Return line up and down?

Tuffloud1 · Jan 22, 2020

Is there any reason to not go up, down and then back up again when running return lines other than water getting trapped in the valley when the pump is off?

Cory · Jan 22, 2020

No big reason not to. Aside from aethetics it wont be much different than strait up into the tank.

ajhudson15 · Jan 22, 2020

You will lose more gph also because of the extra elbow in there

Cory · Jan 23, 2020

Actually thats a myth. Brs did a video showing elbows dont reduce flow significantly at all.

Tuffloud1 · Jan 23, 2020

Cory said:
Actually thats a myth. Brs did a video showing elbows dont reduce flow significantly at all.

I believe BRS showed that two 45 degree elbows did not increase flow significantly over one 90 degree elbow.

Any elbow reduces flow.

vetteguy53081 · Jan 23, 2020

Up snd down is the way I know it when it comes to return lines especially for maximum flow

Tuffloud1 · Jan 23, 2020

vetteguy53081 said:
Up snd down is the way I know it when it comes to return lines especially for maximum flow

I’m talking about going up out of the sump, across, up, then dipping down around an obstacle, then back up again, then down again, then up to the tank.

W1ngz · Jan 23, 2020

Technically, yes, the flow is reduced. At the flow rates and pressures we use, getting all worked up on a technically correct fact that is ultimately insignificant to the end result is a waste of your sanity.

reefwiser · Jan 23, 2020

Lots on turns will reduce flow. It’s the friction load that will cause the flow to slow down.

CasaReefer · Jan 23, 2020

Just do what you have to do and try it... If it does not flow the way you want... Bigger Pump.... You gotta do what you gotta do.

CuzzA · Jan 23, 2020

Testing friction loss is one thing and I agree it's probably negligible for most installs; however, for a long term setup I would want as few fittings as possible to prevent crevices that allow growth of organisims.