Plumbing PVC Question

[Blaque Kuchel]

I am re-vamping my plumbing on my 90g tank. I am installing a mega flow kit by aqueon and I am trying to figure out if I should leave the return line 3/4" all the way to the return pump or after the bulkhead increase it to 1" to the return pump?

Thanks for the help!

 

[sbash]

What is the pump?

 

[Blaque Kuchel]

Jaebo DCP-10000 @sbash

 

[sbash]

Jaebo DCP-10000 @sbash

Oh geez, that is a strong pump. I have the 9000 on my split system 90/60 on the lowest setting with 1" piping and it works well. That said, I have to have it on a low setting due to my small sump, there is not enough room to run it any faster...

So, if you are running it on a high setting, I would think the larger pipe would be more efficient, so it would enable you to turn down the pump. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother with the hassle of rebuilding the plumbing, unless it was bothering me (I like things neat and square, lol)...

 

[Brew12]

If you have a 3/4" bulkhead you will only get minimal improvements by making the rest of the piping 1". I doubt the increase in flow would be something you could notice without an accurate flow sensor.

 

[Blaque Kuchel]

So I will be okay just using the 3/4 pvc all the way to the return line? I have wave maker which give me plenty of flow in my tank. I just want to know if I will be okay using the 3/4 pvc and it wont hurt my system or cause any issues.

I am re doing the plumbing because I have been using the home made plumbing system the tank came with and it nasty and i like clean and neat.....etc.

 

[Brew12]

So I will be okay just using the 3/4 pvc all the way to the return line? I have wave maker which give me plenty of flow in my tank. I just want to know if I will be okay using the 3/4 pvc and it wont hurt my system or cause any issues.

I am re doing the plumbing because I have been using the home made plumbing system the tank came with and it nasty and i like clean and neat.....etc.

Yes, as long as the bulkhead is 3/4" you will be fine using 3/4" down to the pump. I'm not sure if that particular pump comes with a 3/4" fitting to make the connection so you may need to go to 1" at some point.

 

[Blaque Kuchel]

My pump has fitting from 1/2" to 2" connections either hard plumb or hose. Do either of you run hard plumbing all the way to your return pump or are you using hosing at the end? @sbash @Brew12

 

[Brew12]

My pump has fitting from 1/2" to 2" connections either hard plumb or hose. Do either of you run hard plumbing all the way to your return pump or are you using hosing at the end? @sbash @Brew12

I do not. I run it to about 1 foot above my pump and then use a soft silicone tube for that last foot. I run an AC pump so this gives me sound isolation.

 

[Blaque Kuchel]

Since I have a DC pump will either make a big difference?

 

[Brew12]

Since I have a DC pump will either make a big difference?

Not sure how it would be with your pump

 

[sbash]

Since I have a DC pump will either make a big difference?

On my DCP -9000, I am using 1" flex tubing off the adapters, then to the hard PVC. My 220 has hard plumbed straight into my mag drive pumps. I doubt it will matter. I do suggest the flex tubing, as it really simplifies pulling the pump out for maintenance. If you don't use flex tubing, I recommend adding a union in a convenient place right above it (outside the sump).