3/4" or 1" return - help please

[Regulator23]

thank you. I have 2 reef tanks (125G and 110G) that I am about to consolidate my fish and corals into a new acrylic 180. The 180 is peninsula style (viewed from 3 sides) with a single overflow box on one end. In the overflow box, there are two drain holes that will accommodate 1 1/2" PVC (I'll use 1 for drain and one for emergency) and a single return hole which will accommodate a 3/4" PVC. Here's where I need help.

Do you think it would be advisable to drill the return hole larger to accommodate 1" PVC? Both of my other tanks use 3/4" but I don't have nearly as strong of a pump on them (my new pump will push 4,100GPH at full power).

Not sure if it makes a difference, but I'm also going to run 2 MP40's from the same end of the tank. Flow shouldn't be an issue.

Anyway, that's one question/dilemma.

 

[mcgyvr]

Your return hole size and piping used should be suitable for the pump being used and to not create a restriction..

Typically that would be the same size as the outlet of the pump or greater..

I highly doubt your 4100GPH pump has such a tiny 3/4" outlet..
And NO WAY are you going to get 4100GPH through 3/4" or even 1" really.

oh and FYI.. Typically for a 180G tank having return pump flowrate of up to 1800GPH after head loss.. (typically recommended to have 3 to 10x display tank size) is suitable..
4100GPH is massive overkill unless your sump is in your basement or 10+feet below the display tank

 

[mfinn]

If you are going to use loc-line on the inside of your tank on the return, might as well stay with the 3/4" bulkhead. As far as I know ( or could find) loc-line doesn't come in 1"

 

[Regulator23]

Got it. I have a smaller pump I think I'll use instead (I was just thinking bigger is better!!). I will have a manifold running off it, but that won't draw much flow at all. Thank you.

 

[kybreos]

MP40 will only make it half way, go with 1.5" Everything and use the big pump. If you want quiet go with DC.


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[jccaclimber]

Other than the ability to fit bulkheads (don't forget the flange size and space to swing a wrench), larger pipes are never worse. If you are using loc-line you can always bring up a large pipe, split, then have multiple loc-line outlets.

 

[laverda]

4100 GPH is a lot of flow and way more then you need. For that much flow you really want 1.5” tubing. I doubt you overflow will be able to handle 4100 gph. It is also very possible your sump will not either. It costs a lot in electricity to pump that much water up 6’ or so with no real benefit. Like uncle said 1800 GPH is plenty.