PVC Pipe flow rate
- Thread starter qguy
- Start date
To me its all about what fish you are keeping, whether there are two tanks to a sump or one.
And it will be about tank size.
I have had my main tank, empty into another tank then to sump many times, and it really doesn't change the flow rate, as much as the rate that the is needed for the fish.
But whatever the inflow PVC size, I double the out flow just to be safe.
At the moment I use a 180 gal main tank, that flows into a 125 gal sump, but if I wanted to add another tank to piggy backed on the main tank, it wouldn't change the pump, or flow rate, just the size of the outflow from main tank, to the other, and double to the su sump.
At the moment I use a 1500 gph pump in the sump to recirculate the 125 sump, into the 180.
I use that because the cichlids I keep are rheophillc and that need at least that rate.
It uses 1" PVC to feed the main tank, that I split into a manifold to disperse acroos the width of the tank.
That flow ends up exiting the flow thru two, 1" bulkheaads ports, using 1" pvc in each to the sump.
I always double the size of the outflow .
If flow into the tank is 1", the flow out needs to be at least 2". (to sump, or another tank)
Below is a side view main tank left, sump right.
Below is a system I used previously where one tank fed another, and then ended up flowing to the sump
Here is another where 3 tanks fed a sump below
And it will be about tank size.
I have had my main tank, empty into another tank then to sump many times, and it really doesn't change the flow rate, as much as the rate that the is needed for the fish.
But whatever the inflow PVC size, I double the out flow just to be safe.
At the moment I use a 180 gal main tank, that flows into a 125 gal sump, but if I wanted to add another tank to piggy backed on the main tank, it wouldn't change the pump, or flow rate, just the size of the outflow from main tank, to the other, and double to the su sump.
At the moment I use a 1500 gph pump in the sump to recirculate the 125 sump, into the 180.
I use that because the cichlids I keep are rheophillc and that need at least that rate.
It uses 1" PVC to feed the main tank, that I split into a manifold to disperse acroos the width of the tank.
That flow ends up exiting the flow thru two, 1" bulkheaads ports, using 1" pvc in each to the sump.
I always double the size of the outflow .
If flow into the tank is 1", the flow out needs to be at least 2". (to sump, or another tank)
Below is a side view main tank left, sump right.
Below is a system I used previously where one tank fed another, and then ended up flowing to the sump
Here is another where 3 tanks fed a sump below
#1 FlexPVC®.com Water Flow Charts Based on Pipe Size (GPM/GPH) ie, How much water can flow through Sch 40 Pvc Pipe Size 1/2" 3/4" 1" 1.5" 2" 2.5" 3" 4" 6"
Water Flow Volume for a given pipe size based on charts, tables, formula, nomograph, & experience.
flexpvc.com
This ^ is just one of the numerous charts and calculators that are easily found online. I use and prefer very simple overflows like the one you illustrated above. Read all the warnings about reductions in flow caused by fittings, excessive length, etc. and make sure you are using the correct chart for your system, i.e. pressurized vs. gravity flow, smooth/rigid vs. corrugated/flexible pipe and so forth. I always oversize the overflow pipe by at least 100%, or better yet install 2 or 3 of that size rather than one; less susceptible to problems with clogging, etc.
Apparently the noise that can be created by a set-up like this is problematic for many folks. I find that multiple overflows are quieter than a single one, but really, after a few years or decades one becomes accustomed to the sound. If I can't hear bubbles and flowing water...I want to know why.
