How to figure drain size?

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DB junkie

DB junkie

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MFK Member
Jan 27, 2007
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I have a tank. I have a pump. NOW I need to know how big of holes to knock in it.

How does a guy figure out what a drain can flow?

Is there a chart somewhere that I'm missing?

Example......

(2) 2 inch drains will flow XXXX Gph........

I keep having to bother people that are doing constructive things and taking time out of thier day so that I can be destructive and cut holes in various things. I really enjoy the hole cutting part.... So much that I often don't ask and just perform an epic fail by making the wroing size holes. While this may be fun for a while the first time you have to go out and buy a sheet of acrylic to fix the excessive hole cutting the situation quickly becomes less than funny.

If someone can help me for the last time I will gladly put down my cutting tools and bookmark the drain calculator.

Thank you in advance (from my wallet)
 
Chompers I know you can help me out here buddy......
 
I did the math, but I don't have it in front of me. Two inch pipe will drain 2400gph if the pipe is vertical.

What is the tank size, pump size (name and model #), and your target turnover rate? All are important in finding the pipe size.
 
Geeez Rich..... what the hell..... That's all STICKY (as in some one SAVE this!!!)

Thank you BOTH!!!!

Tank size is a 240 gallon. Pump is a Dolphin 3K. Head will be 5 foot. (3 for stand 2 for tank) Turnover will be less than desired.....LOL But I can't rob the big pumps from the rays....... This will be for salt.
 
I just made up a chart but I have no idea how it is going to carry over from excel or word...

Pipe Size Area in^2 Horizontal Flow GPM Vertical Flow GPM Vertical Flow GPH Head Loss per 90
1/2" 0.19635 1.563 2.5 150 0.0097
3/4" 0.44179 3.517 5.63 337.5 0.0022
1" 0.7854 6.253 10 600 0.00386
1 1/4" 1.22718 9.769 15.63 937.5 0.00602
1 1/2" 1.76715 14.07 22.5 1350 0.00878
2" 3.14159 25 40 2400 0.00158
 
If the writing was in white it would be better.....LOL

Either way..... It's still a NEEDED sticky.
 
DB junkie;2641341; said:
Tank size is a 240 gallon. Pump is a Dolphin 3K. Head will be 5 foot. (3 for stand 2 for tank) Turnover will be less than desired....
Click to expand...

Dolphin doesn't have a 3K or a 3000 listed. If this is the right pump curve, then the turnover rate will be ten turnovers. Can't argue with that.

http://www.dolphinpumps.com/html/Pr...ries/DualPerformance/images/40003000curve.jpg

Is that going to be a coral tank or fish w/ live rock? I have a 360g that is probably going to be a salt set up. My brothers idea was to have it native saltwater fish that we catch off shore. I researched sea water chemistry and came up with a formula to make the saltwater really cheap. It isn't good enough for corals though. I'm not sure about algaes either. If I can find it, I'll post it.
 
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