flow rate of 1/2" pipe

[str8dum]

've searched but it seems any of teh key words are too generic. Anyone know off the top of their head how many GPH that 1/2 pipes flow. I wanna get a pump but dont want to over kill.

Thanks!

 

[rallysman]

Overflow or return?

 

[str8dum]

overflow,

Thanks!

 

[rallysman]

I've never tried with anything that small. I imagine that it wouldnt be very much at all. I wouldnt go with anything less than 1" though.

how big of a pump are you getting?

 

[eh1421]

If you are builbing a overflow like whats in this thread
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15733

do not go any smaller than 1" pvc or it will hyro lock and quit working and you will have one heck of a mess to clean up

a 1 inch overflow will flow up to 600 gph. that being said if your pump can only pump 400 gallons per hour , that will be all your overflow will flow.

hope this helps

mike

 

[str8dum]

So essentially no one knows is what you are saying?

30 gal doesnt need 600 gph 1" overflow, esp when its plumbed with 1/2". But thanks for tryin to guess what my setup was. Close!

I had a fluval 404 on the 1/2" pvc before but am goin to do a standard WD with external Mag drive pump.

Thanks!

 

[rayman45]

1"

 

[rallysman]

So essentially no one knows is what you are saying?

30 gal doesnt need 600 gph 1" overflow, esp when its plumbed with 1/2". But thanks for tryin to guess what my setup was. Close!

Thanks!

is it drilled, are you using an overflow box, or are you using a DIY PVC overflow?

 

[str8dum]

its a preformed pond. so its a non priming pvc U tube over the side. I have ball vales with a hose i suck on to get it going.

Thanks!

is it drilled, are you using an overflow box, or are you using a DIY PVC overflow?

 

[CHOMPERS]

I have used a 1/2 inch overflow for my 30g tank and it flowed plenty of water. I don't remember what flow rate I was running.

No one can give a set answer as to what the flow rate is because there isn't just one answer. It is dependent on the length of syphon that the water column inside the pipe will experience, as well as other factors as air ingestion and the number of fittings or turns in the system. The math is compounded because the bottom inch of water experiences a different force than the top inch of water. The answer involves calculus. That is something very few of us here are well versed at.