need help on pvc overflow

This is my first attempt at a DIY overflow/sump. I see alot of people using 1 inch PVC. so I sent my son to the store to pick some up and he came back with half inch, now I have half inch PVC and I'm worried that the flow might be too restricted, by the way I'm using a 700 GPH return pump, is this half inch going to be enough or do I need to take it back and get 1 inch? Is the PVC 1 inch needed or is it self preference? It's being used on a 55 gallon tank and a 10 gallon sump. Thanks in advance for any responses

 

What kind of overflow are you using?
It really depends on the type of overflow you are using. On my 55 I have 1 inch from the over flow to the sump and 3/4 for the return.

 

i was just planning on using 1/2 inch for the overflow and return. do i need to change the overflow to 3/4, and keep the return at 1/2?

 

I built my PVC overflow for 3/4" and I don't get that much flow. i have to throttle back my 700 gph pump quite a bit. I don't mind b/c my sump is basically a fuge and i don't want much flow. I think 1/2" would be a really small amount of flow though.

 

I built one out of 3/4 inch that worked great for a month or so you can see here. It never has lost a siphon but I had to fabricate a snake type cleaner because the slightest build up of junk in the tubing will slow the flow considerably. I'm tired of cleaning it everyother day so am ordering an Eshopps pf 300. Also they pull alot of air andafter about a week mine got LOUD. I built a muffler but you cant completely restrict air flow or air will back up and siphon will be lost. This could be overcome with an aqua-lifter pump but I'm not investing anymore into this DIY.

1/2" is to small diameter pipe imo. Your going to end up with a ton of headaches. 1" or bigger would be best.

 

sorry link here

YouTube - DIY over flow for 6$

was just thinking i could use the smaller size as to not be so displeasingly looking

 

well if your talking about this DYI overflow:
http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/nice-cheap-diy-overflow-29396.html

I had made one years ago before I decided to buy a overflow box and on my 55 I had the best of luck with using 1 inch for the overflow anything less wasn't giving me the flow I wanted. You might be ok with just the 1/2 inch just for a sump but I also was supplying a refuge.

with that pump I would go with 1 inch, IMO.

 

Thanks alot for the help guys, that was fast i didnt even think about the buildup will return theese and change it