Plumbing questions

roblarss · #1 10-09-2009, 09:39 PM

I am almost ready to run my new 120gal reef setup but I am having some issues with some plumbing.

I have 4 - 3/4" bulkheads I want to use as closed loop returns and a 1" supply. My issue is space under the tank. I have 2 3/4" SCWDs. I hooked up a mag12 and was very unimpressed at the flow. I know the 90 bends (pump discharge) are an issue but I cant figure a way around them. Would it be better to have the pump discharge into a 1.5" pipe and have both SCWDs come off them?
I may be able to locate the pump behind the sump. Maintenance would just be more difficult.

I am also looking at a new pump but what flow rate would be appropriate. I want as much flow as I can reasonably run out of the 3/4" bulkheads.
Any have suggestions on how to change the piping to make things flow better?

I will be using a mag 12 as my sump return.

Here you can see all the outlets

sphelps · #2 10-09-2009, 09:47 PM

Using larger diameter pipe and using as little pipe length as possible will help increase flow. However the biggest limitations are the 1" intake and the two SCWDs so it's hard to say if you can greatly increase the flow without removing those limitations.

roblarss · #3 10-09-2009, 09:55 PM

I can drill the intake larger but the pump only has a 3/4" intake anyways. I could remove the SCWDs and just feed to 2 of the 3/4" outlets. That would simplify the plumbing

sphelps · #4 10-09-2009, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roblarss

I can drill the intake larger but the pump only has a 3/4" intake anyways. I could remove the SCWDs and just feed to 2 of the 3/4" outlets. That would simplify the plumbing

Pumps usually have smaller inputs and outputs but the piping should be larger. If you can run 1.5" pump straight from a 1.5" bulkhead to the pump and then larger pipe again for the outputs it will help. 4 3/4" bulkheads for output will actually match up nicely to a single 1.5" input.

roblarss · #5 10-09-2009, 10:18 PM

Thanks for the info.
I was figuring oversizing by .25 was plenty
I will see if I can fit larger piping coming down from the tank. I do have a spare 1.5" bulkhead around here somewhere.

golf nut · #6 10-09-2009, 11:06 PM

The 90 degree bend into the SCWD is robbing you of flow, maybe as much as 30%, the SCWD accounts for 20%