Sump piping

windcoast reefs · #1 02-02-2011, 12:20 AM

Hey everyone!

I am putting in a 20 gallon sump for my 33 gallon reef tank. I am really not sure what size pipe I should be using for the sump. I have decided on a Danner mag-drive 3 pump as my return from the sump to the tank. Any suggestions on pipe sizes?

The Grizz · #2 02-02-2011, 01:21 AM

Depending on what you are doing for an overflow you should have at least an 1 1/2" drain from tank to sump and a 1" return line.

windcoast reefs · #3 02-02-2011, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Grizz

Depending on what you are doing for an overflow you should have at least an 1 1/2" drain from tank to sump and a 1" return line.

Really? Wow thats allot larger than I though I would need. It will be drilled, so there won't be any overflow boxes.

The Grizz · #4 02-02-2011, 01:57 AM

No internal overflow? I can't say I have seen that before, are you just going to have the pipe exposed and to the top level of the tank?

Aquattro · #5 02-02-2011, 02:02 AM

I use 1" on my dual durso and return, seems to give me lots of flow on my 180.
Before you buy anything, let me know what you need, I have tons of stuff that I need to get rid of.

golf nut · #6 02-02-2011, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by windcoast reefs

Really? Wow thats allot larger than I though I would need. It will be drilled, so there won't be any overflow boxes.

All the more reason for taking Grizz's advice and go big, are you going to drill the bottom or the back?

windcoast reefs · #7 02-02-2011, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golf nut

All the more reason for taking Grizz's advice and go big, are you going to drill the bottom or the back?

Im gonna be drilling the back of the tank, the bottom is tempered.

windcoast reefs · #8 02-02-2011, 02:39 AM

Well it looks like I have allot more planning to do! There is way more options than I thought!

e46er · #9 02-02-2011, 02:03 AM

3/4" return should be plenty for a tank that size

a 1" drain would be ok unless you plan on keeping large snails which could potentially block it

a mag 350 puts out ~ 200 GPH @ 6 ' head pressure so a 1" drain would have to be almost clogged solid to cause a flood
id drill 2 holes and do a herbie style overflow silent and virtually flood proof
return(s) over the back of tank

Binare · #10 02-02-2011, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e46er

3/4" return should be plenty for a tank that size

a 1" drain would be ok unless you plan on keeping large snails which could potentially block it

a mag 350 puts out ~ 200 GPH @ 6 ' head pressure so a 1" drain would have to be almost clogged solid to cause a flood
id drill 2 holes and do a herbie style overflow silent and virtually flood proof
return(s) over the back of tank

+1