Return Plumbing

[DC504]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry, I know the topic of return line size has been discussed ad nauseum. Even though I've spent many hours researching, but I'm still a bit confused as what needs to be done with regards to my particular scenario.

I'd just like to preface this post by saying this is my first attempt at a saltwater build (please be gentle). I've purchased a 120g reef tank with a single internal overflow. The overflow is pre-drilled for 3 1" bulkheads. The plumbing kit included with tank suggests it was intended for the Herbie style.

My plans:

I'd really like to go with the Triton Method and I understand that 10x flow is part of the recipe. I purchased the COR -15, as I read it was rated for 1500 GPH which would get me where I need to be (or so I thought). Now, after reading about all the different factors that contribute to head pressure and actual flow, I'm a bit worried.

Neptune recommends using at least a 1.25 " return pipe with the promise of up to 50 - 60% more flow.

This is where I start getting confused -
I'd like to plumb the return for 1.25", but I also want dual returns to the DT. If I tee the 1.25" main and reduce each side to 3/4 for each output (plan to drill for the new returns), am I creating a choke point? In my simple mind, the cumulative size of the 2 3/4 outputs adds up to 1.5" so technically the flow would not be restricted. Please let me know if my logic is flawed or I'm missing something.

This brings me to part II. I've read it's best to have your drain at least the same sized as the return. In my case, I'd prefer not to re-drill the overflow. If I went with the Bean Animal method, it would give me 2 1" drains and an emergency. Would this be enough to compensate for the larger return?

Hope this makes sense and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Thanks,
DC

- Build thread coming soon!

 

[Hemmdog]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry, I know the topic of return line size has been discussed ad nauseum. Even though I've spent many hours researching, but I'm still a bit confused as what needs to be done with regards to my particular scenario.

I'd just like to preface this post by saying this is my first attempt at a saltwater build (please be gentle). I've purchased a 120g reef tank with a single internal overflow. The overflow is pre-drilled for 3 1" bulkheads. The plumbing kit included with tank suggests it was intended for the Herbie style.

My plans:

I'd really like to go with the Triton Method and I understand that 10x flow is part of the recipe. I purchased the COR -15, as I read it was rated for 1500 GPH which would get me where I need to be (or so I thought). Now, after reading about all the different factors that contribute to head pressure and actual flow, I'm a bit worried.

Neptune recommends using at least a 1.25 " return pipe with the promise of up to 50 - 60% more flow.

This is where I start getting confused -
I'd like to plumb the return for 1.25", but I also want dual returns to the DT. If I tee the 1.25" main and reduce each side to 3/4 for each output (plan to drill for the new returns), am I creating a choke point? In my simple mind, the cumulative size of the 2 3/4 outputs adds up to 1.5" so technically the flow would not be restricted. Please let me know if my logic is flawed or I'm missing something.

This brings me to part II. I've read it's best to have your drain at least the same sized as the return. In my case, I'd prefer not to re-drill the overflow. If I went with the Bean Animal method, it would give me 2 1" drains and an emergency. Would this be enough to compensate for the larger return?

Hope this makes sense and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Thanks,
DC

- Build thread coming soon!

I would do bean animal and do your return over the back with the larger diameter pipes.

 

[DC504]

I would do bean animal and do your return over the back with the larger diameter pipes.

Thanks for the quick reply, Hemmdog! I had a feeling the Bean Animal drain would suffice for the additional flow. As far has hanging the 2 3/4 inch returns over the back... I had considered that instead of drilling. The issue with that is that my tank is eurobraced. To get over the bracing, I would have to extend the horizontal section so that it would span over the brace. Functional, I guess it be be no different than drilling the back, other than it would aesthetically annoy my OCDness. Thanks again for your input!

 

[Hemmdog]

Thanks for the quick reply, Hemmdog! I had a feeling the Bean Animal drain would suffice for the additional flow. As far has hanging the 2 3/4 inch returns over the back... I had considered that instead of drilling. The issue with that is that my tank is eurobraced. To get over the bracing, I would have to extend the horizontal section so that it would span over the brace. Functional, I guess it be be no different than drilling the back, other than it would aesthetically annoy my OCDness. Thanks again for your input!

If you wanted to drill the back I’d say go for that as well. I drilled my first tank a week ago and was fairly surprised how easy it was.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

If you wanted to drill the back I’d say go for that as well. I drilled my first tank a week ago and was fairly surprised how easy it was.

I like it. Should handle the flow. I may do pvc for return plumbing with higher water flow.

Don’t be scared to ask. If no one asked anything it would be a library and not a forum

 

[DC504]

Thanks Guys! Your input is much appreciated.

 

[Snoopy 67]

I like Sea Swirl's for returns.
They are available up to 1" and can be configured for Eurobracing.