What size PVC do you use for your water return?

[Laconic]

Hi,

Just curious what size PVC you use for your water return? I plan on getting a Mag 7 water pump for water changes and need something that will be able to keep up with the water coming in. Thanks!

[Laconic]

This is what I plan to build.....

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/2486/overflow.jpg

[Second Hand Pat]

1/2 inch inside dimension should be fine. That's what I use with my mag 7. Will the mag 7 be able to keep up with the water coming in?

[Laconic]

The mag 7 will be delivering the water into the aquarium from a storage tank. This PVC contraption will be handling the outflow. I just want to make sure I have thick enough pipes to handle the outflow for the speed the mag 7 will deliver the water in....

[Second Hand Pat]

Are you pushing water above the pump? If so how far?

[Laconic]

The storage tank and aquarium are on the same floor and 25' apart and the tops are both 5' off the ground. The hose will travel along the floor in between so I guess its a 5' rise to get to the destination.

[Second Hand Pat]

Sounds good that is exactly what I'm doing with my except I use vinyl tubing with 1/2 inch inside.

[Laconic]

Perfect. Thanks for the help on this one!

[Second Hand Pat]

More than welcome.

[Dkarc@Aol.com]

I would use 3/4". I always step up the pipe size coming off any pump.

-Ryan

[Darrell Ward]

I would use 3/4". I always step up the pipe size coming off any pump.

-Ryan

Yeah, I would too. I would go to Lowe's and get PVC to garden hose adapters, so I could screw on a garden hose, and use it instead. Roll it up on a hose reel when you're done, and everything's out of the way nice and neat. I've been doing this for years, and it works great. I use the white RV type hose that's made for potable water.

[Ed13]

I'd use 3/4" as Ryan suggested. Your next step would be to make sure that the PVC overflow you are planning on using can handle the flow.

[Laconic]

Darrell/Ed/Ryan

Thanks for the advice on the 3/4". I'd like it to be able to handle more as opposed to less so I'll go with this size. I like the PVC to garden hose adapter idea too so I'll check that out.