need help choosing b/w 3 plumbing options

[latazyo]

Im trying to decide between 3 different plumbing options

regardless of what I choose for this return line, I have 2-3 seios that I can/do use inside the tank

this is a mixed reef w/ all corals/clams/anems, etc

the tank is a 40BR

return pump is a mag 9.5

the return plumbing from the pump is 1" PVC that is split by a reducing T midway to the tank

this T distributes water to a side tank that is also plumbed into the system via 3/4" PVC controlled by ball valve

after the T, the water continues upwards in 1" PVC through a gate valve to the main display as shown

The options Im asking about only involve the plumbing to the main tank - the side tank is just a softy tank, so that gets enough flow as is

Option 1 would be just using the existing setup I have on my old tank...I have two 1/2" locline setups to use so that is why I have 1/2" locline in the diagrams (in case youre wondering)

Option 2 involves a PVC ring around the top of the tank with 3-4 outputs...I really like this idea and IM mainly asking for advice on the size of PVC for the ring....option 2 has 1" PVC all the way around as shown

Option 3 is the same as option 2 only with 3/4" PVC instead of 1"

 

[mpcart]

For a 40, I'd say #1 should be just fine. If you want to do 4 outs then I'd go with number 2 - bigger pipe is better.

Mike

 

[Jarob]

option 3 is what im using on my 40 and i love it, tons of flow

 

[latazyo]

Jarob, do you have a tank build thread or just the canopy thread in DIY?

do you have any pics of your setup? (OR BK?)

anyways, I want to see how you did your outputs


thanks Mike - not to mention that Im splitting the return to the side tank as well...

as long as it moves volume that's fine....I have 3 seios and an MJ that can be modded if needed for velocity and direction inside the tank....

but no powerhead can offer that flow from the front and top like the PVC ring can

 

[Jarob]

whats your email? I have some pictures I can send

 

[latazyo]

latazyo at yahoo dot com

 

[Schplitter]

I think we should call this the BK LOOP lol. Here is what I used with a mag 12 on my 76 gallon with the BK LOOP...
Option 3 with 3/4 all around and then T off to 1/2. From there you can go to hydor rotating deflectors or you just take some 1/2 pvc and crimp one end so it looks like those locline nozels...

I'll try to find some pics...

BK

 

[Schplitter]

If you use a mag 12 you probably will have enough flow to feed that side tank and have 4 outlets with 4 hydor rotating deflectors so taht you will not need any powerheads...

 

[latazyo]

I have a mag 9.5

maybe just 3 outlets?

 

[Jarob]

hell yea, BK loop