Is it okay to run 3/4" to 1" PVC plumbing from pump to the aquarium in return line?

[beauT07]

Is it okay to run 3/4" to 1" PVC plumbing from pump to the aquarium in return line?

I have a 40 gallon saltwater tank + 10-20 gallon sump that I have 1" PVC plumbing for, everything was plumbed and I have a 1000GPH pump running right now for a turn over about 20x an hour. I believe my pump might be too strong. I have heard mix responses, looking for help. If I were to go to a smaller pump could I change PVC fitting starting 3/4" at the pump to 1" at the return nozzle?

Thank you

 

[Sk8r]

Easy fix. Install a gate valve (simple turn-flange) in the line and valve it back a little if it's too much pump for the tank you have---better too-much, valved back, than not-enough. No harm to the pump: it 'thinks' it's just a steeper climb to the tank. I ran a gate valve on a 2000 gph pump for about 8 years with no problem, then got a larger tank and removed the valve. And yes, using an adapter on a hose is perfectly fine, too. If you push into a larger hose you'll retard the flow; the reverse if you concentrate a larger hose into a smaller.

 

[MondoBongo]

+1 to everything sk8r said, as usual, but i also wanted to ask, are you seeing any problems from that amount of flow?

that's a good bit for a smaller sized tank, but unless there is too much flow in a specific area, or it seems to be negatively impacting fish/corals, i might be inclined to leave it as is.

if you're not running additional powerheads in the tank might be just right. in my 40b that i'm using as a fuge, plumbed in to my larger system, i have a 750gph return running on about 2ft of head loss. i still need a large (1050gph powerhead) in the tank to get the flow i want.

 

[beauT07]

Thank you! this makes sense, I would rather have more flow from it and use it as a "powerhead" too than to not have enough. If you can take a look at my other post, theres 1 more dilemma! thank you for all your help guys. I appreciate it