What size drains to use?

[jeffberg]

I am setting up a 300 gallon with dual overflows and a 65 gallon sump. Some people have mentioned using 2"drains in each overflow. Another person recommended 11/2" overflows because they felt the 2" would make a lot of noise; most stand pipes for sale seem to max out at 11/2". So I guess people that use 2" drains are making them; any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks Jeff

 

[mflamb]

What return pump do you plan to use?

 

[jeffberg]

Sequence Hammerhead.

 

[CaveManNOhio]

2" drains are plenty big enough. The only thing with the Hammer Head is it's not a pressure rated pump. So try to keep the distance between it and the tank to a minimum.
Will you be running any other thing's like equipment on the same line with the hammer head?

 

[jeffberg]

I plan on Teeing off the hammerhead and run one line through my chiller which is 1.5" in and out just like the hammerhead and reducing it to 2 -3/4" locline outlets in the back of the tank. I will run another line to 2 more 3/4" locline for a total of 4 back to the tank. The pump will be under my stand so I don't think it will be that much distance. I know it is not pressure rated but I have never used pressure rated pumps for my returns. thanks Jeff

 

[tangers]

I just helped set up a 450 gallon with a 4200 gph pump. It had 2 x 1 1/2'' drains. There was deffinatly room for more flow. I plan on running 1 1/2'' on my 375 also.

 

[invincible569]

I have 2x 1 1.5 drains and only use one for now. Its plenty for my 300g. Having 2 for me is just a backup in case something gets stuck. I would say 2" would be overkill and the noise can be fixed with what ever size you use.

 

[jeffberg]

Hey invincible what do you use for a return pump?

 

[mflamb]

I have three 1.5" drains on my 390 with a Dart for return.

 

[invincible569]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11264948#post11264948 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeffberg
Hey invincible what do you use for a return pump?

Iwaki 30. Its plenty of flow to and from the sump. I wouldnt add anything bigger for my current tank. All circulation should be focused inside the tank by closed loops or powerheads. A return pump output is only a bonus. My return pump is about 10 feet away from the overflow laterally.

 

[CaveManNOhio]

My 240 set up has 4x2" Drains and returns in 1x1.5" that branches off to 5x1" ports and I just upgraded my pump to the Sequence Power Series 8400. It sit's below the Display in the basement on the floor. I also use it to run all equipment, skimmer, carbon canister, phosban reactor. As well as spray bar's and returns in macro tanks, frag tanks, and sump.
It gives me plenty of flow all the way around.