[danskim]

I will be drilling my 30g oceanic cube soon, but I had some questions about what pipe diameter would be best.

I'm aiming for about 1000gph total in the tank, which will hold mainly LPS corals.

I plan to have a 1" drain from my overflow into a sump which will then be returned by a pump (yet to be determined) which will have 2 returns into the tank.

I also plan to have a closed loop with 1 drain and 2 returns as well.

I will be using either 1/2" or 3/4" ID locline. I am looking for advice as to whether I should do one of two things:

1. Use 1/2" bulkheads for the 4 returns feeding from 3/4" pipe that splits into 2 via a reducing PVC Tee (3/4" inlet, two 1/2" outlets). Then I would use 1/2" locline Y and have flared nozzles on each.
2. Use 3/4" bulkheads for the 4 returns feeding from 3/4" pipe with a regular 3/4" PVC tee. I would then use a locline Y that is 3/4" to 1/2" reducer with flares.

What do you guys think?

[golfish]

Originally Posted by danskim

I will be drilling my 30g oceanic cube soon, but I had some questions about what pipe diameter would be best.

I'm aiming for about 1000gph total in the tank, which will hold mainly LPS corals.

I plan to have a 1" drain from my overflow into a sump which will then be returned by a pump (yet to be determined) which will have 2 returns into the tank.

I also plan to have a closed loop with 1 drain and 2 returns as well.

I will be using either 1/2" or 3/4" ID locline. I am looking for advice as to whether I should do one of two things:

1. Use 1/2" bulkheads for the 4 returns feeding from 3/4" pipe that splits into 2 via a reducing PVC Tee (3/4" inlet, two 1/2" outlets). Then I would use 1/2" locline Y and have flared nozzles on each.
2. Use 3/4" bulkheads for the 4 returns feeding from 3/4" pipe with a regular 3/4" PVC tee. I would then use a locline Y that is 3/4" to 1/2" reducer with flares.

What do you guys think?

Hey damskim and welcome to Reefland. Lets see if I can help ya out.

You'll probably not get 1000 gph from a 1" drain but I'm sure what ever you get will be enough. I like the second idea you have only because it will have more flow. Try it out first using just PVC fittings, this way you wont reduce the output down further then 3/4".. you can find black PVC fittings at Savko.com if that's what your looking for.