most people that drill their own hole drill them for 80’s as they are 5x as strong.

 

[ScottBrew]

Here's a calculator I found a while back for flow rate, http://www.calctool.org/CALC/eng/civil/hazen-williams_g . With the parameters you gave, a full siphon will give you about 1400 gal/hr with a 1" pipe. I would recommend using 90 PVC sweeps instead of regular 90's and try to run it downhill at as constant of an angle as possible, so as to minimize any flat horizontal runs. With a heat gun, you can bend gradual curves in PVC fairly easily, that way you could come out the bottom of your tank, 90 out through the wall and then a gradual curve to get a straight shot to your sump.

 

[JoshH]

Correct me if I’m wrong but I think the size differences are Schedule 80 vs 40 with the 80’s needing a bigger hole as they are thicker. Most tanks will use the black schedule 40’s unless the manufacturer designed them for 80’s. With that said most people that drill their own hole drill them for 80’s as they are 5x as strong.

Not wrong atall, you are correct schedule 80s do need the bigger hole but I've also found difference in sizes with some ABS bulkheads as well. And my 1 inch PVC schedule 40 bulkheads needed a 1 7/8" hole which I found out the hard way:mad: so I really think the difference can be from one manufacturer to another as well.

 

[Hitman]

oh Lord they can’t make anything standard and easy for us can they! Lol

 

[JoshH]

oh Lord they can’t make anything standard and easy for us can they! Lol

No they really can't, and it's REALLY frustrating for first time reefing plumbers lol

It's why I like companies like Lasco and Formufit that openly post the drawing specs of there fittings and pipe.

 

[Cruz Mc5]

I bought my tank used but new (guy bought it, then never set it up). I got it with the holes already drilled though, so I’m stuck with 1.75” holes.

Also, my plan was to mainly run 45’s to make turns, in the hopes of avoiding full 90’s. The only exception being when they turn down into the sump. Below are 2 sketches I made to help me figure it out. I was also planning on doing a 45 before they went through the wall, and then another 45 after they come out to complete the turn.

 

[symon_say]

If you mix pipe sizes the flow will be the one for the smaller size, because this add is a restriction a add head pressure.

Just go over what your return pump can handle and you won't have any problems.

 

[ca1ore]

I see no reason to use 1 1/2” pipe for a 90 gallon; 1” will give you more than enough flow. The only exception is that I like to upsize the emergency above the bulkhead.

 

[Cruz Mc5]

I see no reason to use 1 1/2” pipe for a 90 gallon; 1” will give you more than enough flow. The only exception is that I like to upsize the emergency above the bulkhead.

That’s a good idea. Thanks!

 

[1WildBill]

http://gmacreef.com/ Has a lot of good info on plumbing your tank.