55g plumbing issue

Impactinc · 05/18/2014, 07:19 PM

I have been reading through many of the articles on plumbing and am looking for some advice on correcting my tanks plumbing. Tank off craigslist and is my first saltwater tank. I don't feel like I am getting the GPH turnover that I should, the return seem to just trickle. The standpipe is 1.5 durso and is restricted down to 1" after the bulkhead before entering the sump. The return pump is a 802 powerhead flowing 3/4 inch up to the tanks where it's split into dual 1/2 inch after the bulkheads. The ball valve on the return is almost completely closed, if I open it more the return pump over powers the drain and the display tank fills up and would spill out. I don't understand this!?!?! Everything I have read says 1" should flow 600 GPH and the specs on the 802 says it flows 400. I should be able to have the ball valve all the way open especially with the 3.5 ft head loss from the return plumbing without any problems. Any suggestions? I tried to add some pics but it's only letting me attach one image.....sigh

Impactinc · 05/18/2014, 07:20 PM

More pics

Impactinc · 05/18/2014, 07:21 PM

Pic

Dmorty217 · 05/18/2014, 07:21 PM

Take the black restricter off in the picture, and then try it. Or anything else that is restricting the drain from working correctly

Impactinc · 05/18/2014, 07:23 PM

Last one

iceet · 05/19/2014, 06:12 AM

You need a fatter pipe 1" is not enough unfortunately. I have 1 1/2" and it barely keeps up with my Aqueon 600 GPH pump.

Impactinc · 05/20/2014, 02:39 AM

Thanks for the suggestions....i'll try bumping up to a 1.5 inch pipe

05/18/2014, 07:21 PM	#4
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	Take the black restricter off in the picture, and then try it. Or anything else that is restricting the drain from working correctly __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

05/19/2014, 06:12 AM	#6
iceet Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Washington, D.C. Posts: 194	You need a fatter pipe 1" is not enough unfortunately. I have 1 1/2" and it barely keeps up with my Aqueon 600 GPH pump.

05/20/2014, 02:39 AM	#7
Impactinc Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 13	Thanks for the suggestions....i'll try bumping up to a 1.5 inch pipe