Help with Return Plumbing

Bill Howard · Feb 23, 2017

I'm in the process of putting in a basement sump and was wondering what size return plumbing I should use. The tank will be 150 gallons (60x24x24) and it will have two one inch returns drilled in the back corners. I'm planning on using a Vectra L1 as the return pump and I was thinking of running 1.5 inch PVC up to the mid point of the back of the tank and then teeing it off to 1 inch pvc to the return bulkheads. Anyone see any issues with this plan?

dbl · Feb 24, 2017

Sounds reasonable to me...I don't see any issues with that plan.

Bill Howard · Feb 25, 2017

David, Thanks. I wasn't sure if up sizing to the 1.5 inch PVC would have a negative impact on flow because of more water weight. I up sized to the 1.5 inch because I think I read somewhere that the 1.5-inch pipe is actually more efficient than the 1 inch because of less pipe friction. I did not see what size pipe EcoTech used for flow chart for the Vectra L1, but I thought the 1.5 inch would allow me to preserve some flow as I would also like to tee off a manifold from the return for reactors.

dbl · Feb 25, 2017

Although I don't see an issue with it personally, it's probably not necessary to up size. I was assuming you were coming out of the pump at 1.5" but I think the Vectra is 1" return. You can leave it at 1" coming from the pump, T off the manifold for future reactor/etc. use, then up to the returns. And I also recommend using as many unions as possible. Makes maintenance or alterations a lot easier down the road.

DSD1977 · Feb 25, 2017

What's the head pressure you calculated? I have a feeling your going to be very surprised with your flow when you fire it up.

I am part of the Neptune Apex test group and when I received my FMK (flow monitoring kit) I wasn't even close to what my pump stated.

Running your sump in the basement is a great thing but I'm sure your going to need a bigger pump. It also helps to run as straight as possible. The less amount of pipe and elbows will help your cause.

mfinn · Feb 25, 2017

To be able to use 1-1/2" pvc for the return on a Vectra L1 you will need to buy the optional $10 pvc fitting they sell that converts the BST threads on the pump to slip 1-1/2" pvc.
There's really not other options.
I've seen a couple others who say they found the fitting with the correct thread pattern cheaper, but I haven't seen much talk about it.

justingraham · Feb 25, 2017

mfinn said:
To be able to use 1-1/2" pvc for the return on a Vectra L1 you will need to buy the optional $10 pvc fitting they sell that converts the BST threads on the pump to slip 1-1/2" pvc.
There's really not other options.
I've seen a couple others who say they found the fitting with the correct thread pattern cheaper, but I haven't seen much talk about it.

What this guy said is spot on buy the ten dollar kit and call it a day