What size pvc should I use for a mag 18?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by reefguy, Apr 28, 2005.

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  1. reefguy

    reefguy Astrea Snail

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    What size pvc should I use for a mag 18? From what I have heard online if you use anything larger than 3/4'' you get more flow. So i was planning to use 1 1/2''. There is this aquarium place in mineola called Rivers and ponds they also install ponds and aquariums so they know their stuff. Well they told me if I use anything larger than the 3/4'' I would lose all my pressure...Now what to believe?
     
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  3. allaboutfish37

    allaboutfish37 Feather Duster

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    :-/ I have the same pump and I use 3/4 that's alot of water..I think they maybe right.
     
  4. skennelly

    skennelly Coral Banded Shrimp

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    I have a mag 18 and I'm using 3/4". If you plan on having multiple 90 degree angles on your pipe you might upgrade to 1" or 1" 1/2.
     
  5. somethingfishy

    somethingfishy Purple Spiny Lobster

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    I also have a mag 18 and am using 3/4". The pond store is right you will lose pressure. That isn't a bad thing though. You don't want to blast your corals. You want high volume/gph and low pressure. A larger pipe won't hurt any it just may be harder to plumb.
     
  6. frank_broderick

    frank_broderick Astrea Snail

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    mag pumps says to use 1 1/2 " pvc. I have the same pump and used 1" for the return then teed with 3/4" three times to the tank.
     
  7. frank_broderick

    frank_broderick Astrea Snail

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    you can look at the pic's of my sump setup on the this web site under (sumps)
     
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  9. reefguy

    reefguy Astrea Snail

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    What do you mean? I thought with high pressure you get more GPH does higher pressure=higher GPH?
     
  10. reefguy

    reefguy Astrea Snail

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    btw I am having dual returns