Need your thoughts on my system....

[minibowmatt]

Im getting ready to build a 29G w/ 10G sump. I am thinking about using a 1.5" drain, and 2 1" returns off a mag 9.5 with a Scwd.
Some people think I will not have enough drain, and the tank will overflow.

What if I use 3/4" plumbing for my return, any better? I could always put a valve on my return too. I think with the Scwd and 5 ft of head I should get somewhere around 550-600GPH at the returns. People say a 1.5" bulkhead is good for about 650gph.. Am I cutting it too close? What would you do?

 

[LA-Lawman]

Hi Matt! How are ya?

generally speaking a 1" drain handles about 600gph... a 1.5 brain you are looking at 900gph to 1000gph comfortably... you should have enough drain to handle that pump...

the scwd.... if i were you i would look serriously at the ocean motions product. It is better suited to handle the pressures of pumps and is less prone to jam as the scwd will eventually.

www.oceanmotions.com

I think you are good to go... I would get the biggest sump you can get in the stand... more water the better...

HTH... if ya need us we are here....

 

[minibowmatt]

Thanx La-lawman!
So Scwd's are no good? I have one from a club member (so its free) but maybe I will consider the squirt instead. Not that I dont believe you, but could you point me towards a refernce that lists bulkheads and flow rates by chance? I have heard the 1.5" drain can do anywhere from 600gph, to now 1000Gph... thats a big spread, so I want to be sure.. the wife would kill me if this tank overflows on our HW floors!
do you think 2 returns is enough?