Reeflo Dart return reduced to two 3/4 locline

[rrasco]

I setup my return plumbing to T off and feed my fuge. I also built a manifold to feed two 3/4 hoses that feed up and through the glass into locline returns. My dart was getting a little warm to the touch so when I was researching it I read that throttling the return could cause the pump to run hot. First off, is there any truth to this as I thought the dart's were designed to be throttled back? Having reached that point, I started rethinking the way I built this return. So secondly, does anybody see a reason I shouldn't run the return this way? I realize that by reducing to 3/4 I create more friction and lose some flow, but I really would like to utilize the two 3/4 bulkheads I installed to keep things clean. Worse case scenario I have debated plugging them and using 1.5" PVC up and over the back to maximize flow, or keeping them and adding 1.5" up and over with a valve to accommodate the additional flow after the 3/4 return manifold. I left a bit of room after the manifold to cut it off and add if I needed to. I hate to redo this, but it HAS to be done right or there is no point in doing it.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0989.JPG

[uncleof6]

Check your pm inbox. Yes and no. Although the reeflo pumps can be safely dialed back, you have several issues that are causing you problems with this return system. The two big ones, are the dead end at the end of the manifold, and cutting the pipe size in half, by splitting to two 3/4" lines. Creating in combination, some losses in the return lines, that really are unacceptable. I replied to your pm. Also you may want to consider running the intake a bit further from the bulkhead, if there is a 90 inside the sump. ~15 - 20" from the elbow. (a cavitation issue)

[rrasco]

As always, thanks.

What do you mean run the intake further from the bulkhead, and why? I don't have much room to move the pump in the stand. Not sure by 'if there is a 90 inside the sump' you meant out of PVC or the baffles. There is no PVC inside the sump, just the bulkhead and a strainer.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0963.JPG

[Dustin1300]

If you are having a lot of heat off the return you could also just split off the return line with a tee and valve and allow flow back into the sump so it's not throttling the pump back so much.

[rrasco]

Thanks. I've thought about that as well. I do actually have it split and returning to the fuge already so I could just open that valve a bit more, but ideally most of the flow will go back to the tank instead of just circulating in the sump.

At this point I think I am going to rebuild my return lines and manifold. The plan is to push most of the flow up and over through 1.5" PVC and create a variable flow manifold to utilize my locline returns for surface agitation and directional flow.