what size returns on 1 1/2 pipe?

[Ricardo18]

Hi all,
I have a 1 1/2 inch return line going up to my 550g DT.What do you all do for the end?
-3/4" lockline?
-leave it fully
open at 1 1/2"
-choke it down a little? (to increase velocity?)
-I do not need a lot of velocity from my returns, as I have a lot of powerheads in the DT

 

[slief]

My pump has a 1.5" output. I ran a 2" return line to my display to reduce friction loss. Up top, I split them via 2" T fitting into a pair of 1" Sea Swirls. It works great and provides less friction loss than the 1.5" while giving me plenty of chaotic alternating flow at the surface. I too run several power heads. Tunze in my case but returns are typically at the surface and you can't have too much surface agitation on a large tank in my experience.

You could run that 1.5" line to the top of the display and use a 2" T at the tank and split the line into a pair of returns and do something similar. I am a firm believer in the Sea Swirls having run them for well over 10 years on my tank. In fact, I think it's closer to 20 years that I've had them. They are great devices and extremely reliable. If it were me, that is what I would do. They would also reduce the velocity a bit but also give you alternating flow patterns at the surface which is generally a good thing.

You can see my pair of Sea Swirl returns in this photo.

 

[Ricardo18]

Thanks for that input. I think I want to go with a "normal" type of return though because pushing only 3000 GPH (5x turn over) will not create that much flow/turbulance anyway IMO....I'll leave that action to my MP's.
So what do you think about the Ocean Motions omni flex nozzle...at least I can get a 1" opening instead of the lockline's 3/4". HMMMM??

 

[slief]

Thanks for that input. I think I want to go with a "normal" type of return though because pushing only 3000 GPH (5x turn over) will not create that much flow/turbulance anyway IMO....I'll leave that action to my MP's.
So what do you think about the Ocean Motions omni flex nozzle...at least I can get a 1" opening instead of the lockline's 3/4". HMMMM??

That's about what I'm pushing. Actually probably a little bit less (around 5x turn over on my 480g display) and I still get great surface agitation across my 8'x4' tank. Personally, I'd avoid the OM's.. I don't think you really want or need the complexity on your return line as it's a liability in my opinion on a very critical source of low. Plus I think it will create a lot of friction loss. I stand by what I said regardless of your flow. The Sea Swirls are great devices that are very reliable and do a good job at the surface. Your MP's will be likely handling the flow duties lower in the water column and towards the bottom where it's really needed and the returns should handle the flow and surface agitation at the surface. FWIW, I have 2 Tunze 6205's and a 6105 producing crazy flow in my tank using all kinds of different Apex controlled flow profiles. I also have an RD3 230 pump that's capable of over 5200GPH at a 6' head for a closed loop pump. I have a silly amount of flow in my reef and the Sea Swirl returns compliment it. My corals thrive and love it too.

 

[slief]

I guess you are just looking at the nozzle and not the OM unit. If you are dead set on using static return fittings, I guess you could go that route. If anything, I'd use a pair of 1" ones but I still think you should give strong consideration to the Sea Swirls. Alternating flow at the surface is a good thing and placing an MP40 that high in the tank is an absolute waste. They are better served lower in the water column.

 

[Ricardo18]

YES..I was considering JUST THE 1" pipe from OM.
This discussion is an important element of overall flow, which is a critical issue.
I'll look closer at the SW...I can always retro-fit down the road.
Thanks again for your time and input