Return plumbing ?

mschloss · 03-31-2003, 04:16 PM

Hey everyone. New to the forum here, and returning to the hobby after about a six year absence. Am currently putting together my tank.... Will be 120 Gallon (4'x2'x2') with two overflows, large sump, Aqua C EV-180 skimmer, Live rock, etc.... Will use Dolphin AMP master 3000 as return pump.

My question is, how should I plumb the return to the tank. 3000 Gal/hour is a bit to dole out. Should I use multiple returns off a manifold? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Matt

Minnreefer · 03-31-2003, 04:24 PM

Welcome to The Reef Tank, Iwas talking to you briefly in chat last night. I would use at least 3" return lines to get the maximum flow from your pump, you may need to reduce the output some with a valve because of bubbles. The manifold is also a good idea.

HTH

Jon

Geoff · 03-31-2003, 05:37 PM

mschloss-Welcome!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by Minnreefer
I would use at least 3" return lines to get the maximum flow from your pump

Jon, did you mean 3 1" return lines or one 3" return line?

just clarifying,

G~

mschloss · 03-31-2003, 06:16 PM

I was just about to ask....

If I plumb them in serial, then I should not effect the head pressure to much. I think that's what I'll do.

Before I invest the time in this, could someone post a diagram or picture of their multi-port return if this is how tey've done it?

Thanks

Silas · 03-31-2003, 06:37 PM

I made a multi-port return to slow the flow down out of a piece of black delrin. Some of the port pointed forward, some angle down and some toward the back wall.

s

Minnreefer · 03-31-2003, 08:30 PM

Sorry about that, I meant 3 1" returns, or 5 3/4" returns, or have 1 1.25" return that has a manifold type design.

HTH

Silas · 03-31-2003, 09:04 PM

Here is a picture of mine. I need to find sometime to re-make the lead-in pipe with black Delrin so it doesn't stand out as white does.

s

dwall174 · 04-06-2003, 12:30 AM

I'm new here also! I have been looking into getting a new higher flow pump for my system as it has grown. I'm looking at the Amp Master 2100 because I only have two 1" bulkheads out of the back of the tank that are gravity feed maximum flow is somewhere around 1400gph. Depending on the type of standpipe or overflow you are going to use a 3000 might be a little too much if you use just the two 1" bulkheads? You could always use all four holes as overflows, which would give your more outflow than you could pump in? You will want to make sure what goes in will come out? Here is the specs on the Amp Master 1725 rpm pump line. Also check out their plumbing tips Hope This Helps

mschloss · 04-06-2003, 09:40 PM

After staying up many night thinking about this issue, I think I'm comfortable with the 3000. The 3000 gal/hr rating is with 1 1/2" reuturn line. The inbuilt reurns in my aga aquarium are 3/4". I'll probably use both of these and add another in the middle of the tank. These will be fed with 1" PVC. The Ampmaster3000 output decreases to about 30 gal/min or about 1800 gal/hr with 1" output at 4' head pressure. I will plumb a ball valve in the outflow just in case I do strip my returns..

Thanks alot for all your input. I am sure to have many questions as I put all this together.

Doug1 · 04-07-2003, 10:01 AM

Before you do this are you sure you want to listen to 1800 gph draining and flowing thru a sump? What size and configuration of sump are you going to use Matt?
Have you considered a Closed Loop for the main flow?

mschloss · 04-07-2003, 10:10 AM

Sump is a 30 gallon berlin sump. Two inlets. AquaC 180 protein skimmer. I am placing this tank in one of the most used rooms in my house and would like it quiet. Definately will use Durso standpipes... I have thought about a closed loop, but just not convinced. I think after all the plumbing is done, my flow will probably be a little under the 1800 gal/hr mark (PVC bends etc...). I am not sure even diverting some of this flow with a closed loop will be much quiter (Won't 1000 gal/hr be just as loud though the sump?). For those of you with 30 gal sumps, has noise been a big problem?

Thanks for all the input

Doug1 · 04-07-2003, 11:03 AM

Noise from intake on the drains(durso helps) noise from water pouring into sump or bubbles bursting from water gulping. Noise from water flowing over divider weirs in the sump.
I ran a Mag 1800 on my 75 and the noise from the sump is really annoying
A closed loop should be virtually quiet cause there is no ari/water interface
Not to mention flow rates that exceed the rate the skimmer can proces water is waste
Oh and lets not forget micro bubbles, the higher the flow rate the harder they are to deal with