Plumbing question.

[WatercolorsGuy]

What size pvc pipe should I use to go from my lower level to the upstairs to my tanks, distance is about 14'-16' vertical and 4' horizontal?

Pump is a Blueline 70HD.

Pump will be fed from a 70 gal sump which is being fed by a 135-90-90 gal tank combo. The two 90's are located upstairs and will gravity feed the 135. The pump will also probably feed the 135 if it has enough left over after pushing upstairs.
I plan on using schedule 40 pvc.

Should I use 3/4",1", or 1 1/2" for the return?

Also...is it advisable to put inline another pump on the upper level to boost flow...or does that actually impede flow?

 

[09bumblebee]

1"

The extra pump may impede flow depending on type of pump. I'd just run the one pump or sell them and a bigger pump if more flow is needed

 

[WatercolorsGuy]

Re: Plumbing question.

How about for the drains from both 90's to the 135? Currently using 1" pvc for those, separate into my current sump.

 

[09bumblebee]

How about for the drains from both 90's to the 135? Currently using 1" pvc for those, separate into my current sump.

If they are separate all the way to the sump that's ok but combine them to 1 1/2" and run one to the main sump.

 

[fishguy69]

We would suggest a minimum of a reeflo dart or hammerhead for this system. Your current pump won't get the job done.

 

[WatercolorsGuy]

Re: Plumbing question.

I am going to give it a shot with the Blueline. Based on the flow charts I think I should be in the 1200-1400 gph range. A little under what I would like but..... I won't have but maybe two elbows and a couple ball valves to restrict flow.
http://bluelineaquatics.com/products/water_pump/hd_chart.html
View attachment 13016
I will probably end up down the road replacing it either way with a bigger one and using this one on the frag/fish displays.

 

[WatercolorsGuy]

Re: Plumbing question.

Pump works great even with the extra 90° elbows I had to use. Wanted to use spa-flex for it but it is just too expensive...so used pvc, and that created the need for more elbows. It is a little more noisy than I thought it would be. But all is good. Thanks for the input.

 

[amonchak]

Did you use 1" or 1.5" for the pump line? What about return?

 

[Walter White]

Based on the research I did on my own system which is very similar to yours distance and head pressure wise I would definitely go with 1.5". I went with a Reeflo Wahoo, High efficiency, high head pressure lower flow at 1500gph and have no problems pushing the water.

 

[WatercolorsGuy]

Re: Plumbing question.

Pump line 1"
return to sump 1.5"