Quickie plumbing question

So I am plumbing my return pump up to the display. I am doing a mix of hard PVC to flex tube. I am using 3/4" hard PVC coming out of the sump. My return pump runs about 800gph, I have roughly 4-5' of head.
My question is...would there be a problem with flow if I was to run 1" (id) flex tube from the PVC to the main tank

 

Actually, it is better to run bigger line for your return. It lowers the head loss of the line.

 

Should I change my 3/4" pvc to 1" or will I be kool?

 

It will fine with 3/4" out.

The closer to the pump you convert to 1" flex, the less work your pump will have to do, but it will work just fine if you ran 3/4" all the way too. Just as long as you don't go smaller.

 

jonjon is right. Also, make sure you connect the flex tubing to the pump and run to the tank. If you run PVC, do: pump -> Flex -> PVC -> Flex -> Fishland. The vibration noise is unbearable and I am redoing mine now because I went PVC to pump. Just an idea to think about is you're adding a valve

 

the reason I am running hard PVC is so that I can tee off from main and install a gate valve. Then being able to adjust the flow to the main with out restricting the flow coming from the pump. Most of it is going to be flex tube

 

Don't tee off and return to the sump. This is very inefficient and uses more power since the pump is still pumping more so more power. Put the valve in the discharge line and throttle the pump that way. Adding additional head like that often makes pumps more efficient so they run cooler, quieter and drawing lower wattage 24/7/365.
I also upsize my return plumbing when possible, small pumps work better that way, in fact Mag recommends it in their literature.

 

I dont think that is true. The pump is going to draw what every it draws no matter how you throttle is back. If you throttle it back directly inline all you are doing is putting more strain on the pump. By teeing it off I am allowing the pump to run at full strength without putting any unneeded strain. I do add mabye a foot of head, but its better then replacing the pump in half the time.

Side note I am thinking of moving up to 1" piping

 

Just pointing out that AZDesertRat is a tad experienced in water systems. As in, that's his day job.

 

first off its good to question things, never take anything for grated. Questions will help me clarify the situation. maybe we are misunderstanding each other Second, not everyone is good at their day job, you cant assume anything. (not say he is bad at his job)