Is it ok to over-size bulkheads/plumbing?

dp · 05/18/2006, 05:14 AM

Any inherent disadvantages to larger size bulkheads and plumbing than what is really needed for the amount of flow required in your
tank?
Also if one 1" drain is enough for the GPH of flow needed, but the
safety factor or using two drains is appealing, if you use two 1" drains
does that cause a problem somewhere along the whole water flow
process?
problems such as noise from the overflow because the pump can't keep up or anything like that?
thanks

boxfishpooalot · 05/18/2006, 05:35 AM

Its better to use a bigger size drain. Or if you mean fatter plastic on the bulkhead, yea thats good too, for strenght.

I would not use 2 smaller size drains. Its too small because of pressure to be rated for that flow rate. Also if one drain got plugged the other would not keep up with the flow anyways and overflow on your carpet. A bigger one would not get plugged as easily as 2 small ones would imo.

05/18/2006, 05:14 AM	#1
dp Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Ft. Wayne, IN Posts: 93	Is it ok to over-size bulkheads/plumbing? Any inherent disadvantages to larger size bulkheads and plumbing than what is really needed for the amount of flow required in your tank? Also if one 1" drain is enough for the GPH of flow needed, but the safety factor or using two drains is appealing, if you use two 1" drains does that cause a problem somewhere along the whole water flow process? problems such as noise from the overflow because the pump can't keep up or anything like that? thanks

05/18/2006, 05:35 AM	#2
boxfishpooalot Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: canada, Grande Praire, Ab Posts: 5,824	Its better to use a bigger size drain. Or if you mean fatter plastic on the bulkhead, yea thats good too, for strenght. I would not use 2 smaller size drains. Its too small because of pressure to be rated for that flow rate. Also if one drain got plugged the other would not keep up with the flow anyways and overflow on your carpet. A bigger one would not get plugged as easily as 2 small ones would imo. __________________ Its a good idea to have a refrence sample for alk test kits. 1.1350 grams of baking soda in 1gallon of distilled water=10dkh. Check your alkalinity test kit! Algae is Mother Natures phosphate remover Current Tank Info: 220 galon mixed reef.