Return Plumbing Quesiton

[HiImSean]

I've got a Eheim 1262 for my return pump. It has 3/4" return but the bulkhead on my tank is 1". I've read that it's fine moving up in size in the plumbing but does it matter when you do so? Say will it have more flow if you have the PVC increase directly from the pump versus right at the bulkhead? The only reason I ask is because I got a bunch of 3/4" PVC and fittings laying around.

 

[5pacey]

I've got a Eheim 1262 for my return pump. It has 3/4" return but the bulkhead on my tank is 1". I've read that it's fine moving up in size in the plumbing but does it matter when you do so? Say will it have more flow if you have the PVC increase directly from the pump versus right at the bulkhead? The only reason I ask is because I got a bunch of 3/4" PVC and fittings laying around.

Its not only fine, its recommended. And the closer you do it to the pump the more benefit you will get. The narrower the pipe the more friction water encounters which essentially adds head back pressure. ReeFlo had this very cool chart somewhere where they measured flow loss due to pipe diameter based on how long the run was, the pipe width and pump flow rating. It matters less on short distances, but it really adds up the longer you go.

Space

 

[HiImSean]

Thanks. I'll just grab some 1" stuff instead.