Elbow before pump inlet, bad?

kimoyo · 05-14-2006, 01:11 PM

I'm redoing my plumbing and wondering how bad it is to have a 90 elbow before the pump inlet? When I plumbed my tank before I had a 90 because of space issues, now its possible but everything would fit nicer without it. So how bad is it?

masterswimmer · 05-14-2006, 02:45 PM

I would try not to have a 90 before the pump. All it serves to do is restrict flow. Is it catastrophic? Nah. But less efficient nevertheless.

swimmer

cali_reef · 05-14-2006, 04:52 PM

I have three 90 ells on the inlet of my Iwaki 30, didn't notice any problems yet. After the pump will restrict the flow so I try to make all the turns on the inlet side.

**jhale** · 05-14-2006, 07:31 PM

I have three elbows also, it's the only way i could plumb it to my sump, I go over the side. I don't like drilling through the bottom of my sumps.
I have not noticed any less performance due to it.

House of Laughter · 05-15-2006, 01:19 AM

I think if you have a pressure rated pump, the el's have less effect - but you gotta do what you gotta do, so good luck with it.

House

masterswimmer · 05-15-2006, 01:27 AM

I also run a 90 before my input. I just don't think it's the best way to go. If it can be avoided, then I think it should be avoided.

Here's a pic of a mod I did to make my CSS 65 skim from the surface rather than 4-5" below the surface:

I also believe you have to do what you have to do!

swimmer

05-14-2006, 01:11 PM	#1
kimoyo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Washington Heights, NY Posts: 1,805 Reefer Ratings: (20) Friends: (4)	Elbow before pump inlet, bad? I'm redoing my plumbing and wondering how bad it is to have a 90 elbow before the pump inlet? When I plumbed my tank before I had a 90 because of space issues, now its possible but everything would fit nicer without it. So how bad is it? __________________ Paul

05-14-2006, 02:45 PM	#2
masterswimmer www.saltwatercritters.com Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Orange County Posts: 9,234 Reefer Ratings: (88) Friends: (16)	I would try not to have a 90 before the pump. All it serves to do is restrict flow. Is it catastrophic? Nah. But less efficient nevertheless. swimmer __________________ House of Fish (845) 610-3114 www.saltwatercritters.com Serving all your saltwater critter and reef needs

05-15-2006, 01:19 AM	#5
House of Laughter www.saltwatercritters.com Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Ossining, NY Posts: 10,304 Reefer Ratings: (124) Friends: (36)	I think if you have a pressure rated pump, the el's have less effect - but you gotta do what you gotta do, so good luck with it. House __________________ House of Fish (914) 424-0366 www.saltwatercritters.com Serving all your saltwater critter and reef needs

05-15-2006, 01:27 AM	#6
masterswimmer www.saltwatercritters.com Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Orange County Posts: 9,234 Reefer Ratings: (88) Friends: (16)	I also run a 90 before my input. I just don't think it's the best way to go. If it can be avoided, then I think it should be avoided. Here's a pic of a mod I did to make my CSS 65 skim from the surface rather than 4-5" below the surface: I also believe you have to do what you have to do! swimmer __________________ House of Fish (845) 610-3114 www.saltwatercritters.com Serving all your saltwater critter and reef needs

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05-14-2006, 04:52 PM	#3
cali_reef Fish and Coral Killer Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: On the wet coast, again. Posts: 3,929 Reefer Ratings: (28) Friends: (3)	I have three 90 ells on the inlet of my Iwaki 30, didn't notice any problems yet. After the pump will restrict the flow so I try to make all the turns on the inlet side.

05-14-2006, 07:31 PM	#4
jhale paper bags are fun! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: G.V NYC Posts: 15,305 Reefer Ratings: (43) Friends: (32)	I have three elbows also, it's the only way i could plumb it to my sump, I go over the side. I don't like drilling through the bottom of my sumps. I have not noticed any less performance due to it.