Drain & return size?

[customclimates]

How do you figure the drain & return size? There is only a problem if you go to small correct? How do you figure the pump size for the return of the tank? I know if you have a pump that is too large you may need to tee of & dump the excess back into the sump but is there a point where it is just plain overkill?

 

[Jocko]

Oh right sorry I didn't have a chance to review that movie last weekend. I should try to do that this weekend!

 

[delta]

For the return pump this calc helps
http://reefcentral.com/calc/hlc2.php

For the overflow\drain plumbing this calc help figure what it can handle
http://reefcentral.com/calc/drain.php

 

[customclimates]

My new tank has corner overflows with a 1 ½ drain & a 1” return in each of them. Correct me if I am mistaken but a tank will only as much will drain as the pump GPH is returning correct? Can there ever even be an issue with over sizing?

 

[JayM]

if your pump is wide open, and it's max flow exceeds the drain on the 2 overflows, it would be oversized. 1.5" DRAINS can handle a lot of flow......

 

[Calciumbuf]

Scott just for FYI my tank has 1.5" drains and it can handle a sequence hammerhead wide open.

 

[Liam]

My new tank has corner overflows with a 1 ½ drain & a 1” return in each of them. Correct me if I am mistaken but a tank will only as much will drain as the pump GPH is returning correct? Can there ever even be an issue with over sizing?

the overflows can be as big as you like,but the returns should be somewhat matched to your pump.
You can use a large diameter return pipe if you like and then step it down at the outlet to increase velocity.

 

[customclimates]

Scott just for FYI my tank has 1.5" drains and it can handle a sequence hammerhead wide open.

Wow! I just read the ReefFlo Hammerhead is rated for a maximum flow rate of 5800pgh… I was worried about my pump keeping up with what was draining but I guess it will only drain as fast as I am returning with a blueline 70HD.

 

[Calciumbuf]

Welcome to the world of big boy toys