Best return config for a 6' 125g with a Mag 18

[MNoel]

I have a mag 18 return pump for my sump and I'm trying to decide to go with 2 return outlets by placing one in each corner or if I should build a spraybar to go across the back. My tank is a 6' 125g without any drilled holes. I have 2 hob overflow boxes. Trying to get the best circulation out of the return as I can. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a drilled 125 with 2 returns. I use a mag 18 with a "T" splitter but I plan on changing to a "Y" splitter to add just a little more flow. I do wish that I had bought a mag 24 and used a gate valve to restrict flow. The drag from the tubing and the 90 degree elbows slow the return quite a bit.

I wouldn't use a spray bar, what I would use is a "Y" connection for each of the 2 returns so it has a 4 directional output. Just my opinion.

 

[Ben1]

If you were using a Y and 2 over the tank directional outputs a mag18 would put out around 900 gph, thats 450 per exit. This won't do much more for circulation then two hagen 802's. You may consider adding eductors to your outputs and combine this with either a bunch of powerheads in various locations or a tunze stream.

What do you plan on keeping in this system?

 

[MNoel]

Thanks alot

 

[MNoel]

I want to keep soft corals and reef safe fish and inverts

 

[Anonymous]

I would go with the 2 in either corner. To get a little velosity out of it use a 3/4 x 1/2 reducing elbow. I have mine set up similar to that and the reducing elbow helps get the tank churned up.

 

[da colts1]

if the tank is not set up yet i would absolutly drill it with corner boxes in each corner. use a y return from the sump. and when the new scwds come out(which should be in sept) go with 1 to replace the y. i have a 125 aga which is drilled in each corner, i use a quiet one 5000 for the return pump and since it pumps just a little less than 1400 gph i was able to use a scwd right after the pump and it works great. the new scwds will handle bigger pumps and be adjustable. i also have a scwd on my return from my chiller.

 

[Ben1]

The SCWD may provide random currents but wouldnt it also add 2 90 degree elbows and reduce the flow by half, as only one side it running at a time. Seems to defeat the purpose in this cause which is to maximize the output from the return.

 

[da colts1]

yes only 1 side runs at a time but that 1 side gets full flow as opposed to half,now the scwd does reduce pump volume by about 15 to 20 percent but a mag 18 is over pumping a 125 anyway so he has some leway.

 

[MNoel]

I already have hob overflows so i wont drill tank. What size pvc would be best for thr cl? Thanks everyone for your help.

 

[MNoel]

Anyone?

 

[MNoel]

bump

 

[da colts1]

what's the cl??

 

[MNoel]

Closed loop

 

[jsbradbury]

Doesn't it depend on the output size of your pump? I think most are 1/2" to 3/4" I think it depends on what your looking for, obviously the smaller the diam of the piping, the higher the pressure it will be.

 

[da colts1]

3/4 id would probably work best, although you could probably go 1 inch with a pump that size.