Plumbing Experts: Which Returns are Quieter 1 1/2" or 2"?

[aquaventions]

I'm getting bids on a 100 gallon bow front 36x22x30, and because of my wife's neurological condition I need some help minimizing the noise that the returns will generate .

At a 1,000 gph flow rate I have to decide on the returns. My options are
One 1 1/2"
One 2"
Two 1 1/2"
Two 2"

Other options are welcome.

The Pan World pump I intend to purchase is rated for about a 1,700 gph flow rate.

I plan on having two 1 1/2" drains although two 2" drains is an option.

I'd appreciate any feedback.

 

[aquaventions]

The water drains to two spin down filters in series ( 74 micron and 30 micron), a 1 micron bag filter, a canister with 17 pounds of carbon, two 3 micron filters in parallel, and then a bypass to a UV before the lines flow to the returns.

 

[FSM]

If it needs to be silent, get a canister.

Or is this going to be saltwater?

 

[aquaventions]

If it needs to be silent, get a canister.

Or is this going to be saltwater?

This is a freshwater closed loop system. The source of the noise I'm trying to reduce is from the water exiting the return into the tank. As the water "hits" the surface it makes noise. Other than introducing the return flow below the water line, how do I best minimize the noise while maintaining a 1,000 gph flow rate?

The vessels are all canisters.

 

[PeacockBassMan]

Not much for you for above the water line...you could use a sponge to reintroduce the water. I have mine below the waterline and its silent. I have 2" drains and returns and the only thing I can hear in mine is the water going through the DIY wet dry I made.

 

[dr_sudz]

If i have your question right, your getting more sound from the water running through your filters? if they are indeed closed make sure you can remove all the air from the systems. Then there shouldn't be any sounds, also make sure you ALWAYS have positive draining. which basically means that the water is always falling or going on a dead horizontal, the instant your water has to fight gravity it will then suck air and sound like a flushing toilet. also make sure you allow for air to follow the water to the drain if the air is suppose to be there such as in a sump, you do this by adding in a dersal.

 

[aquaventions]

If i have your question right, your getting more sound from the water running through your filters? if they are indeed closed make sure you can remove all the air from the systems. Then there shouldn't be any sounds, also make sure you ALWAYS have positive draining. which basically means that the water is always falling or going on a dead horizontal, the instant your water has to fight gravity it will then suck air and sound like a flushing toilet. also make sure you allow for air to follow the water to the drain if the air is suppose to be there such as in a sump, you do this by adding in a dersal.

I'm trying to minimize the noise at the surface of the tank while maintaining a 1,000 gph flow rate. What I'd like to know is which return configuration A, B, D, E, or F produces the least noise.

A. Two 1 1/2" returns
B. Two 2" returns
C. One 1 1/2" return
D. One 2" return
E. Something else

 

[Toby_H]

There is a lot more to it than just size... which is why I don't think your getting the simple answer your looking for...

It's a matter of design, not size...

 

[aquaventions]

There is a lot more to it than just size... which is why I don't think your getting the simple answer your looking for...

It's a matter of design, not size...

What information should I provide?

 

[aquaventions]

There is a lot more to it than just size... which is why I don't think your getting the simple answer your looking for...

It's a matter of design, not size...

There are no overflows. A single pipe return would have an elbow 1/4" above the surface shooting water from one side of the tank to the other.

Using two pipes the water would shoot across from opposites sides creating a vortex effect.