Return line mistake?

[abrichy]

I am so close to finishing the build of my 60g cube. I wanted to dip my toes in the sump and plumbing area, just for fun.
I think I made the mistake of doing a 1/2” return line, figured with not doing more than 400gph max, I would get away with it. Well, after doing a test on my pump I got, it is not strong enough (Sicce SDC 3.0 800gph, on full power I’m receiving about 180gph) and cannot deal with the head pressure; about 3ft vertical with one 90 degree turn.
I’m too inexperienced to make this call, should I just redrill for a 3/4” return, and get a stronger pump? Or is there a way to salvage this situation?

 

[Magok]

Sounds kinda narrow pipe for the gallons...
I would have gone for bigger diameter but unfortunately Im not experienced enough to tell you what needs to be done now.

 

[Asm481]

I don't know how successful you will be drilling from a 3/4 bulkhead. Would worry about chipping it and losing the tank. I would run 3/4 inch up to the last elbow which could be a 3/4 x1/2 elbow. I would lose the backflow valve as that adds resistance and are ineffective as soon as any algae or slime builds in the line. To control backflow, you need to keep the return line close to the surface and siphon break hole on bottom of return line in the display tank.

 

[RocketEngineer]

I second what Asm481 said:
1) Increase the plumbing to 3/4” right up to the bulkhead then adapt down at the bulkhead.
2) Remove the check valve. In our tanks, the biofilm grows on all surfaces, including on valve seats. All it takes is one bit of crud to cause the check valve to fail. No amount of cleaning can fix this flaw. Proper outlet placement is the best solution.

One other note: 180gph should be plenty for a 60g tank.

 

[strich]

I had no idea check values were so useless in reef tanks! I've seen heaps of youtube builds using them.

 

[TokenReefer]

Wouldn't a wider pipe lower the head pressure?

 

[KrisReef]

Abandon the drilled return, plug it and add a new return, maybe even a 1” that goes over the top and then into the tank with a shallow surface spray to prevent siphon problems if the power goes out and gives you more flow capacity from the return pump.

If you do drill a larger hole put it higher up on the back wall and plug the 1/2” that is too low unless you have a huge sump to hold the water?

 

[RocketEngineer]

I had no idea check values were so useless in reef tanks! I've seen heaps of youtube builds using them.

That’s because it’s a “good idea” but they don’t understand the bigger picture. Very common problem.