90G Manifold Pipe Size?

HeadSh0T · #1 09/01/2005, 09:11 PM

Hi there

I'm new to this forum and I'm interested in trying a closed loop similar to the one in Anthony's article.

I have a 90 gallon AGA reef-ready tank. I have some SPS right now that are surviving. For circulation, (besides the return pump from the sump), I have 4 Maxi-jet 1200s and 1 Tunze Stream 6000.

I plan to replace the powerheads with a closed loop. I've ordered a Sequence Barracuda (4500 GPH).

I'm not sure what size pipe to use. The pump has a 1.5" inlet and outlet. I plan to use 1.5" pipe for the intake and 1.5" going out to the manifold. The manifold itself will use 1" PVC with 12 tees (2 capped off). The tees will be 3/4".

Does this sound like enough flow? Or should I use 3/4" for the manifold and 1/2 tees?

Anthony Calfo · #2 09/01/2005, 09:14 PM

actually... if you are willing to give up the space, run 1.5" pipe from the pump and around the full loop of the manifold. This will boost volume tremendously. You can still step down to 1" or 3/4" tees if you like.

I'd plumb at least 12 tees, but only use 8-10 of them (cap the others).

Also... be sure to plumb that CL pump as close to the tank as possible... avoid elbows of length of pipe run for the pump at a distance. These may cause noisy cavitation.

HeadSh0T · #3 09/01/2005, 09:28 PM

wow! you're fast!

So let's say I use 10 1" tees (not including capped ones).. would that be enough flow in the tank? Is there much difference between 3/4" and 1" tees?

BTW the actual tee would be 1.5" just like the manifold except there would be a 1" (or 3/4") reducing bushing in the "stem" part of the T, right? I guess I'm asking how would I step down from 1.5" manifold to 1" (or 3/4") at the tee? Is it at the "arms" of the T or at the "stem"?

Another question: I'd like to place the loop underneath the plastic rim of the tank, but the overflow gets in the way. What's a good way to get around it without using a bunch of elbows?

Anthony Calfo · #4 09/01/2005, 09:55 PM

higher flow but (perhaps) lower velocity from the larger effluent tees (1" versus 3/4")

As for the tees off the manifold, they actually make 1.5" tees that have the perpendicular tee already reduced to 1" (and other sizes of course). You might try this and have the option to step down to 3/4" if desired, with a single bushing only needed.

As for avoiding the overflow.... you might consider using flexible PVC to do the job here