Return Plumbing Help

[zlwags85]

I posted this in the DIY forum as well, but looking to place an order asap. Thanks much!


There are 4 total returns with 1" bulkheads and I think it's 3/4" locline into the actual tank. I will be starting with an Iwaki 70 for a return pump for now which has a 1" outlet. What size piping should I use directly off the pump? Please see the picture below for more details. Also, would it be wiser to put a ball valve on all 4 returns or just the 2 like I have it before it splits? I believe ball valves reduce flow so I thought the 2 would be ok. Any help or thoughts appreciated!

To explain the picture a bit better:
the "T" fitting would be a 2" -> 1" on the other 2 sides.
The horizontal run would be approximately 6 feet.
Vertical run is about 5 ft to the actual outlets in the tank


Should it be 2" or 1.5" -> 1"? I will be using some spa flex tubing in this as well to make it a bit easier to plumb.

Thanks much!

 

[cdh9400t]

I would use 1 1/2 from the pump to your tee and across the tank to the other return. Reduce to your bulk head size from the the 1 1/2. This will ensure there is less pressure on the pump. Thats what I would do. hope that helps

 

[crvz]

You've got 4 returns, but how many drains? My first assumption is that you're using two of the drains as returns, but maybe there's more to the story here.

And I would use a larger pipe before the split, it will help reduce the total head pressure on the system.

 

[zlwags85]

Wow - lots of advice and I'm at work so I just skimmed and now I'm really confused!

I have 2 drains (each 1.5") and 4 returns (each 1"). Each Drain will have a Stockman Standpipe and the each return will be plumbed up through the overflow box and to a locline style flow outlet. The original owner of the tank was planning on using them like a closed loop I believe but I don't want to run several external pumps due to cost. I will be using Koralia Magnum 8's.

The reason I put the additional 2 ball valves is so that I could control how much flow each of the outputs gets. If I put 4 (one right before each bulkhead, I could shut off 1 in each overflow and get better flow through the other if I needed more powerful flow...

I don't know what I'm doing exactly. That's why I'm asking for thoughts. If that didn't help explain what is going on, let me know! Thanks tons for the help!

-zach