Replacing 3/4 return with 1 or 1 1/4 inch

[reely989]

So, I got a 300 gallon planet aquarium mega matrix tank and it's plumbed for 3/4 return. Should have been something I thought about, but obviously didn't at the time. I'm currently running 2 sicce adv 5.5 for returns and they seem fine. I would like some DC pumps to be able to hook up to my kraken, however. I'm looking at getting a couple of varios 6 pumps. While I'm making this change I had thought about bypassing the internal returns completely and going with 1" or 1 1/4" return lines up the back of my tank and elbowed over into the display. Has anyone else done this? Am I trying too hard to solve a problem I don't really have by doing this?

 

[KrisReef]

So, I got a 300 gallon planet aquarium mega matrix tank and it's plumbed for 3/4 return. Should have been something I thought about, but obviously didn't at the time. I'm currently running 2 sicce adv 5.5 for returns and they seem fine. I would like some DC pumps to be able to hook up to my kraken, however. I'm looking at getting a couple of varios 6 pumps. While I'm making this change I had thought about bypassing the internal returns completely and going with 1" or 1 1/4" return lines up the back of my tank and elbowed over into the display. Has anyone else done this? Am I trying too hard to solve a problem I don't really have by doing this?

This idea would fit well with two Seaswirls to replace those useless elbows and create an interesting current flow in the tank.
https://sea-swirl.com/

 

[reely989]

This idea would fit well with two Seaswirls to replace those useless elbows and create an interesting current flow in the tank.
https://sea-swirl.com/

This is interesting. Do you have any experience with these? I'm not opposed, but that turns an already expensive change into a really expensive change, ha. I have 4 Nero 7s for flow inside the tank, so the return rate is more for turnover than actual current.

 

[KrisReef]

This is interesting. Do you have any experience with these? I'm not opposed, but that turns an already expensive change into a really expensive change, ha. I have 4 Nero 7s for flow inside the tank, so the return rate is more for turnover than actual current.

Sorry for the late reply, and sadly I have not owned a sea swirl but I have wondered myself. Reviews have indicated that they have a long service life and provide excellent water motion.
Did you get crazy with the money and get one or two?:beaming-face-with-smiling-eyes:
I am hoping you did so I can get another report before I spring for one.:cool::rolleyes:

I also saw a post where someone had done a DIY using an oscillating fan motor.
That project isn't something I would do because I have a fear of electrocution.

:cool:

 

[reely989]

Sorry for the late reply, and sadly I have not owned a sea swirl but I have wondered myself. Reviews have indicated that they have a long service life and provide excellent water motion.
Did you get crazy with the money and get one or two?:beaming-face-with-smiling-eyes:
I am hoping you did so I can get another report before I spring for one.:cool::rolleyes:

I also saw a post where someone had done a DIY using an oscillating fan motor.
That project isn't something I would do because I have a fear of electrocution.

:cool:

Lol no I didn't unfortunately! I just replumbed with 1" line. Those things do look cool though. I have a lot of flow already so I just couldn't justify the cost... Yet

 

[KrisReef]

Lol no I didn't unfortunately! I just replumbed with 1" line. Those things do look cool though. I have a lot of flow already so I just couldn't justify the cost... Yet

Cost has always prevented me from getting one, for many many years. :confused-face:

 

[BZOFIQ]

So, I got a 300 gallon planet aquarium mega matrix tank and it's plumbed for 3/4 return. Should have been something I thought about, but obviously didn't at the time. I'm currently running 2 sicce adv 5.5 for returns and they seem fine. I would like some DC pumps to be able to hook up to my kraken, however. I'm looking at getting a couple of varios 6 pumps. While I'm making this change I had thought about bypassing the internal returns completely and going with 1" or 1 1/4" return lines up the back of my tank and elbowed over into the display. Has anyone else done this? Am I trying too hard to solve a problem I don't really have by doing this?

You should stick to what is the nominal output size of the return pump you're using.

DC pumps' output goes down dramatically when "choked"

 

[reely989]

You should stick to what is the nominal output size of the return pump you're using.

DC pumps' output goes down dramatically when "choked"

Yeah I'm using a couple of Sicce sdc 7.0 and the 1" seemed to make a big difference. Lots more turnover