What i'm i missing? 3/4" bulkhead problems

Ajae

Member
I"m trying to dry fit all my plumbing before gluing it all together, but I seem to be missing something on the return side. I have 1" pipe coming down from my Bean Animal that all went like butter. However, on the return side, I can't seem to find the right size PVC to fit the bulkhead underneath the tank. I originally got 3/4" but it seemed too big, then tried 1.5" and it seems too small.

What I'm I missing? Is 3/4" CPVC an option?
 
Where did you get your bulkhead?
Did it come with your tank?
What tank do you have?
Is it threaded or slip?
 
Where did you get your bulkhead?
Did it come with your tank?
What tank do you have?
Is it threaded or slip?

wow, I'm a big dummy, I went to check the bulkheads and just noticed that it's treaded! So all I should need now is a treaded to slip end. which leads me to another problem/question, will I be fine going with 1/2" on the return lines? I will be making a manifold with 3 ports or should I return everything (again) and stay with 3/4"?
 
If your return pump has 1/2 output then 1/2 will be ok. It is ok to go 1 step up and use 3/4, if your return pump has 1/2.
Not knowing the size of your tank or pump. Having a 1" drain with 1/2 returns makes me think the returns are a bit small.
 
If your return pump has 1/2 output then 1/2 will be ok. It is ok to go 1 step up and use 3/4, if your return pump has 1/2.
Not knowing the size of your tank or pump. Having a 1" drain with 1/2 returns makes me think the returns are a bit small.

The tank is a 225g (72"x30"x24"), 1" overflows and 3/4" returns. However i've already purchased all my pipe and fittings for 1/2, will it be ok to stay at 1/2" on the plumbing under the tank but the tubing on the returns is already in place at 3/4"
 
1/2" is a massive restriction and undersized on a 225g tank...
How many return bulkheads are there?
What size is the pumps output? You should likely use that or larger
 
1/2" is a massive restriction and undersized on a 225g tank...
How many return bulkheads are there?
What size is the pumps output? You should likely use that or larger[/QUOTE

There's two returns plus the manifold, but I should just stick with what the tank manufacture put in place, return pump is Jebao 15000 It's a custom built tank by Artfully Acrylic.
 
I would run 2 x 1" returns personally with that pump/tank size.. Even 2x 3/4 is a bit small IMO..but it will work if thats the biggest bulkhead you can do and dont want to do over the top returns
 
I would run 2 x 1" returns personally with that pump/tank size.. Even 2x 3/4 is a bit small IMO..but it will work if thats the biggest bulkhead you can do and dont want to do over the top returns



I'll have to stick with 3/4 returns, they're already drilled in the tank and I'm ready to get this puppy going it's been long over do.


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I think you’ll be ok with 3/4 returns. The 1” drains should be ok but you’ll have to run your pump at around 50% power. I just set up a 210g I have one inch drains and returns. Im running a herbie system. Works fine but if I had it to do over I’d do 1 1/2” drains. I can’t run my return pumpnas strong as I’d like because even with the full siphon drain about 10” below the water I was getting some gurgling when the return pump is above 60%. Im using a jebao 12000

Maybe try running one inch pipe out of the return pump and then reduce it to 3/4” when it splits off to your two return lines (I’m assuming you have dual returns?). I think that may help reduce restriction because the flow will never be reduced down to a single 3/4” pipe. Really though, the one inch drains are going to end up being what decides your flow rate. Your pump is going to put out more water than the drains will take even with the reduction to 3/4”
 
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I'll have to stick with 3/4 returns, they're already drilled in the tank and I'm ready to get this puppy going it's been long over do.


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I'd plumb the return with 1" and then reduce to 3/4" at the bulkheads. That is how my tanks are plumbed and flow is quite good.
 
I'd plumb the return with 1" and then reduce to 3/4" at the bulkheads. That is how my tanks are plumbed and flow is quite good.

Thanks, but I just finished the plumbing last night and with only 1 super small leak on one of the returns from the bulkhead. I drained the return chamber and will add some Blue Monster in the morning because the only other person that can help me pick the tank up isn't here until tomorrow afternoon. plus I'm 3 drinks in of Angel's Envy lol
 
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