Plumbing (1 Viewer)

[Reefdad]

Fixing to order holesaw from Glass-holes. 30 gallon cube with small sump maybe 10-15 gallons underneath (depending what I can build or find) 18x16 space.

Now, going with the beananimal design in 1". I plan to run a 1" return on a pump that produces a pretty good flow near the bottom of the tank. Should my return line be smaller? Thanks, Dave

 

[DustinB]

3/4" should be good on the return, that's what I run on my 90 with a mag9.5.

 

[Reefdad]

Should I drop to a 3/4 to the sump and 1/2 return for such a small tank?

 

[DustinB]

My 40B is using the "herbie" method an uses a 3/4" drain, but it's a quietone 1000. What return pump are you going to use?

 

[Reefdad]

Not sure looking for something that will produce enough flow that powerheads are mininal to non existent. If flow was to much I was just thinking about returning some back to the sump to control flow. I realize most put there return at the top, I was thinking from the bottom away from the drain.

 

[mario8402]

not impossible but impracticle. youre going to have water rushing through so fast through the sump that you will probably have issues. return pump as main flow is never the solution. drill for closed loop if thats the case.

 

[mario8402]

not impossible but impracticle. youre going to have water rushing through so fast through the sump that you will probably have issues. return pump as main flow is never the solution. drill for closed loop if thats the case.

 

[Reefdad]

Agreed, so if I stick to 1" drain pipe 3/4" return with a pump with just enough head pressure I should be fine correct? Does it matter if return is closer to the top or bottom?

 

[DustinB]

Well you don't want the return close to the bottom. You want it pretty much as close to the top as possible. If you lose power your whole tank will drain at the bottom. You only want to look at the lower part of the tank if you are doing a closed loop.

 

[Reefdad]

I need to slow down.

 

[DustinB]

Haha, just ask questions like you are if you're unsure about anything. That's what we're here for.

 

[trb]

I'm assuming your return plumbing will be routed above the top of the tank at some point, for a power off siphon break? And then you want to run the plumbing down to the bottom of the tank? IMO it is not going to look very nice unless you plan to cover it with rocks or something. And a bottom only return will not work. You will drain your entire tank if the power goes out.

 

[DustinB]

He hasn't drilled the holes yet, he just ordered the saw bit. Sounds like he is drilling into the back glass.

 

[Reefdad]

No, I haven't drilled yet. Just trying to get ideas. I am going with the beananimal for sure. but wasn't clear if the size of pipe mattered. I did learn that I will not be using my return for flow, and that was a worry because I do want a tiny section in sump for fuge. Plan I purchasing holesaw tonight though.

 

[flexrac]

On a 30 gallon cube i would do the beananimal style with 3/4 drain and 1/2 inch return. sadly they do not make sanitary tee that size.
I wouldn't do a closed loop, but if you must, i would do one drain, and the return over the top, powered by a maxi-jet.

You can use pex as well.

 

[Reefdad]

Thanks everyone, yeah I went with the 3/4 drain 1/2 return. I realize I can manipulate flow with the ball valve on the drain, but after thinking about the way I'm going to build my sump and water flow this looked like the best route. Appreciate the help. Dave

 

[RocketSurgeon]

One other thing to consider, If you ever have to replace a bulkhead gasket, the lower the hole is drilled, the more water that must be removed for repair/replacement.