How many returns do I need?

thatone08

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Hi all,
I am starting to get all the equipment I need for a 50 gallon low boy. 48x24x10.

I am wondering on placement of overflow. And how many return lines I will have to drill.

fish of hex videos show overflow in one corner, and return in the opposite corner.

it was suggested to me to put the overflow in the middle and two returns on the sides.
Is there a certain size when you need more then one return?

This will be my first time plumbing as every tank I currently have is an all in one. So would like to keep it as simple as possible, but if it will prevent issues i will plumb two returns.

thanks for listening g to me ramble.
 

vetteguy53081

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Hi all,
I am starting to get all the equipment I need for a 50 gallon low boy. 48x24x10.

I am wondering on placement of overflow. And how many return lines I will have to drill.

fish of hex videos show overflow in one corner, and return in the opposite corner.

it was suggested to me to put the overflow in the middle and two returns on the sides.
Is there a certain size when you need more then one return?

This will be my first time plumbing as every tank I currently have is an all in one. So would like to keep it as simple as possible, but if it will prevent issues i will plumb two returns.

thanks for listening g to me ramble.
Typical are two but based on tank size can be multiple
My 660g - eight
 

DCR

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I would think one 1" return or two 3/4" returns would be plenty for that size tank. Not sure you really need two, but it does not hurt anything.
 

Cell

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Consider middle overflow boxes can potentially interfere with arm mounted lighting.
 
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thatone08

thatone08

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I’m assuming that if I split the return with a T it will double the head height from that T. So oversizing the return pump may also need to be done.
 

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