Return Pipe Plumbing Questions

[PaulKreider]

I know I've been asking a lot of questions lately but trying to make this right. For the 120 tank I will be running a DC9000 with a 1.5inch return pipe trying to run about 1000-1400gph, my questions are as follows.

1. If I run a 1.5inch return pipe to the tank via bulkhead, would I be able to use Loc-line or anything to direct flow?
2. If I were to drill 2 holes for return, would I make them both 1.5inch or smaller?

(General Plumbing Question)
3. When joining two threaded PVC parts, Do I glue them? Or use Teflon tape? Or just screw together?

Thanks very much!

 

[TJ's Reef]

Paul, my suggestion would be to 'T' the 1-1/2" return before entering DT and run two 1" bulkheads in. From here you can reduce to 3/4" on each and do what ever 3/4" Loc-line pieces you like. 3/4" Loc-line is much more cost effective and available than larger sizes. As for thread-to-thread just Teflon tape and at least 4 wraps/layers. Some tricks with Loc-line is to place in a cup of HOT (Microwaved) water for a minute or two before removing or adding pieces together.

Cheers, Todd

 

[PaulKreider]

So besides loc-line is there any other options for a return? I'd want to avoid just running a pipe right into the tank but what other options are there?

 

[evolved]

Sea swirls are an option

 

[PaulKreider]

What about running the 1.5inch to the tank and bulkhead, then after the bulkhead using a 1.5inch Tee or Y, and a reducing bushing in two ends to attach to two 3/4inch loclines? Does that sound troublesome?

 

[TJ's Reef]

Not troublesome just a bit busy on the inside and IMHO best kept outside the tank. I'll be doing something similar with my new tank build in teeing off to two 3/4" bulkheads from a 1" return and having 3/4" Flow Educters on short lengths of Loc-line at either end of near coast-to-coast overflow box on back of tank. I have three DEAD Sea Swirls so will not be going that route again, and with my two Jebao RW-15's no need for them any longer.

Cheers, Todd

 

[Ebone]

Threaded PVC parts get teflon tape no glue, wrapped clockwise so it lays flat. just make sure you get it 1/2 turn past hand tight.

 

[joekool]

Hook return pump to garden hose and shove in top of tank lol. Just kidding.
I agree with Todd

Slainte
Joseph

 

[Cjsanders757]

Buy Teflon paste. Much better than tape.

 

[Fin]

You might want to look at these - 1" OceansMotions Omni-Flex Nozzles They are my favorite for return nozzles. I use them on my 140.

 

[Reefing Madness]

The thing with running those lines the way you want to, is that you will end of restricting some flow. Normally returns from a sump are left untouched, as you don't want the flow restricted at all. But if your prepared for that, and not worried about it, then yes, your T off then reducing to the 3/4 if fine, you won't have any trouble with it.

 

[hart24601]

+1 for paste on threaded PVC.

 

[Rob Top1]

One thing I see all the time is Ts being installed incorrectly. It shouldn't be called a T as it leads people to install it that way. Call it a side out instead. Your head pressure loss is greatly reduced that way. Don't forget valves after the "side out" for control

 

[PaulKreider]

So would the best option be to run a 1.5inch return, split off into two 1inch pipes attached to a 1inch bulkhead, then threaded down to 3/4inch locline.

OR

1.5inch return, split off into two 3/4inch pipes, attached to 3/4inch bulkheads then connected to locline.

 

[Rob Top1]

Id do option one. While in the end you are getting to the same place if I recall head pressure calculations it is better to down step 1.5-1-.75 than to jump 1.5-.75. I'd have to dig out my books to confirm.

 

[evolved]

Option 1 is offers less head/frictional loss.

 

[TJ's Reef]

You might want to look at these - 1" OceansMotions Omni-Flex Nozzles They are my favorite for return nozzles. I use them on my 140.

Hey Gary, thanks for posting these up and will have to take a look at them for my new build. They look like they would have a very small footprint in tank and more than enough directional capability. Do you know if they offer any type of options to the nozzle like a flair or eductor end ?


Cheers, Todd

 

[Fin]

Hey Gary, thanks for posting these up and will have to take a look at them for my new build. They look like they would have a very small footprint in tank and more than enough directional capability. Do you know if they offer any type of options to the nozzle like a flair or eductor end ?


Cheers, Todd

Hey Todd. They are 1" PVC, so they are not really little. What you see is what you get. No options on the ends. They are pretty neat though. Each of those sections swivels, so you can point them just about anywhere. Paul, the owner of OceansMotions does a great job on anything he makes. So, I was happy to find these.

 

[deerhunter06]

Hey Todd. They are 1" PVC, so they are not really little. What you see is what you get. No options on the ends. They are pretty neat though. Each of those sections swivels, so you can point them just about anywhere. Paul, the owner of OceansMotions does a great job on anything he makes. So, I was happy to find these.

@Fin, I currently am setting a new 300g I have bean animal set up with 2 inch drains and 1.5 inch returns. with the returns going in back and right corners would these Omni flex nozzles fit inside a 1.5 inch bulk head? I saw where you could get them 1.5 inches but I wasn't sure if what I'm trying to do would work. There is no 1.5 inch loc-line and I don't want pvc running into my tank.

 

[Fin]

@Fin, I currently am setting a new 300g I have bean animal set up with 2 inch drains and 1.5 inch returns. with the returns going in back and right corners would these Omni flex nozzles fit inside a 1.5 inch bulk head? I saw where you could get them 1.5 inches but I wasn't sure if what I'm trying to do would work. There is no 1.5 inch loc-line and I don't want pvc running into my tank.

As far as I know, they are only available in 1". Could be mistaken though. They should "fit" inside of a 1.5" bulkhead with the use of a PVC 1.5" to 1" reducer adapter.