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Turbosek

Loc-Line returns

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6 Comments
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Turbosek
, 05-04-2010 at 03:21 AM (2114 Views)
Ok, I am no fluid dynamics engineer, so I am totally confused about what to do for returns from the 1" PVC coming out of my overflow.

I have a 1-1/2" drain line with just a couple 90s....manufacturer says its rated for 1600 gph max. I have 1" return PVC with a Pan World Pump rated for 2000 gph. I have about 4 90s and 2 45s, a couple true union valves, and about 6' of static height. I also have a T off the return, feeding a small amount of water to the refugium...valve is only open about 10%.

So my question is what should I do on the end of the 1" return PVC at the overflow? I also have 2 Vortec MP40 pumps at one end of my 52" long tank....running both as masters in reef crest mode. I cannot put one of them at the opposite end because of clearance issues.

Should I use loc-line? If so, would you T off and go to each side of the tank, and how big of Loc-Line, and how many nozzles? I do not want to restric overall flow, but I have done some reading and it sounds like reducing flow can increase water velocity, which would be ok?

Thanks for your help!

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Comments

  1. Jkohuts's Avatar
    do you only have one overflow on one side of the tank?
  2. melev's Avatar
    My tank is similar. I have two 1" returns, and these are reduced to 3/4" for two 3/4" locline returns. If you only have a single return, you might consider just having it dump into the tank via an elbow to get it submerged like I did with my 55g. Rather than worry about directionality, just get the water back into the tank where nothing is disturbed and let the Vortechs care for the flow.
  3. Turbosek's Avatar
    Thanks. My overflow is in the center back.
  4. melev's Avatar
    Here's what mine looked like in my 55g.

  5. Turbosek's Avatar
    One more thing. When I use an elbow or a 45 for return, it creates a vortex like whirlpool. Maybe I should have it an inch or so lower in the water. I have plenty of room in my sump for the overflow, even if the siphon hole plugs.
  6. melev's Avatar
    You can lower the elbow in the water. Be sure to drill one or two anti-siphon holes in the vertical pipe, 1/2" beneath the normal water level. That way you don't have to have your sump fill up so much. I always limit it, but if it has to hold more, it can just like you stated yours can.