determining flow rate w/ T's and 90's

[khilgers]

I am still planning out my plumbing for my new 75 gallon w/ a 29 gallon sump. I was wondering how I determine flow rate. I know about the head height and what not, but how much do T's and 90 elbows cut down on flow. I thought I read somewhere that every T or elbow adds 1' of head. Is this true. Help me figure out if I need to get a bigger pump. I was planning on going with the Mag Drive 9.5, but now I am thinking I may have to get the Mag Drive 12 instead. Here is a pic of my plumbing plan so far.

 

[golfish]

Originally posted by khilgers
I thought I read somewhere that every T or elbow adds 1' of head. Is this true.
That's a good general rule to follow..Take a look at the Mag 12 pumps instructions real close. They recommend you use 1.5" pipe to get max flow.

 

[tapeworm]

Why dont you run the right side return as a straight pipe and T-out for the left return? This way you have one side with great flow and one side with slower flow, could make some interesting water movement.
The pipe that connects the T and the left return can be used for lots of other things, if you ever want to add anything.
As for flow, in my humble opinion, the more the marrier. You can always use the excess flow to run a UV sterilizer, just T-out of the return line to the UV back to the sump.
I think it is better to have too much than too little. You can also put a ball valve after the pump to throttle it down.

 

[khilgers]

Thanks for the help guys. I was actually just reading up on UV sterilyzers and they seem to help out a lot. I currently have a bit of an algae problem and hopefully that would take care of it. Also the sump and fuge would help out too. Would a sterilyzer really be necessary for a FOWLR, or would it benefit more in a reef setup?Any recomendations for UV sterilyzer's?
And as for the flow, my plan was to use 3/4" PVC, but now it seems like it would be a better idea to go with 1' to 1 1/2" Sound good?