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ReefStar

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I have a question regarding the use of flex spa PVC. I know it is good to use it for the return from the sump to the tank as there would be no 45 or 90 elbows used, which would reduce the flow of the return pump sending water back to the tank.

What about using it for the overflow going down to the sump, which is in the basement. Does it make a difference with water draining from the tank/overflow? I would prefer to use Rigid as it is easier to use for adding extra Tee connections,etc for future use of the overflow lines, but I do not know what the effect of using elbows on the overflow lines. Is it the same effect as having elbows on the return line.

Would water flow be slower using Rigid PVC from the overflow to the sump vs using flex PVC?

If so, how much slower? I have two 1" overflow lines going down the basement into the sump..

Thanks!
 
A

Anonymous

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I would assume the corners would slow the flow somewhat, but I'm really not sure how significant it would be. This is still in the planning stage? I think I would join the 2 1" pipes to a larger pipe before heading to the basement; then the corners wouldn't matter.
 

Will C1

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im not positive on a run that long but i use flexi for my inlets as well as my returns, but i dont tee them.
 

O P Ing

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hi.
For overflow, the pipe is usually way oversized that it does not make much difference rather you use flex or rigid. However, some people were able to lower the noise of the water by using flex hose.

The speed of the water is not important for overflow. The flow rate is. If you make have some back pressure on the overflow, as long as it is not so bad that it can lead to flooding. Who care if you are wasting the free gravitational force?
 

ReefStar

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Isn't it possible that the return pump could return water faster back into the main tank, than the amount of water going down through the overflow? In other words, if I were to create backpressure on the overflow by adding 90 or 45 angles to the line, would that not slow down the rate of return of water to the tank? Assume that I have a strong pump to start with.
 

O P Ing

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hi.
Usually, you want to make sure the overflow can handle 150% to 250% of the return pump. This is particular important for bulkhead-based overflow. For over-engineering of such scale, it can handle a few elbows, as well as restriction due to algae growth (particular with the use of clear vinyl pipe), salt/mineral deposite, and a dead fish or snail once a while without disaster. If you have to worry about such minor issue, I feel you will need to rethink about the overall compatibility of your pump and the design of the overflow.
 

ScottC

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On my overflow line I used rigid PVC...2 1" lines into a single 1 1/2" line with a gate valve in it before it hits the sump. With the gate valve I can restrict the amount of flow and "back up" the water in the pipe so that it doesn't fall as far, hence reducing the waterfall noise.
 

ReefStar

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It sounds like there really is no advantage of using flex PVC on the overflow lines going to the sump, other than ease of use. Is this a correct statement?

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ScottC

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its good if you need to plumb into a tight spot or if you're unsure of your gluing skills with sch 40 PVC.
 

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