return tubing from sump/refugium

[A.T.DAWG]

Does having flexible poly tubing or PVC pipe affect the GPH of the pump? Also what about size of the tube, bigger better, smaller better, or some happy medium? I have a mag7 and was wondering what would be the best to use.Also the tube that came with the pump had a little spray bar thing on it and was wondering if there is something else/better to use, also does the spray bar hamper the pump?

Thanks
Andrew

 

[flfirefighter13]

bigger will give more flow, smaller lends to more pressure in theory. Check the specs on the pump, IIRC mags say a 1" out is best. Spray bar can decrease overall GPH but depends on how much you want/need as to if it is what you want. Most reefers Ive spoke with agree a wider laminar flow is best, meaning not a sharp flow but a difuse one, spray bar pointing across the tank can create this or a 1" outlet can as well, 2-3 1/2" outlets will not be as effective and will create a little more of a concentrated flow pattern. What coral are you planning and what are the tank specs?

 

[flfirefighter13]

also flexible pipe generally requires less fittings. Fittings create friction thus lowering GPH.

 

[chrisstie]

If it helps on my 55g I have flexitube coming in and out.

When water goes from my overflow box down into the tank I grabbed what was available at the time and its a big 1inch tube that has that crosshatch stuff in it.

I'm using a really junkie return pump that came with my sump that is one of those ovreseas brands that you wouldn't want to brag about.

I have a 3\4" tube on that, i think and its sat down on the pump with a hose clamp and when it comes into the tank I have it connected to some Locline (you need to ram the tube up and over the graded part of the locline otherwise it might leak) and i have it clamped there as well.

that's just my configuration but I hope it helps. I find the flexible stuff great if you don't have a tank\stand drilled to perfection and ready to go out of the box

 

[cschweitzer]

I like the Rio HF(hyper flow) for returns. Cheap(found a place online 14HF's for $35 each), low power consuption in comparison to many of equal size, very nice impellar(solid construction without the little bars that can break off), and powerful. I just ordered two 14HF's since my 10HF's magnet buldged. I use flexible tubing for return and overflow. I can give the company name of where I got them(this price was $10 less than anywhere else I could find...every other place was $42+ for this size).

 

[A.T.DAWG]

flfirefighter13- Tank is a standard 75g that I plan on keeping softies in, when you mention 1" outlet, is there some sort of fitting you put on the tube for it to go into the tank or is it just the tube stuck directly in the tank?

chrisstie- yes that does help because it lets me know it can be done with a junky pump , my pump isn't really junky just a little smaller than I thought it would be.

cschweitzer- if you could PM me the name of the company that would be great because I might have to get another pump, Especially if the price is right

 

[chrisstie]

Pm me with that if you wouldn't mind too I'd like to find a quieter pump and cheap is good if it works!

 

[flfirefighter13]

I generally run 1" PVC or flex pvc up and over the edge of the tank, then reduce to 3/4" thread and add a few pieces of locline, often times splitting the locline into 2 half inch outlets faceing in different directions. If your tank is drilled run 1" to the bulkhead then 3/4 the rest of the way. Generally tanks are drilled for a 3/4 bulkhead, meaning that 3/4 is your restricting point. By running 1" as high as possible you will ensure getting the most possible flow from your pump. There are a lot of advanced thoughts on fluid dynamics and flowrates but I generally go with if I have 1" pipe as the largest on a return then I try to have at least 1" open, such as 2 half inch loclines or 1 3/4 and 1 half inch locline open in the tank. Not scientific at all but has worked well for any tank with a mag Ive used.