Replacing 3/4 return with 1 or 1 1/4 inch

[reely989]

So, I got a 300 gallon planet aquarium mega matrix tank and it's plumbed for 3/4 return. Should have been something I thought about, but obviously didn't at the time. I'm currently running 2 sicce adv 5.5 for returns and they seem fine. I would like some DC pumps to be able to hook up to my kraken, however. I'm looking at getting a couple of varios 6 pumps. While I'm making this change I had thought about bypassing the internal returns completely and going with 1" or 1 1/4" return lines up the back of my tank and elbowed over into the display. Has anyone else done this? Am I trying too hard to solve a problem I don't really have by doing this?

 

[KrisReef]

So, I got a 300 gallon planet aquarium mega matrix tank and it's plumbed for 3/4 return. Should have been something I thought about, but obviously didn't at the time. I'm currently running 2 sicce adv 5.5 for returns and they seem fine. I would like some DC pumps to be able to hook up to my kraken, however. I'm looking at getting a couple of varios 6 pumps. While I'm making this change I had thought about bypassing the internal returns completely and going with 1" or 1 1/4" return lines up the back of my tank and elbowed over into the display. Has anyone else done this? Am I trying too hard to solve a problem I don't really have by doing this?

This idea would fit well with two Seaswirls to replace those useless elbows and create an interesting current flow in the tank.

Sea Swirl

Serving the Industry With American-Made Circulation Products Since 1998!

sea-swirl.com

 

[reely989]

This idea would fit well with two Seaswirls to replace those useless elbows and create an interesting current flow in the tank.

Sea Swirl

Serving the Industry With American-Made Circulation Products Since 1998!

sea-swirl.com

This is interesting. Do you have any experience with these? I'm not opposed, but that turns an already expensive change into a really expensive change, ha. I have 4 Nero 7s for flow inside the tank, so the return rate is more for turnover than actual current.

 

[KrisReef]

This is interesting. Do you have any experience with these? I'm not opposed, but that turns an already expensive change into a really expensive change, ha. I have 4 Nero 7s for flow inside the tank, so the return rate is more for turnover than actual current.

Sorry for the late reply, and sadly I have not owned a sea swirl but I have wondered myself. Reviews have indicated that they have a long service life and provide excellent water motion.
Did you get crazy with the money and get one or two?
I am hoping you did so I can get another report before I spring for one.

I also saw a post where someone had done a DIY using an oscillating fan motor.
That project isn't something I would do because I have a fear of electrocution.

 

[reely989]

Sorry for the late reply, and sadly I have not owned a sea swirl but I have wondered myself. Reviews have indicated that they have a long service life and provide excellent water motion.
Did you get crazy with the money and get one or two?
I am hoping you did so I can get another report before I spring for one.

I also saw a post where someone had done a DIY using an oscillating fan motor.
That project isn't something I would do because I have a fear of electrocution.

Lol no I didn't unfortunately! I just replumbed with 1" line. Those things do look cool though. I have a lot of flow already so I just couldn't justify the cost... Yet

 

[KrisReef]

Lol no I didn't unfortunately! I just replumbed with 1" line. Those things do look cool though. I have a lot of flow already so I just couldn't justify the cost... Yet

Cost has always prevented me from getting one, for many many years.

 

[BZOFIQ]

So, I got a 300 gallon planet aquarium mega matrix tank and it's plumbed for 3/4 return. Should have been something I thought about, but obviously didn't at the time. I'm currently running 2 sicce adv 5.5 for returns and they seem fine. I would like some DC pumps to be able to hook up to my kraken, however. I'm looking at getting a couple of varios 6 pumps. While I'm making this change I had thought about bypassing the internal returns completely and going with 1" or 1 1/4" return lines up the back of my tank and elbowed over into the display. Has anyone else done this? Am I trying too hard to solve a problem I don't really have by doing this?

You should stick to what is the nominal output size of the return pump you're using.

DC pumps' output goes down dramatically when "choked"

 

[reely989]

You should stick to what is the nominal output size of the return pump you're using.

DC pumps' output goes down dramatically when "choked"

Yeah I'm using a couple of Sicce sdc 7.0 and the 1" seemed to make a big difference. Lots more turnover