1/2" pipe.....will it be enough?

[Kaos]

I'm thinking of installing 1/2" pipe for my overflows and closed loop on my 20L project. The overflow will consist of a Calfo style overflow w/ 2 half inch pipes running to the sump (I may run them to a tee and then run 3/4" from the tee to sump). I plan on having a return pump of no more then 160gph. For my closed loop I hope to use 1/2" for also. That will not be more then 350gph.

So, for the gph I want to run through it, will the 1/2" pipe handle it? TIA.

 

[prugs]

The 1/2" thinwall pvc to 3/4" thinwall pvc should be fine. If you're talking about 1/2" cpvc, that stuff is really small.

 

[Kaos]

I'm not really sure what I looked at. I was just planning on using regular plumbing pipe and fittings from Lowe's.

 

[aclos3]

I like to use schedule 40 regular pvc (fairly thick walled). I just converted my 18g to a 29g system with 10g sump. For the overflow, I used 1 inch pvc. That is the size of the bulkhead output on my overflow. I used 1/2inch for the return line and I have a little over 200gph flow. I figured, bigger was better for the overflow, although it is a bit loud. I think that 3/4 inch might have been better. At the bottom of my overflow pipe, there are two 90 degree elbows, so that could be the source of some of my noise.

 

[aclos3]

Also, you guys are refering to inside diameter of the pipe. Correct? cpvc 1/2 inch sould have the same inner diameter as the thin schedule 20 1/2 pipes... correct?

 

[prugs]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8134207#post8134207 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aclos3
Also, you guys are refering to inside diameter of the pipe. Correct? cpvc 1/2 inch sould have the same inner diameter as the thin schedule 20 1/2 pipes... correct?

Nope, they are different.