Advice on plan for Return Plumbing

[fernalfer]

OK tell me if my return plan is ok. I have a Sicce Syncra silent 5.0-->threaded 3/4 PVC-->3/4 to inch reducer (To go from 3/4 inch to 1 inch tubing)-->1 inch short piece of Ultra Flex PVC-->1 inch Ball Valve Union-->1 inch Ultra Flex PVC all the way to bulkhead almost-->into union-->Short piece of Ultra Flex PVC-->into 1 inch to 3/4 reducer-->into threaded 3/4 inch threaded PVC fitting--> into threaded 3/4 inch bulkhead.

I have dual over flows so at somepoint in my return will split with this. https://flexpvc.com/cart/agora.cgi?p=PVC-Fittings-Wyes-45degree&p_id=475-010&xm=on&ppinc=detail

 

[thegrun]

I like to use a short 6" piece of silicone tubing right off the pump to control vibration noise then use PVC the rest of the way which overall is sturdier than flex. Your plan will certainly work, I just think it is safer in the long run to use primarily rigid PVC.

 

[fernalfer]

I like to use a short 6" piece of silicone tubing right off the pump to control vibration noise then use PVC the rest of the way which overall is sturdier than flex. Your plan will certainly work, I just think it is safer in the long run to use primarily rigid PVC.

I hear you about the silicone tubing for noise reduction. But i always hear to stay away from barb fittings and that's what i would need to attach the silicone piece to. People say they reduce flow.

 

[thegrun]

How big is the tank? Unless you think you need every little bit of flow from your return pump there isn't that big of a pressure drop from the barbed fittings. Yes it will reduce the flow a bit but your Sicce pump is designed to overcome a lot of head pressure. I like my tanks to run quiet and the silicone tubing will reduce the noise, I suspect the small drop in flow would be worth the use of a barbed fitting.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I use a silicone/rubber inline splice at the PVC to bulkhead to reduce vibration and add some ability for the PVC pipe to move a bit if bumped. That way the stainless steel hose clamps aren't in the water.

 

[fernalfer]

How big is the tank? Unless you think you need every little bit of flow from your return pump there isn't that big of a pressure drop from the barbed fittings. Yes it will reduce the flow a bit but your Sicce pump is designed to overcome a lot of head pressure. I like my tanks to run quiet and the silicone tubing will reduce the noise, I suspect the small drop in flow would be worth the use of a barbed fitting.

120 gallon dual overflows. about 5 feet to the outlet of the return line