Pipe size for drain/return on 50 Gal?

[HomerJ]

What is the recommended (while not overkill) size for the piping of the drain/return lines on a 50 gallon?

Getting ready to drill holes in my stand/install piping, but would like to make sure I'm not going too small.  Currently, the tank has 2 bulkeads, one that will accomodate 1" piping for the drain, and 1/2" for the return.

I'm debating making the return line a bit bigger (3/4"?) just to be safe.  I can always throttle it via a valve.  Then again, is there any point since the outlet of the pump is only 1/2"

Thanks in advance.

[FocusFin]

A 3/4 won't give you any additional flow if your pump output is 1/2 inch and your return is also 1/2 inch.

A 1 inch drain should be fine, you can always put a ball valve on it to reduce the flow a little if needed provided there's no chance of something getting lodged down there, like a snail say. Come to think of it, I get a flushing sound ever few seconds if the valve is wide open so you might find that to be the case as well.

[HomerJ]

Thanks for your reply.  I know a 3/4" return won't give additional flow in theory, but having a larger pipe might provide less restriction than a smaller one, hence less drop on the flow rate?

I remember my beermaking (or was it beerdrinking?) days, where I was kegging my beer.  There was this formula that you used to balance your beer lines for proper pressure.  It considered the length of the run, but also the inside diameter of the tubing being used.

Maybe it's not as important on larger pipes/tubing.

[FocusFin]

So how did it go?

[HomerJ]

So how did it go?

Really well... I didn't do anything.  ;-b 

I'll do it next weekend when I bring the tank outside to spray paint the back pane.  Will post pictures then.

[HomerJ]

I just finished redrilling my hole.  Went pretty well overall. 

I simply "plugged" the existing hole with duct tape (is there anything it won't do??), put some plumber's putty around the hold, and had the hose running with a slow flow. 

It went through like butter.  It did chip a bit inside on the inside, but nothing excessive.



Question is now... any reason not to put a bit of silicon on the bulkhead to make sure is seals well?  (On the inside, not the side with the gasket).  My reasoning is... it won't hurt, and can only help.  If only to fill the irregularities of the hole.

Thoughts?

[ordi260]

Im no expert regarding bulkheads but i think that if your bulkhead is clean and the surface is also clean and smooth, its gonna be a tight, leak-less fit.

[RossW]

I believe the gasket goes on the inside.

IMHO, no silicone is required and might just get in the way of something which works fine without it.

(On the inside, not the side with the gasket)

[jimskoi]

No silicone.Gasket on the inside.Make sure that everything is clean and dry.Next time you drill.Drill from the inside out.If it chips on the outside its not a big deal.If it chips on the inside and it could end up being too big for the gasket to cover it.

[HomerJ]

Thanks for the replies.  I would (and yes, should!) have drilled from the inside, but because I already had a hole there, I figured it would be easier to line everything up and control the drill from the outside. 

I guess I'm working backwards with the bulkhead, as I was trying to void having a piece that sticks out the bottom, hence installing from the outside in.  I'll do it properly and flip it around.  Takes 30 seconds!