Return plumbing question

smurfz · 11/12/2006, 10:20 PM

Hi Experts,

I'm new to the marine tanks and am in process of planning out some plumbing work.

My current dilemma is to whether I can divide the return pipes into two so that I can have 2 separate outlets in each back corner of my tank using one pump.

The tank size is 45g and have got a Panworld 50PX-X which is rated at around 800gph with 12 feet max head. (I also have a Iwaki 20RLXT but that's rated at 820gph with 8 feet, I will probably use that with my skimmer)

Basically it goes like this:
Pump -> 1" Silicon tube -> 1" T socket -> a few 90degree elbows into the outlets on each side.

The height of the tank from the ground would be around 4.5 feet.

I'm worried about the resistance from the T-socket and those few 90degree elbows as well as extra water it has to push up in the plumbing.

Any recommendation would be great, so that I can plan out a closed-loop if needed.

Thanks in advance!

ken6217 · 11/12/2006, 10:55 PM

Why do you want to split the returns to the tank? You are correct in that the tee and the elbows will reduce flow. If your concern is water movement in the tank, then just get a couple of powerheads and put them in the tank as well. You really want to limit the turns and bends going from the sump to the tank.
Ken

smurfz · 11/12/2006, 11:35 PM

Thanks for your help!

Yes, I was worried about the water movement. But as you suggested I will put other measures for this.

Also, I forgot about the resistance that is put upon the pump will decrease the life-time of the pump as well.

Thanks again

11/12/2006, 10:20 PM	#1
smurfz Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Seoul, Korea Posts: 3	Return plumbing question Hi Experts, I'm new to the marine tanks and am in process of planning out some plumbing work. My current dilemma is to whether I can divide the return pipes into two so that I can have 2 separate outlets in each back corner of my tank using one pump. The tank size is 45g and have got a Panworld 50PX-X which is rated at around 800gph with 12 feet max head. (I also have a Iwaki 20RLXT but that's rated at 820gph with 8 feet, I will probably use that with my skimmer) Basically it goes like this: Pump -> 1" Silicon tube -> 1" T socket -> a few 90degree elbows into the outlets on each side. The height of the tank from the ground would be around 4.5 feet. I'm worried about the resistance from the T-socket and those few 90degree elbows as well as extra water it has to push up in the plumbing. Any recommendation would be great, so that I can plan out a closed-loop if needed. Thanks in advance! __________________ Just getting started really.. Current Tank Info: 180L open

11/12/2006, 11:35 PM	#3
smurfz Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Seoul, Korea Posts: 3	Thanks for your help! Yes, I was worried about the water movement. But as you suggested I will put other measures for this. Also, I forgot about the resistance that is put upon the pump will decrease the life-time of the pump as well. Thanks again __________________ Just getting started really.. Current Tank Info: 180L open

11/12/2006, 10:55 PM	#2
ken6217 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 2,179	Why do you want to split the returns to the tank? You are correct in that the tee and the elbows will reduce flow. If your concern is water movement in the tank, then just get a couple of powerheads and put them in the tank as well. You really want to limit the turns and bends going from the sump to the tank. Ken