One outtake, two returns?

[Chase89]

I'm setting up a 60 gallon saltwater tank and adding a sump by cutting through the glass, before cutting I want to have a plan of action, and know the setup I plan on using is going to work well. I've seen a lot tanks with outtakes in one of the corners and the return in the opposite. I'm a sucker for symmetry and I'd love to put my outtake in the center of the tank and a return on each side. I think this could also help (or seriously hurt) water flow. For the returns they would be fed off the same pump with a Y somewhere on the way up. Has anyone seen or had a setup like this and was it benifital? I want to do right by my aquarium, I can get over my OCD if I need to! LoL

 

[Reefing Madness]

You could do it like that, splitting the return difference between 2 returns. You could also run a large intake, like 1.5" rather than just a 1".

 

[bif24701]

You could do it like that, splitting the return difference between 2 returns. You could also run a large intake, like 1.5" rather than just a 1".

It would be better if you cut two overflow drains, one could be controller with a valve to be silent and the other as a back up. Three total drains would be best, if you have the space.

You can have as many returns as you want, when doing your plumbing use a head pressure lose calculator to determine the best PVC size. I bet 1 1/4" would be good, this would improve flow yet not increase cost of plumbing too much. Diameters of PVC and height are two significant factors for flow loss, larger PVC=less flow lose.

 

[Chase89]

It would be better if you cut two overflow drains, one could be controller with a valve to be silent and the other as a back up. Three total drains would be best, if you have the space.

You can have as many returns as you want, when doing your plumbing use a head pressure lose calculator to determine the best PVC size. I bet 1 1/4" would be good, this would improve flow yet not increase cost of plumbing too much. Diameters of PVC and height are two significant factors for flow loss, larger PVC=less flow lose.

Great the information helps a lot. Thanks guys.

 

[don_chuwish]

Return manifold T'd off for two return nozzles. Center 'ghost' overflow. This is why I didn't want a 'reef ready' tank. I like this setup better.

 

[Chase89]

Return manifold T'd off for two return nozzles. Center 'ghost' overflow. This is why I didn't want a 'reef ready' tank. I like this setup better.

That's perfect! I just ordered a low profile overflow that would accommodate this exact type of setup. I'm relatively new to the hobby but from what I can see this setup is becoming a lot more popular. Thanks for sharing!

 

[redfishbluefish]

I did something similar on my tank with the exception of having two returns on each side of the overflow. I have a 1500 gph Glass-Holes overflow centered in the tank, and the return comes up close to center and splits with a tee.....and off each side, two Loc-Line Wye's feeding the tank. Here's a picture: