Plumbing a 180 Reef Tank

[HotRodsFishTank]

I got a new 180 (72x24x24) 2 built in overflow acrylic tank for christmas. It will have a Ocean Motions 4 way and Snaper pump. The overflow is dreilled for 3/4" return and 1" to refugium. I was thinking of running 1" pipe to the return and 1 1/2" to the refugium will this benefit me or is a waste of money to up size the pipe, will still use the 3/4" and 1" bulk heads. Also should I run 2 1200 gph pumps or 1 2300 gph pump. I am open to all input and opinions. Thanks for the help and Happy New Year.:confused:

[jherrin215]

I'm definitely no plumber but i think it wouldn't be a bad idea to oversize the drain in case of buildup, but I think it would not be a good idea to oversize the return. You will lose pressure on the return line if you oversize and it will still only allow what can come out of 3/4 come out at the end of the line. Just my .02

[psteeleb]

run a 1 1/2 inch drain using drain fittings to the sump (they are designed for drains and start at 1 1/2"). Slope the horizontal drains about 1/8" per foot to allow water flow and the air to escape and you will maximize your flow with minimal or no noise. Work in your drain first to minimize the fittings, consider a branch off one drain leg to a refuguim (if it's section off from the rest of the sump)

On the return consider running 1" , again minimize your fittings to prevent flow loss caused from internal turbidity.

Also consider brancing off your return to provide a 3/4 " supply header to feed media reactors such as carbon and /or phospate.

here is a sketch I did for my old 300gallon
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh283/psteeleb/tank_piping_392.jpg

[LouZ]

I got a new 180 (72x24x24) 2 built in overflow acrylic tank for christmas. It will have a Ocean Motions 4 way and Snaper pump. The overflow is dreilled for 3/4" return and 1" to refugium. I was thinking of running 1" pipe to the return and 1 1/2" to the refugium will this benefit me or is a waste of money to up size the pipe, will still use the 3/4" and 1" bulk heads. Also should I run 2 1200 gph pumps or 1 2300 gph pump. I am open to all input and opinions. Thanks for the help and Happy New Year.:confused:

I thing up sizing will reduce flow. Alos I like the idea of 2 samller pumps instead of one larger incxase of pump failure you still have one running.

[HotRodsFishTank]

Thanks for the input and plumbing plans. Anyone else care to chime in.:thumbsup: