Sump Pvc Question

[bassinmike85]

Got a 300g+ from a buddy. I am going to redo the plumbing to clean it up nicer. My question is, on the overflow going to the sump it it currently set up with 1 1/2" bulk head with 3/4 pvc running to the sump where it connects to a 1" elbow. my question is can i just run 1" pvc to the sump? the pump return is 3/4 pvc. any help will be helpful. Thanks in advance.

 

[esoxlucius]

I believe the general concensus is that your outlet diameter should be larger than your return diameter. So 1" outlet to your sump would be fine if your return is 3/4".

 

[twentyleagues]

If it's 11/2 why not just use 11/2? It would allow more out of the tank and since more can go out more in.

 

[Cempa]

Got a 300g+ from a buddy. I am going to redo the plumbing to clean it up nicer. My question is, on the overflow going to the sump it it currently set up with 1 1/2" bulk head with 3/4 pvc running to the sump where it connects to a 1" elbow. my question is can i just run 1" pvc to the sump? the pump return is 3/4 pvc. any help will be helpful. Thanks in advance.

I hope I caught you on time before you started..

Given the current setup of having 3/4" pvc to the sump, there is no way that 300 gallon is getting the proper filtration. I'm not sure how your buddy managed unless it was stocked as if it was a 75 gallon?

To achieve your aquariums fullest potential for stocking, either for present use or future, I'd drill another 1 1/2" hole. I'd convert the current 1 1/2" to all 1 1/2" pvc and fittings with as little elbows as possible, try and keep it a straight shot. As soon as you introduce a smaller pvc fitting or pipe anywhere in the process, you're bottle knecking the flow of the entire system, regardless of how large of a pvc was used somewhere else in the system. If you continue using such a small overflow, you will have to use a small return pump or include a valve on your return system to restrict flow in order to avoid an insane amount of gurgling etc. from the overflow.

In my opinion, 2" holes are ideal because of the abundance of pipe and fittings, 1" 1/2 isn't bad either, anything below that it's harder to find parts, not to mention the flow is so minimal that they don't accommodate the proper filtration for aquariums larger then 75 gallons..

Let me know what you think!

 

[Cempa]

I believe the general concensus is that your outlet diameter should be larger than your return diameter. So 1" outlet to your sump would be fine if your return is 3/4".

If he was running a 75 gallon tank yes, however his drilled hole should be much larger to get the adequate filtration, i.e. 4-6x turnover an hour.

 

[bassinmike85]

I hope I caught you on time before you started..

Given the current setup of having 3/4" pvc to the sump, there is no way that 300 gallon is getting the proper filtration. I'm not sure how your buddy managed unless it was stocked as if it was a 75 gallon?

To achieve your aquariums fullest potential for stocking, either for present use or future, I'd drill another 1 1/2" hole. I'd convert the current 1 1/2" to all 1 1/2" pvc and fittings with as little elbows as possible, try and keep it a straight shot. As soon as you introduce a smaller pvc fitting or pipe anywhere in the process, you're bottle knecking the flow of the entire system, regardless of how large of a pvc was used somewhere else in the system. If you continue using such a small overflow, you will have to use a small return pump or include a valve on your return system to restrict flow in order to avoid an insane amount of gurgling etc. from the overflow.

In my opinion, 2" holes are ideal because of the abundance of pipe and fittings, 1" 1/2 isn't bad either, anything below that it's harder to find parts, not to mention the flow is so minimal that they don't accommodate the proper filtration for aquariums larger then 75 gallons..

Let me know what you think!

I just finnished up a bit ago and seen your reply afterwards. sorry about that. i got the dual intakes set to 1" pvc now to the sump and dual return is 3/4" (forgot to mention central overflow) everythings running on point now. the pump i am using is at 100% and is rated 3962gph no gurgling sound coming from the overflows at all. thanks for your advice and taking the time to reply and explain it in detail and thats also for anyone else that replied.

 

[fishbum]

For what its worth, 1/2" , 3/4", 1'', 1 1/4", and all the way up to 12" pvc are all very common and easy to find pipe sizes and fittings. Elbows do not restrict anything either.

Sounds like you already made the changes and its up and running how you want it too.