Reefrookie733
Active Member
In this video from saltwater aquarium, this guy talks about matching the return pump size to your plumbing size....I think. I’m not sure I follow him entirely. Can someone please break it down for this newbie?
Return pump size matching??
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dreamcatcherr9
Well-Known Member
I watch same video, and others, same as you, I’m a newb. Someone with experience will give better advise then me, but when I asked similar question.
I was told it was ok to drop the return line down just before tank if you had to, but preferred to match most of the way.
Someone said they dropped two sizes before tank. For me, my return pump will be 1.25 output, with match 1.25 PVC until tank, were I drop down to 1” for return nozzles.
I think the issue is you don’t want to go up in size. It’s water flow and physics. Someone can explain better, but just not recommended. I read the drains should be bigger than the returns. So that makes sense too. My drains will be 1.5 (so my returns 1.25).
I was told it was ok to drop the return line down just before tank if you had to, but preferred to match most of the way.
Someone said they dropped two sizes before tank. For me, my return pump will be 1.25 output, with match 1.25 PVC until tank, were I drop down to 1” for return nozzles.
I think the issue is you don’t want to go up in size. It’s water flow and physics. Someone can explain better, but just not recommended. I read the drains should be bigger than the returns. So that makes sense too. My drains will be 1.5 (so my returns 1.25).
ca1ore
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To the degree you can, you should try to at least maintain the native output of the pump. Going larger is ok but going smaller puts extra friction pressure on the pump and you’ll lose flow. Most of the common DC pumps aren’t designed to handle pressure, so maintaining plumbing diameter is even more important.
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Reefrookie733
Active Member
So, I currently have a reeflo superdart gold that has a inlet size of 2 inches and an outlet size of 1.5 inches!
I ordered an Ecotech Vectra M2 pump and it's outlet it's inlet is 1.25 inches and outlet 1 inches!
**I'm currently plumbed for the reeflo and was going to put reducers on to accomodate the M2, I guess that is really the question, is that a problem??????
**One last thing is my current return to tank plumbing is 1.5 inch all the way to the top of the tank where it Tees off and becomes 2 3/4 loc lines. I am assuming if that worked with my reeflo it would work with the M2?????
NOTE - my siphon drains are both 3/4 from the tank to the sump.
