Plumbing Question

[scruggs1]

I am replacing the stock 474 GPH pump in my IM 30L with a Sicce Syncra 3.0. The problem is that the stock pump outlet size is 1/2" (and the hose, y splitter, and outlets into the tank are 1/2" as well) and the Sicce outlet is 3/4. It is better to reduce it as soon as it comes out of the pump or try to re-plumb the whole thing to 3/4"? I would normally say re-plumb to keep up the flow, but I'm not sure about getting the 3/4 through the back glass of the tank. Ideas? Thanks.

 

[120reefkeeper]

IMHO I think your fine going from 3/4 down to 1/2. The stock option was made to run on 1/2 so you shouldn't have any problems at all.

What size is the drain?

 

[TheEngineer]

Welcome to R2R!

You can just size it down at the pump. It will cause some head pressure, but the pump will be fine.

 

[120reefkeeper]

#reefsquad

Welcome!!

 

[Duke4Life]

Welcome!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Can your return portion of the tank handle the extra volume? Stock pump is 474 while the Sicce is 714 gph. Accordingly, I'd knock it down to 1/2 inch at the pump and hope the increased head would reduce the flow enough.


Oh, and welcome to R2R.

 

[jsker]

Welcome to post on R2R, and thank you for the question:)

I would say that you have your answer. I noticed when I went from 1/2 to 3/4 from the pump, my flow was increased:)

 

[melypr1985]

Welcome to R2R! I would think that even after the increase in gph from the pump, reducing the pipe down to 1/2 from 3/4 is going to create a little more flow on top. Kinda like putting your thumb over the end of the garden hose. I could be wrong on that of course. Listen to the others over me every time when it comes to plumbing and whatnot like that. :)

 

[scruggs1]

Luckily the Sicce's flow is adjustable and my overflows should handle the full 714g easily, but if they look iffy, I'll reduce the flow at the pump. I suppose I will reduce it at the pump and keep the existing 1/2" plumbing. Thanks all.

 

[120reefkeeper]

Luckily the Sicce's flow is adjustable and my overflows should handle the full 714g easily, but if they look iffy, I'll reduce the flow at the pump. I suppose I will reduce it at the pump and keep the existing 1/2" plumbing. Thanks all.

Your very welcome. [emoji4]

 

[scruggs1]

So it looks like what I will have to do is start with a 3/4" out of the pump (the outlet is actually 1" but comes with a 1" to 3/4" reducer that screws into the pump on the bottom but is barbed on the top of the fitting). From there, I will have to reduce. Has anyone ever seen a Y fitting that is 3/4" at the bottom, but splits into two 1/2" out the top? If so, any idea where I can find one? Thanks!

 

[120reefkeeper]

You could always use something like this. Just make sure it's all plastic. You can find them at a hardware store. Irrigation or garden hose area. Then you can adapt to what you need. [emoji4]

 

[120reefkeeper]

If that doesn't work for you .... then you can get threaded pvc T fittings and adapt to your needs. [emoji4]

 

[scruggs1]

What i really need and what would save the most space is a 1" NPT reduced to a 1/2" barbed...Googling.

 

[120reefkeeper]

Yep you can find those at menards and homedepot.

 

[120reefkeeper]

They sell 1" NPT to barbed

 

[120reefkeeper]

Something like this but most I've seen are gray in color...

 

[scruggs1]

That might work, but I'd have to put a male nipple on the bottom.

 

[120reefkeeper]

They also sell them with male end.

 

[scruggs1]

Where did you find it?