Tubing size for new tank.

[StealthJett]

Hi I’m a little confused on what size tubing for plumbing I should be using on my new tank I’m setting up. It’s a 145g with a return that can push from 2000 - 3000 gph. I need suggestions on the size of the hole that should be drilled for the return. My overflow has holes that are , I believe 3 inches. Also what size should the pvc be to plumb it. Thanks!

 

[Reefer5640]

**For every 90 will add 1 ft of head pressure and every 45 will add 1/2 ft of head pressure **
PVC approx flow rate capacities are as followed;

			Assume Gravity to Low Pressure. About 6f/s flow velocity, also suction side of pump	Assume Average Pressure. (20-100PSI) About 12f/s flow velocity	Assume "High Pressure" PEAK flow. About 18f/s flow velocity*
Sch 40 Pipe Size	ID (range)	OD	GPM (with minimal pressure loss & noise)	GPH (with minimal pressure loss & noise)	GPM (with minimal pressure loss & noise)	GPH (with minimal pressure loss & noise)	GPM (with significant pressure loss & noise)	GPH (with significant pressure loss & noise)
1/2"	.50-.60"	.85"	7 gpm	420 gph	14 gpm	840 gph	21 gpm	1,260 gph
3/4"	.75-.85"	1.06"	11 gpm	660 gph	23 gpm	1,410 gph	36 gpm	2,160 gph
1"	1.00-1.03"	1.33"	16 gpm	960 gph	37 gpm	2,220 gph	58 gpm	3,510 gph
1.25"	1.25-1.36"	1.67"	25 gpm	1,500 gph	62 gpm	3,750 gph	100 gpm	5,940 gph
1.5"	1.50-1.60"	1.90"	35 gpm	2100 gph	81 gpm	4,830 gph	126 gpm	7,560 gph
2"	1.95-2.05"	2.38"	55 gpm	3300 gph	127 gpm	7,650 gph	200 gpm	12,000 gph

ABS bulk head hole sizes for respective sizes are as followed;

Bulkhead Size	Maximum Hole Size	Minimum Hole Size	PVC Plumbing Size
1/2" ABS Bulkhead	44mm/1.72"	27mm/1.06"	½” PVC or ½” NPT Threads
3/4" ABS Bulkhead	52mm/2.04	34mm/1.33"	3/4” PVC or 3/4” NPT Threads
1" ABS Bulkhead	68mm/2.67"	42mm/1.65"	1” PVC or 1” NPT Threads
1 1/4" ABS Bulkhead	77mm/3.05"	51mm/2.00"	1 1/4” PVC or 1 1/4” NPT Threads
1 1/2" ABS Bulkhead	86mm/3.38"	59mm/2.32"	1 1/2” PVC or 1 1/2” NPT Threads
2" ABS Bulkhead	98mm/3.85"	72mm/2.83"	2” PVC or 2” NPT Threads

 

[Reefer5640]

Where is your return pump going to be? Under the stand, in the basement? You need to know how much head pressure you’re dealing with to determine how much flow you’ll actually be dealing with.

 

[Reefer5640]

Also, is that 2000-3000 gph or lph

 

[StealthJett]

Thanks for the reply! The return pump is about 5 1/2’ below where the return hole should be. It pushed 2000-3000 gph.

 

[Reefer5640]

Is this for a closed loop or are you using it for a return pump? That is a lot of turn over for a return pump in a 145 gal tank. Either way I’d go with 1” pvc with a valve for back pressure. So you’d need to drill a hole somewhere between 42mm to 68mm if metric or standard sizes between 1.75” or 2.5”

 

[StealthJett]

The pump is controllable so I can push it lower than 2000, what’s your recommended gph?

 

[Reefer5640]

I run my tanks around 3-5x turn over. I too run dc pumps that can push enough water to run 10x and I just dial them down and/or feed all my reactors, UV, etc. I prefer to have lower sump to day tank turn over and higher tank turn over in my display tank with gtees and other wave makers