Return lines and sizes

[rickztahone]

Hello all, I am getting closer and closer to finishing my build and I wanted to ask a question (possibly a simple one). I am making a Bean Animal setup and so far everything is going to plan, but I have not decided how I will run my return(s). At first I wanted to run a split return from my Eheim 1260 but kept reading how difficult it is to keep a good flow on both. I'd like to split the return and have output spray bars on both sides. I am again returning to this set up and wanted to get people's opinion on it.

With that said, I do not plan on using the Eheim barbs that come with the pump and plan on use a pvc male adapter instead and running some flexible tubing up to hard plumbing. My question is, are there any drawbacks to using the outlet size as the return line size? I believe the return size for the Eheim is 3/4". Can I keep the plumbing for the return that size or should I go larger? I'm not interested in super high turn over in my tanks as it is a FW tank and it doesn't need as much flow, but I want to make sure there aren't any drawbacks to using same size pipes as the outlet size.

Please advise.

 

[CuzzA]

What size tank is this?

Spray bars are not likely going to do anything for you. The flow would be diminished substantially. A better alternative would be sea swirls, but ultimately the purpose of a return pump is to get filtered water back to the display and then let your powerheads distribute that water throughout the tank.

Either way in terms of plumbing, I would put an adapter on the pump increasing to 1" (especially for vinyl tubing) and then a "UNION" so you can easily remove the pump for service, then a 1" MPT x 1" Hose Barb for the the vinyl.

(Emphasis on the union, because without them servicing a pump is a pita)

 

[rickztahone]

Thank you so much for the advise. I plan on using a true unon ball valve on the pump for service just in case.

Also, when you say the spray bar will diminish the flow, how much are we talking? Again, this will not be a high turn over tank since my FW occupants do not like too much flow. I can definitely adapt it up to 1" though

 

[CuzzA]

Hard to say, but friction loss would probably be significant. However, on a freshwater system you should be fine as most setups don't require a ton of flow like a reef tank.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/1/aafeature2