Inlet size for Iwsaki type pump

[StrategicReef]

I am going to put a bulkhead on the sump.

if I am using 3/4" hose barb for the return.. can I get away with 3/4" for the inlet or should I use a 1"?

 

[AMENO]

If the pump inlet is 1" then I would go with 1" bulkhead, less chance of pump cavation

 

[StrategicReef]

I have a panword pump MP40

inlet and outlet is 1/2" pipe thread I believe

 

[kgross]

How much flow do you want out of the pump? If you want max flow, use 1 inch or 1 1/4 would be even better and use it for the pump intake and on the outlet all the way to the tank. If you run 3/4 or 1/2 you will cause more frictional pressure loss which results in less water being moved by the pump.

Kim

 

[StrategicReef]

it flows 480 right out of the outlet,
but I have to plumb the chiller to the left and back up on the right side to the bulkhead return so quite a bit of horizontal length, do you think I should do a big diameter hose actually the biggest I can get is 3/4" for the chiller? It will have more weight to push up.

 

[kgross]

A larger diameter pipe/hose does not mean you will have more weight to push up. A larger diameter setup will mean less frictional head loss so you will get more flow. See if you can find a similar pump and plug your info into the head loss calculator and see what it will take to get the best flow rate.

Kim

 

[StrategicReef]

Ok also what do you recommend the bulkhead to pump connection be, should it be:

barb bulkhead - hose - barb - pump
slip glue pvc bulkhead - pvc pipe - union - pump
threaded bulkhead - pvc pipe - union - pump

 

[kgross]

I would do the last one, with a couple minor changes. Use flex PVC pipe (IE SPAFLEX) which you can find in some sizes at Homedepot/lowes and put a valve between the bulkhead and union. Then you don't have to drain the sump to remove the pump. Barbs to hose cause a lot of friction loss, and glued means that if you want to change it at all, you have to cut it out and put in new. If you use a threaded bulkhead, you can reuse the bulkhead.

Kim

 

[StrategicReef]

Oh thanks for the help
is SpaFlex a kind of hose or pipe..
The chiller accepts barb only so does the return nozzle built on the tank, all 3/4" barb.

What do you recommend me to use for the return hose? the vinyl ones would work but seems a bit heavy.

 

[kgross]

Spaflex is kinda a combination pipe/hose. It is flexable PVC you use normal pvc fittings glued on to it, but it does flex like a hose, but it is pretty stiff and does not kink like a hose.

I would use PCV pipe for as much of the return as possible, if you have to go to a hose, just use small pieces from barb adapters to the equipment that must have a hose. Hoses kink, they are normally at least partially transparent and will grow algea inside of them.

Kim