Return pump - Eheim - Issues with tubing size

[Logzor]

I am currently running a 80w return on my 90g. It connect to 3/4" tubing which then connects to some PVC on the bottom of my tank.

This pump is designed identically to the Eheim 1262 - its just really old and needs replaced.

Some say that the 1260 is better suited for my tank, I agree.

The Issue is that the 1260 connects to 5/8" tubing. I can not change tubing sizes because the return PVC is made for 3/4" tubing.

Should I just not worry and get the bigger pump or make an effort adjust my plumbing for the smaller one?

 

[Logzor]

I need to replace this pump soon, I hope to order today, any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Goodwood]

The 1260 is perfect for a 90. I have mine hard plumbed (1" PVC). You could screw a small amount of 1" PVC (a few inches long) into the pump with nipple barb on the end for 3/4 tubing if that makes sense. Hope that helps some.

The 1260 will save you a bit of cash in the long run, less power and heat.

Off topic, I did the URP thing in college.

 

[chris4869]

I convert my Eheim 1262 to 1260 and back all the time. The only difference between the two is the pump cover, and you can get that through their Website. The parts from the 1262 should fit in the 1260. You can get a hosebarb adapter (~$4) from your local hardware store and it'll work. I have a 1260 in my 90 as a return pump too and I use 3/4" tubing. It's almost indestructible.

 

[sjm817]

Its very simple. Unscrew the stock output fitting. Get a 3/4" sched 80 fitting (sched 40 is too short), wrap it up good with teflon tape and screw it right into the pump. From there, do whatever you want with the plumbing of your choice.

 

[Logzor]

Correct me if I am wrong:

There is a 'nut' on the top of the pump that squeezes around the hosing. For the 1260 I simply need to put on a larger 'nut' that will fit 3/4" tubing and I will be in business?

Please confirm as I want to order this tonight. The current pump is having startup issues - it was fine after I cleaned the prop. Although, on the plug there appears to have been some melting and a good deal of corrosion!!!

If so that is fantastic - I definitely want to save some energy and I think the lower flow will allow my skimmer to function better.

Thank you for the detail replied - this helps a great deal!

 

[sjm817]

No. Unscrew the whole thing. Replace with a sched 80 fitting.

Here is the original, sched 80. sched 40.

 

[Logzor]

So the entire connection on the top of the pump (that goes into the aquarium) has these standard fitting that I can change to hook up to a 3/4" inch tubing. They are available at hardware stores?

 

[sjm817]

Yes

 

[Logzor]

The new pump just arrived. I went to the hardware store and they did not have any fitting that exactly matched the one that came with the pump.

I was able to find a hose barb adapter.

It looks like this only made for 3/4" tubing.

Is it safe to use teflon/thread seal tape?

 

[sjm817]

That is a really small barb. That will kill the flow. I wouldn't use it.

 

[chris4869]

The picture looks like a 1/2" hose barb, but I think he's getting the 3/4" hose barb. It's safe to use teflon tape on the threads. Don't forget to use a clamp to secure the tube.

 

[Logzor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14526677#post14526677 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Logzor
It looks like this only made for 3/4" tubing.

That picture is a representation - the end is made for 3/4" tubing so it is actually MUCH bigger

So far it seem to be working great. I have the tubing secured on there really well. This is exactly how my old pump was attached - only it used the hose barb that was build into the unit.

Sorry, I am not familar with the clamp you are talking about.

The barbs seem to be holding the water in. Will that not be enough?

 

[chris4869]

It's better to put one on.

OR

 

[Logzor]

I have seen those before. Thanks for posting the pictures.

I hope this will do for now.

To test the fitting I took it right out of the plastic and used some scrap 3/4" tubing and hooked it onto the first barb. I almost had to use a razor blade and cut the side of the tubing to get it off of there. Its like one of those Chinese finger traps...

I trust it but next time I am out Ill grab one of those.