Plumbing Question

[ficklefins]

I am new to sumps so I need a bit of help with some return plumbing questions. I have a Mag7 return with a 1/2" return outlet. I plan on Ting the return into the tank so that I have two outspouts. So here are my questions:

What happens if I take my 1/2" return outlet and increase the pipe to 3/4" on the way up to the tank?

Or would it be better to have a consistent 1/2" all the way up?

Thanks

 

[badfish]

it would be better to go with a larger size pipe cause it increases the flow.i would say go with 1".i ran 1.5" from a mag 9.5 for my return on a 75 that i had.

 

[currentking]

it depends how much thrust you want going into the tank.

 

[ficklefins]

I want regular return no need for high flow, and what if I were to T off the return to go to another tank (I'm not set on the T just an idea I'm playing with).

I also have a 1inch bulkhead in the tank, and the tank is about 36" above the pump.

 

[ficklefins]

I'm not using this return for flow I just want it to get up to the tank without bubbles.

Thanks for the responses everybody.

 

[badfish]

well if you are just going for no bubbles the slower the better.check out the headloss calculator on reef central's home page.that will give you a good idea of what you are looking at for flow.

 

[surfn]

i think you'll be fine with a 1" return line all the way. i believe mine is a 3/4" return all the way.

you shouldn't start small and then go big, b/c you can cause the pump to cavitate (sp?) if the diameter is too small coming out of the pump. thus its best to get to its biggest size and keep that size all the way up.

on the outlets, if you want a little more flow, you can always decrease the side a little bit. but again, this puts pressure on the pump.

 

[ficklefins]

Thanks guys. I think I will go with a 1/2" -> 3/4" right at the pump and stick with the increased size all the way up. I will use a series of unions along the return to allow for a T in the future.

 

[surfn]

Thanks guys. I think I will go with a 1/2" -> 3/4" right at the pump and stick with the increased size all the way up. I will use a series of unions along the return to allow for a T in the future.

with a mag7, i think you should really go with a 1" return line. 3/4" will give you quite a bit of velocity.....and greater chance of air bubbles being carried up.

 

[ficklefins]

A Mag7 has a 1/2" return nozzle. Would putting a 1/2 --> 1" conversion work well?

 

[surfn]

A Mag7 has a 1/2" return nozzle. Would putting a 1/2 --> 1" conversion work well?

sure, i dont see why not. i've done that exact conversion on smaller mags in the past. (like a mag 5)

if you do it correctly, you should only need 1 or 2 PVC parts. (finding the right parts is the tricky part)

 

[badfish]

you will not have any problem doing that.any blue or orange store should have what you need.

 

[ficklefins]

sure, i dont see why not. i've done that exact conversion on smaller mags in the past. (like a mag 5)

if you do it correctly, you should only need 1 or 2 PVC parts. (finding the right parts is the tricky part)

Thanks for all your help Surf and badfish. I guess I will be making a parts run tomorrow.

 

[surfn]

Thanks for all your help Surf. I guess I will be making a parts run tomorrow.

gimme a sec....i have the exact part you will want to find...gotta get my camera out to take a pic

 

[badfish]

not a problem glad to help

 

[surfn]

what you want is on the right, the exact same setup.

look for a 1/2" threaded female end, and a 1" slip on the male end. and just slide that into a 1" coupler, and then 1" PVC on the other side of the 1" coupler.

OR

instead of the 1" coupler, just use a 1" union and you can get the mag out quickly if you need to do maintenance on it.

 

[badfish]

you know your a reef geek when you have those parts at home lol!

 

[surfn]

you know your a reef geek when you have those parts at home lol!

i have a nice big box of spare PVC parts that have been used, and not used. trying to visualize plumbing and find the right parts isn't easy....more or less trial and error standing in the aisle at lowes seeing what fits together, then get home and realize i could have done it a better way......lol......so go back to lowes and buy other parts.

 

[badfish]

man,i thought i was the only one that does that kinda stuff

 

[ficklefins]

That you for the description I will make the parts run tomorrow!