Large Planet Aquariums - what return pumps are you using?

[jsweir]

I looked at the specs for the 310 I ordered, and noticed the returns are only 3/4". Obviously it would work better to have two return pumps, but curious to see what people are using in their large Planet tanks.

 

[((FORDTECH))]

I looked at the specs for the 310 I ordered, and noticed the returns are only 3/4". Obviously it would work better to have two return pumps, but curious to see what people are using in their large Planet tanks.

I don’t have a planet but I do have a 300 gallon and I use 2 cor20 pumps

 

[kenchilada]

Varios 6 on my 215G Planet with Tideline overflow. I have it set on 4/5.

I would not recommend it though because it seems the flow rate is not constant and I've had to adjust my overflow several times to compensate.

 

[Oberst Hajj]

I'm still waiting on my Planet 270g to arrive, but I have two Jeboa DCP13000 pumps that I'll be using initially. The plan is to upgrade them to two COR 20s down the road.

 

[((FORDTECH))]

I'm still waiting on my Planet 270g to arrive, but I have two Jeboa DCP13000 pumps that I'll be using initially. The plan is to upgrade them to two COR 20s down the road.

When you go with the cor20 make sure you go with the larger return piping at least 11/4inch these things flow a ton

 

[jsweir]

Problem with the planets is the two return holes in the aquarium are 3/4" Can't figure out why they didn't do 1" with the 3 1.5" drains they have.

 

[kenchilada]

Problem with the planets is the two return holes in the aquarium are 3/4" Can't figure out why they didn't do 1" with the 3 1.5" drains they have.

The three drains are to accommodate a bean animal overflow arrangement, not to provide concurrent 3X1.5” drain turnover.

 

[jsweir]

The three drains are to accommodate a bean animal overflow arrangement, not to provide concurrent 3X1.5” drain turnover.

I understand that, but 3/4" returns limits the return pump size quite a bit.

 

[Oberst Hajj]

When you go with the cor20 make sure you go with the larger return piping at least 11/4inch these things flow a ton

I'm already doing 1.5" return lines

Problem with the planets is the two return holes in the aquarium are 3/4" Can't figure out why they didn't do 1" with the 3 1.5" drains they have.

They use the 3/4" return holes as that is the biggest size that Loc-Line comes in and that is what they use on their tank kits.

 

[jsweir]

Are you splitting the 1.5" return or going over the top?

 

[Oberst Hajj]

Are you splitting the 1.5" return or going over the top?

If that was directed at me, no. I'll run 1.5" returns up to the 3/4" bulkheads and then Loc-Line on the inside of the tank. 3/4" piping can flow roughly 1400gph with average pressure or 2100gph under high pressure.

 

[((FORDTECH))]

If that was directed at me, no. I'll run 1.5" returns up to the 3/4" bulkheads and then Loc-Line on the inside of the tank. 3/4" piping can flow roughly 1400gph with average pressure or 2100gph under high pressure.

Hmm. My 1/2 only can flow 250 gph or so 3/4 at 1400-2100 good luck with that. If me I’d just drill tank bigger for the 11/2 cause you will be disappointed but I guess without actually measuring it you will never know and just assume you getting 1200 like most people do till you have a problem. With all the bends and elbows and what not you will be surprised how low it will be when reduced to 3/4. Mine go thru 11/2 bulkheads then reduced to four 3/4 inputs to tank for each cor. Cor20s at 23% flow 500 gph

 

[Oberst Hajj]

Hmm. My 1/2 only can flow 250 gph or so 3/4 at 1400-2100 good luck with that. If me I’d just drill tank bigger for the 11/2 cause you will be disappointed but I guess without actually measuring it you will never know and just assume you getting 1200 like most people do till you have a problem. With all the bends and elbows and what not you will be surprised how low it will be when reduced to 3/4. Mine go thru 11/2 bulkheads then reduced to four 3/4 inputs to tank for each cor. Cor20s at 23% flow 500 gph

Here is the link to the flow numbers on Sch 40 pipes. I understand that our pumps might not be able to achive those flow numbers through all the plumbing, but the pipes can handle that much. My point was that 3/4" pipes/bulkheads are not the limiting factor, so I'm not too concerned about the 3/4" bulkheads in my tank.

 

[jsweir]

I currently have a fluval sp4 I split from 1" to two 3/4", maybe I'll just stick with that