return pump plumbing

[melonheadorion]

i am trying to plan the plumbing for my 65 gal tank. the return pump that i have is the jabao dcp 5000. for the tank drain, i will be using 1 1/4 inch pipe, but for the return, i would like to split that return from 1 to 2 so that i can have my returns be one on each end with the overflow being in the middle of the two. i am hoping that someone has any suggestions on tubing/pvc diameter. i feel that if i have 1 1/4 from the return pump, and then spit it into 2 seperate 1 1/4, there isnt going to be enough backpressure to properly move water.

would it be best to have it maybe be a smaller diameter, such as a 1" all the way up, or 1" to the split, and then run 3/4 to the ends? or, would it even matter? i dont want to run the pump at 100% just to move water, and want to make the pump as efficient as possible, but at the same time, dont want to strangle it.

 

[minus9]

I’m using 1” all the way until the returns hit the tank, then it’s down to 3/4”. I used a ball valve on the return that’s closest to the pump so I can dial it down to match the other end. I’m only running my pump at 50% and it’s more than enough to get my RFG’s working properly. It’s probably easier going from 1” to 3/4”, instead of 1 1/4”. Just use unions wherever you can in case you ever need to change something.

 

[KStatefan]

Not sure what you mean by "there isnt going to be enough backpressure to properly move water"

I would plumb it with 1 1/4" to a tee then come out of the tee with 1" to each side. If you want it to be balanced you would have to add a valve on the side with the least restriction to force to the other side.