Reef Plumbing Experts?

[input80]

I have a couple of questions for the experts in here:
1) can a Bean animal work correctly with 2x1.5" & 1z3/4" holes, or do they all have to be the same size?
2) with 3/4" bulkheads (returns), would it be fine to run 1" from the pump then reduce to 3/4" at the bulkheads & run a 3/4" pipe into the tank? or can I go 1"--> 3/4" at the bulkhead-->1" into the tank?

[vanreefer]

Originally Posted by input80

I have a couple of questions for the experts in here:
1) can a Bean animal work correctly with 2x1.5" & 1z3/4" holes, or do they all have to be the same size?
2) with 3/4" bulkheads (returns), would it be fine to run 1" from the pump then reduce to 3/4" at the bulkheads & run a 3/4" pipe into the tank? or can I go 1"--> 3/4" at the bulkhead-->1" into the tank?

1) it can work... how much does your return pump move/ hr? That will dictate if u use the 3/4" as part of 2 active drains or the emergency... If u use it as the emergency it may not be able to handle the flow.

2) reducing to 3/4 will restrict flow... After it is reduced it doesn't really matter if u stay at 3/4" or upsize to 1". Going back to 1" will result in more gentle flow at the outlet.
Cheers 😉

[input80]

1)definitely not thinking the 3/4 for emergency

[Lampshade]

Vanreefer nailed it.

I've generally found that anytime i go from a smaller pipe to a larger pipe in a return line you end up with micro bubbles. There is probably a way to reduce this with proper adapters, but general PVC ones have always given me micro bubbles.

[Myka]

The answer to #2 really depends on how much flow your return pump pushes. Check the manufacturer recommendations (should be in the instruction manual) to make sure that they recommend flow through 3/4". Usually the size of the outlet on the pump is a good sign - if it is a 1" outlet, chances are the manufacturer recommends 1" all the way from the pump to the tank with no restriction. The best bet if you can't find the information in the manual is to email the manufacturer for confirmation - most of them will reply to you within a few days.

[input80]

Thank you Mindy, Unfortunately, the return holes in the overflow are already 3/4"; as I believe I went this route because loclines only go up to 3/4"? The pump is a Jebao/Jecod DCT-15000.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by input80

Thank you Mindy, Unfortunately, the return holes in the overflow are already 3/4"; as I believe I went this route because loclines only go up to 3/4"? The pump is a Jebao/Jecod DCT-15000.

Sorry I don't know anything about the Jebao line, and I don't think you'd be able to get a response from them either, but you could try! You're probably ok as long as you run the 1" all the way to the bulkhead (it has 1" output right?). That said, I'm not the manufacturer.