Max flow rate for 1" PVC on a return

[jmccown]

Well guys, I'm about to get my big tank up and going. Got my sump built and my plumbing done. I plumbed it with 1" PVC on the returns and the overflows. What would be the max flow rate for 1" PVC. I am pushing water up about 5' back into the tank on each end of the 8' tank. I want to ask because I don't want my plumbing to blow apart if the flow rate is too high, nor do I want the flushing sound if the overflows can't handle that much water. I was thinking about a Mag 18, which is about 1800gph. Right now I have a Via Aqua 3300 which is about 900-1000gph. The plumbing comes up from the sump directly into a tee and splits off in each direction. I will try to get some pics up tonight to see what you guys think. But what flow rate is safe for 1" PVC?

Jason

 

[LtPiper]

I'm running 1200gph on 1 inch.

 

[Reef4Fun]

I use a ViaAqua 3300 on my 120 with 1 inch inside dimension (ID) if you use 1 inch outside dimension (OD) you will only have a 3/4 inch inside. As for the ViaAqua, I really could use a bit more power. I originally had two of them and it was too much, even with each having its own control valve, so I used a Y and went down to just one pump. I actually would like to have one pump that would give me the power of one 3300 and half of another. I would think the Mag18 would be perfect for your 150. I guess I need something that would handle about 1500gph. Post some pics if you have em.

 

[jmccown]

actually it would be for my 380g tank.

 

[Reef4Fun]

ah, well I'm not the expert at all, lol. Seems to me that I know the power of the ViaAqua, and I know it could not be near enough, IMO, because it isn't for my 120, so I would think it would need to be more than the Mag18, again, IMO. Actually, I don't know how the 1 inch ID would work with a more powerful pump than the Mag18. I can check with my husband on that if nobody else knows, he's a master plumber so he knows the flow ratio and all.

 

[jmccown]

I guess my big concern with the plumbing that I done is that the pump goes straight up into a "T" and then splits off left and right. I was just afraid that if I get too much pressure going into the T, that it would blow apart, cause the water would be pushing it straight up. I dunno, I certainly am not a plumber. That's why I was asking.

 

[Reef4Fun]

Well, thats a ligit concern. He plumbed mine up with a Y instead of a T. But, I am sure that if it was glued properly it should withstand the force. I will ask him his opionion though and post later this evening.

 

[1package]

Since you went with a 75g sump, you may be ok with the normal 600 gallon per side overflow turnover. As for the Mag 18, they are strong pumps but no fear of blowing up 1" PVC in a T. I use a Mag 18 for my return pump with a Y on a standard 600 gal per side reef ready tank, so it obviously is not pushing more than 1200 g/hr although it is close to 1200, the water is coming quick. I think you are better from a noise standpoint to keep the overflows maxxed out to avoid the gulping sounds.

If you have not purchased the pump yet, I would drill the sump, or throw a line over the top to remove the internal pump (Mag 18). Although you are doing lower light so it may be no issue, any heat introduced is sometimes a problem. I would consider picking up a GenX or Coralife external 1200 g/hr pump at about the same cost. I wish I had of.

 

[stevebeaver]

i have a mag 24 on my 130 gal. lots of flow, but temp is staying about 83 with lights on, 80 with lights off.. now i am going with external.

 

[jmccown]

U wanna sell the mag 24?