Return line questions. Current is horrible.

[Benga]

So my current return is just horrible and I should probably be ashamed of it just look at all the leaks...
I recently re-did my lighting mount and next i'm going to re-do my plumbing then after the electrical controls and wire-management.

I was thinking of using flex PVC as much as possible for the return line but i'd like to use loc-line at the end because it seems pretty maneuverable and nifty. My issue is how do i make all the transitions.

My return pump is the lifegard Model 3000 (758 gph). I'm thinking of putting a union directly on it then connect that to flex PVC all the way up to a U-tube return pipe then to some loc-line.

My main question is that transition from 1" flex PVC to the return U-tube pipe.

Return that i'm talking about: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/return-jet.html

All suggestions are welcome, tank is not drilled (can't be drilled).

 

[Flippers4pups]

What size tank?

 

[Benga]

What size tank?

40 Breeder, with a 20g sump

 

[Flippers4pups]

40 Breeder, with a 20g sump

Anytime you can reduce or eliminate 90 degree elbows, your flow will be much better. Straight line or flex tubing is better. Looks like you could eliminate the ball valve on your return. One thing about ball valves is that you always want to go up in size and use reducers back to the size PVC pipe your using. Ball valves can be a friction point for flow. Say 1/2" PVC pipe, then use a 3/4 ball valve with reducers back down to 1/2". The inside diameter of the ball valve is increased allowing correct flow.

 

[KrisReef]

You will get more flow out of your pump with fewer 90 elbows in the path. They create a lot of resistance that decreases the return flow significantly. Using the flex and as few 90's as you can will improve your circulation.

 

[Benga]

Anytime you can reduce or eliminate 90 degree elbows, your flow will be much better. Straight line or flex tubing is better. Looks like you could eliminate the ball valve on your return. One thing about ball valves is that you always want to go up in size and use reducers back to the size PVC pipe your using. Ball valves can be a friction point for flow. Say 1/2" PVC pipe, then use a 3/4 ball valve with reducers back down to 1/2". The inside diameter of the ball valve is increased allowing correct flow.

That's some useful information I had never considered. In the rebuild though i intend on removing the ball-valve completely as i've never used it since installation lol

 

[Flippers4pups]

That's some useful information I had never considered. In the rebuild though i intend on removing the ball-valve completely as i've never used it since installation lol

Your welcome. Oh and unions are the same way. Go up in size on the unions and use reducers back to your PVC pipe size. Helps big time.

 

[ca1ore]

Flex PVC solvent welds into standard PVC fittings. You could attach it to the black PVC you already use. PVC elbows do reduce flow, but not as much as barb fittings. Pox on them.

 

[Benga]

Everything has been informative so far!

My next real question is how do i go from Flex PVC to a barbed pipe? (like the one pictured)