Plumbing and pump size!

[Michael Picard]

First time on this great forum, I am plumbing a 150 gallon reef tank, I am using two reef octopus Varios 8s on my returns in which one return will have a manifold, these pumps have 1 1/4 inch outlets, my concern with 1 1/4 is that the ball valves on the manifold would be to large and cumbersome, although BRS’s 160 has 3/4 inch manifold system which I think is to constricted making the pump work harder, my question is , should I use 1 inch on the manifold and returns to better match the out put of the pumps thus reducing wear and tear? Opinions needed, new ideals welcomed! Thanks reefers!

 

[mfinn]

Welcome to R2R.

If it were me, I probably only use a single VarioS-8 on a 150 gallon tank.
You really only need around 750 gallons per hour for the return.
But that's just me.

As far as the manifold, I would go with a 1-1/4" pvc ( whatever is coming out of the pump), and then use 3/4" lines coming off the manifold going to each piece of equipment you plan to feed.

 

[JoshH]

I'll second @mfinn here in saying you are really overdoing it with two returns on a 150. That's a MASSIVE amount of water running through your sump... I would suggest dropping to 1 return pump plumbing both returns off the one and using the other varios for your manifold. I've never liked the idea of running a manifold off a return. Lots of people do it but there are some real disadvantages to it and I recommend avoiding it if possible. Personally I would reduce to 1" right after the pump on the manifold then reduce to either 1/2" or 3/4" after the Ts on your manifold.

It's much easier to find reducing fittings from 1" than 1 1/4" which is why I'd go that route. But it really depends on what you're reducing to which also depends on what size plumbing you need for your reactors and other equipment.


Oh and I forgot to add, WELCOME TO R2R!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you enjoy our community and you feel welcome here. There is tons of information to scour through here, a great tool to use here is the search function, best to do this from the home page when looking for answers to any questions you have, odds are someone at some point has asked a similar one.