Tubing Sizes

[chatyak]

I plan to order the mag 7 return pump which has an output diameter of 1/2" inch.

I want to use something like this for my return plumbing fixture.
http://www.jlaquatics.com/images/wavemakers/squid-dir.jpg


My question is... since the output is 1/2" does that mean all I require is a return fixture with 1/2" diameter and vinyl tubing with 1/2" diameter?

Should the vinyl tubing match the diameter of the return pump or should it be bigger/smaller?

[Roger928]

The output is 1/2" mips (male pipe). Issues of head pressue and lenght of run apply here, and I would use something larger than 1/2" tubing for the return. 5/8" or even 3/4" would be a better choice. IMHO

[chatyak]

Interesting...so technically all of those vinyl tube sizes could fit over the output part of the pump... it is just that a wider diameter will help in flow more am I right?

[chatyak]

Arghh still confused...

So if my return pump output is 1/2"

I should get 5/8" tubing.......... meaning what size SCWD return U Tube should I get?

[jer77]

A larger tube size will decrease head pressure so the pump will perform better, more gph. I'd say use 3/4'' hose. Just get a 3/4''-1/2'' threaded reducer and a 3/4'' threaded hose barb. Then you can get a 3/4'' SQWD. Use the head loss calculator to figure out what size u-tube you will need.

[chatyak]

Man you are talking to a newb when it comes to plumbing. I'm sorry but I don't know what a threaded reducer or a threaded hose barb is. Could you point me to a URL that sells them / pic? Much obliged.

Thanks

[chatyak]

Ok I used the head loss calc... came out to around 387 gph from the pump... I'm not sure how that tells me what size SCWD to get?

Much Thanks,

[phunkie99]

I have a mag 5 and I went with 1 inch tubing originaly did 1/2 and I had to throttle the pump way back and there was barely any flow

[chatyak]

Hey Phunkie,

So what did you end up doing?

I think this should be ok.. tell me what you think

Mag 7 (output 1/2")

3/4" Vinyl Return Tube

SCWD U Tube Return Director 3/4" capable.

Do you have any pics of your setup Phunkie?

Regards,

[phunkie99]

i'll post some 1 sec

[phunkie99]

this may not be the best way to do it but its what I did

they sell parts that fit inside each other and expand 1 size at a time so it goes from mag5 1/2 --> 3/4 then 3/4-->1inch then I made a U with a ball valve on it so I could control the return flow
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l159/phunkie02/setup3.jpg

Then I got a fitting called a barb (has barbs on one side to attach to tube) which means it goes from PVC to tube
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l159/phunkie02/setup2.jpg

then I made this which is just 2 elbows and then I had to go back to 3/4 because the biggest ball socket tubing (that black thing) was 3/4
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l159/phunkie02/setup1.jpg

[chatyak]

Interesting stuff.. cool thanks... how old is your tank?

[phunkie99]

5 week as you can see I'm fighting a bit of green water problem read my "filter sock makes skimmer go crazy" thread

Have you built your sump yet??

[chatyak]

I am going to be building my custom stand (hopefully finish) this coming weekend... probably do the sump somewhere around there too. Will start a picture thread when it all gets going... redoing the bedroom too at the same time so my head is spinning with trying to learn all of this and doing everything too.

[phunkie99]

well one mistake I made in building my sump was using glass that was too thin as you might be able to see in the 1st pic it has craked (gives me an exuse to build a new sump since I don't like this one anyways. its too short) I would suggest thick glass or plexiglass

[chatyak]

Can silicone stick to plexiglass? I think I remember reading that you should use 5/8" inch glass to glass for best stick? Could be wrong.