overflow and return pipe size??

[boxersreef23]

my tank is not drilled and i have been slowly working on getting an overflow box and sump and return pump now its time to start plumbing and i am wondering what size pipe i need ...the head height of my tank is 6'6" give or take an inch the overflow box is drilled with a 1" already my return pump is an ehiem 1262 310.. so if i use a 1" for overflow what would or could i use for the return? 1/2" is what im hoping

thanks in advance

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Use a 3/4" return, a 1/2" return will work fine, but you will really want a 3/4" return.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

And what size is the tank?

 

[skinz78]

I agree, try to go with the 3/4" return line, the bigger the pipe the less resistance to flow.

 

[Troylee]

I would use 1" personally.... I have never used anything less than 1.5" on a drain "and I use 2 or 3 for the drains" and 1" to 1.5" for a return.... Less resistance means better flow and less energy usage just savings all around...;)

 

[UncleJT]

I agree, try to go with the 3/4" return line, the bigger the pipe the less resistance to flow.

and lower velocity coming out of the nozzle less likely to cause damage to corals. High flow at a low velocity is the way to go.

 

[boxersreef23]

And what size is the tank?

tank is a 72 gal... so 3/4 return with 1in drain wont cause the sump to eventually run dry