Return line problem

JTL · 06/21/2017, 10:33 AM

I have a pre-drilled 100g tank, with a center overflow. Unfortunately the holes drilled in the bottom are not sized very well. The are metric but have the fittings. With a little effort I can put regular fittings on the supplied bulkheads.

Here is the problem. The holes are three holes are approximately 1-1/2, 1" and 3/4 " so I can use a 3/4" drain line, a 1" safety drain and I am left with a 1/2" return line. The return line is really small, much smaller than I have ever had.

My plan is to run 1" from the pump (yet to be purchased) and split to feed a reactor and a refugium or I suppose I could feed the refugium from the drain line. Anyway once I get to the bottom of the tank which is about 3' of vertical head I will need to restrict the flow to 1/2". Does this seem doable. I could run a new supply line up and over the back of the tank but that is my option of last resort because 1) I don't have much room behind the tank and 2) I don't like the looks of it.

Lsufan · 06/21/2017, 06:59 PM

I think u will be ok with the 1/2" return on that tank. Without looking up numbers I think u should be able to get over 500 gph with it, so unless u plan on having a high turnover through the sump u should be fine. I would narrow it down to 1/2" at the bulkhead. So eighther run 1" all the way to the bulkhead, or reduce to 3/4" after your manifold that feeds the fuge & reactors & then reduce down to 1/2" at the bulkhead.

If u don't like it then it really wouldn't be hard to add a bigger return over the back of the tank. I don't think it will be needed though.

JTL · 06/21/2017, 07:13 PM

Thanks

06/21/2017, 10:33 AM	#1
JTL Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Venice Island, FL Posts: 2,532	Return line problem I have a pre-drilled 100g tank, with a center overflow. Unfortunately the holes drilled in the bottom are not sized very well. The are metric but have the fittings. With a little effort I can put regular fittings on the supplied bulkheads. Here is the problem. The holes are three holes are approximately 1-1/2, 1" and 3/4 " so I can use a 3/4" drain line, a 1" safety drain and I am left with a 1/2" return line. The return line is really small, much smaller than I have ever had. My plan is to run 1" from the pump (yet to be purchased) and split to feed a reactor and a refugium or I suppose I could feed the refugium from the drain line. Anyway once I get to the bottom of the tank which is about 3' of vertical head I will need to restrict the flow to 1/2". Does this seem doable. I could run a new supply line up and over the back of the tank but that is my option of last resort because 1) I don't have much room behind the tank and 2) I don't like the looks of it. __________________ John 100 gallon DT and 50 gallon sump with refugium. Reefbreeders Photon V2+.

06/21/2017, 07:13 PM	#3
JTL Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Venice Island, FL Posts: 2,532	Thanks __________________ John 100 gallon DT and 50 gallon sump with refugium. Reefbreeders Photon V2+.

06/21/2017, 06:59 PM	#2
Lsufan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 1,410	I think u will be ok with the 1/2" return on that tank. Without looking up numbers I think u should be able to get over 500 gph with it, so unless u plan on having a high turnover through the sump u should be fine. I would narrow it down to 1/2" at the bulkhead. So eighther run 1" all the way to the bulkhead, or reduce to 3/4" after your manifold that feeds the fuge & reactors & then reduce down to 1/2" at the bulkhead. If u don't like it then it really wouldn't be hard to add a bigger return over the back of the tank. I don't think it will be needed though.