40g breeder with 20g long sump build! (I have some questions)

[BigDaddyD1992]

Ok ill be putting together my first system here soon and i have some questions with plumbing and pumps.
To start off im wondering what size bulkheads i should use, 1/2, 3/4, or 1 inch?
Next question is about flow i have 2 hydor koralia evolution 600gph powerheads(i have a 3rd one if necessary) will that be enough flow?
Another flow question how big of a return pump? Im thinking about getting an Ehiem universal, but im sure on how many gph i will need.
Ive been doing research for almost a year now preparing for this build and the plumbing and flow for my size of tank is the only thing that i didnt really know about. Hope to hear from you guys!

Thanks

[intyme]

Your pipe sizes will depend on what type of drain system you want, durso, Herbie , bean animal.....your power heads may be ok for Lps, and softies. You can always get stronger ones if you need.

[BigDaddyD1992]

Herbie overflow method is the one im doing, any idea on gph for a return pump for this system?

[Drae]

I'd aim for about 200-250 gph after head loss.

[A sea K]

Using an Eheim compact 2000 on my 30gal, its a little strong but can easily run a reactor if you wish and/or split line to feed a fuge if you outfit your sump that way. Should work out nicely for your 40. I did have the 1250 universal and it just was'nt enough pump

For a herbie drain I'd use 3/4 for the main siphon and 1" for the emergency. For your return from pump I use 3/4".
This is how mine is setup and I barely open the valve on the 3/4" siphon drain and it easily handles the pump output.

[BigDaddyD1992]

Ok, whe u used the 1250 did you have a lot of pipes in between the pump and tank cuz it says its rated for 360gph.

[Drae]

Ok, whe u used the 1250 did you have a lot of pipes in between the pump and tank cuz it says its rated for 360gph.
You can always dial pumps back with gate or ball valves (gates being more precise). Do you plan on running media reactors?

[A sea K]

Ok, whe u used the 1250 did you have a lot of pipes in between the pump and tank cuz it says its rated for 360gph.

No, not even hard plumbed. I use 3/4 silicone tubing on these small pumps. Eliminates a lot of plumbing hassles, reduces most if not all fittings and the associated headloss from using them and as an added bonus will also reduce vibration from the pump itself which helps eliminate any pump noise.
The output on the 1250 did seem a little low at first and after a few months dropped quite a bit more. I'm sure I could clean it and get it back to normal but felt like I needed more pump anyway. The 2000 compact is a lot more but I eliminated a small maxi pump for my reactor, just tee'd off the 3/4 return from the 2000 and dialed it back a little, now its pretty close to what I was after.

[checkx1]

little strong but can easily run a reactor if you wish and/or split line to feed a fuge if you outfit your sump that way.

Agreed. Stronger pump dialed back/or not with option later on to split lines for future equip. added is always a option.

[moondoggy4]

I had a eheim 1250 on a 33 gallon tank it was not enough I put a eheim universal 2000 much stronger pump, that will be the pump I will put on my 40/20L setup as well. All eheim tubing.

[Isaacs55]

I'm currently doing a 40 breeder build with a 20 long custom sump, and I'm running a Rio 2500 that's rated for 725 GPH. For a 40 breeder I would aim for at least 400 gph through the system. With my head loss from my sump to my tank I'm getting 450 gph while running a Rio 2500 plus. Also have jabeo rw4s for flow. I was going to run hydor Koralia but it's not worth the worry of them ending up failing. I would spend a little more for reliable powerheads just my opinion. Anyways I run 1 inch drains for my main and emergency. 3/4 for my return and everything is perfect. I would also add Gate valves to your main and return to fine tune your system since you are doing the herbie method like I am. If you want to check out my build or follow my build you can check out my youtube channel. I'll be making a video of my plumbing, flow and the herbie method explained. ...anyways, hope this helps...check out my channel and subscribe.

https://youtu.be/fG0pruXQeGA

[moondoggy4]

^^^^^ Have you put water in your sump To see if it is going to work as planned? Mud needs very slow flow.

[Isaacs55]

^^^^^ Have you put water in your sump To see if it is going to work as planned? Mud needs very slow flow.

Yes I am very aware they need a slow flow. I've already tested it. Thanks for the info though moondoggy!

[moondoggy4]

Sorry Isaacs I thought you needed a over, under, over, type sump to remove the air bubbles.

[BigDaddyD1992]

Thanks for all the input guys i still have a little while before i can start filling the tank so i have more time to make a decision. Thanks again for all jr help guys! Got to love reef central reefers lol!