What size plumbing?

[baker_jeff]

Sorry for the total noob question, this is my first time plumbing. I need to buy a holesaw and bulkhead fittings asap here, so I need some quick advice.

The tank is a 24x24x18 cube. Going to have 2 drains and 1 return.

1", or 1 1/2" plumbing?

Thanks,

Jeff

[Ryan]

How much GPH are you going to be using is what the deciding factor will be. If it were me I would run 1.5" main with a 1" back up drain.

[parkinsn]

if you go bigger you can always upgrade flow later if you have to. just my 2 cents.

[xtreme]

Chances are you will need a couple different size hole saws and bulkheads as return lines are generally smaller than your drains. Your return line will depend on the size of your return pump outlet. I would think 2 - 1" drains should be enough as you shouldn't need to have more than a few hundred GPH flowing through your sump, based on a 45 gallon display. Any upgrades to flow within the display tank won't effect your overflows.

[loveless]

I agree. I have a 1.5" drain and a 1" return line on my 180gal. I use a mag 12 with around 8-900 gph through the sump.

[sphelps]

The bigger the better for both lines, more flow and will allow for future upgrades. If you got the ability to run 1.5" for both, go for it.

[Myka]

The return size depends on the pump, you should find a reccommended size for your particular pump in the user manual. Many manufacturers recommend a pipe size twice the diameter of the in/outputs on the pump. For drains I would use 1". Are you doing Herbie drains?