Help deciding between 3/4" and 1/2"

[newbreefer316]

I've got a couple tanks that currently have a 3/4" return that's split into a Y and reduced to 1/2" at the nozzle.

Each tank is ran by a separate Fluval SP4 but I don't have a good idea of flow but I'd assume at least 800+ gph per tank.

Should I go with dual 1/2", dual 3/4" or just a single 3/4" nozzle for each tank?
60g cube - 24x24x24
90g - 48x24x18

 

[scott11106]

i would go with the 3/4" and dual for redundancy but 1/2" will work fine especially if you run dual. either way dual returns is the way to go and you can dial in your flow as needed.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics]

For the 90, i think you would be happy with the dual 1/2in RFGs. This will give oyu a bit more control over the flow for that size/shape tank

For the 60 cube however, I think it would depend on location of the return line. If the return is in the middle of the back wall, then dual 1/2in RFGs is probably best.
If the return is in one corner and you could position the RFG to point at the center mass of the tank, then a single 3/4in RFG at 800+GPH would rock that tank.

Keep in mind , you will need to keep the nozzle at least 1in to 1.5in below the surface for that rate of flow on the 3/4in RFG to avoid drawing in air. If you don't have that much reserve in your sump, then dual 1/2in might be better.

hope that helps

Antonio...
623-233-6908