What size pipe should I use?

[wwfstyle]

I am getting ready to place my sump, fuge, and return out in the garage behind my display tank. There will be close to a 5' drop. From my main tank I was planning on useing 1 1/2" pvc to drop down into my sump. Does size really matter at this area? Would I need a side T so air can help with the flow? Then my return pump I was going to use 3/4" or should I do 1/2". What do you guys use if you have a 5'drop to return? To be honest I'm not sure how big my return pump is due to everything has come off in time.

 

[bang guy]

I would use 1" both ways unless we are talking about a large volume of water (>2000gph).

 

[legion]

i used 1" drain and 3/4" return from mag 7

 

[dreeves]

My tanks are upstairs and the sumps in the basement...both I use 1" down, one has a 3/4" up, other 1" up...my water travels about 9-10 feet each way.

 

[wwfstyle]

So if I use the 3/4" return would that create more of a serface curent?

 

[smoothounds]

Originally posted by wwfstyle
So if I use the 3/4" return would that create more of a serface curent?
Yes.

 

[legion]

take in mind though that they are usually set up to run with ruterns of larger than 1"(max water flow) My mags are also this way but I still use 3/4 return

 

[bang guy]

1" really does cut down on head pressure, especially around the elbows.