55 gallon bulkhead question

[Dchi225]

hello all, this is my first post in the forum so stay with me here. i currently have a 20 gallon long fowlr. looking to turn my 55 gallon cichlid tank into a reef. i would like to drill the tank for bulkheads and returns. i would like a bulkhead on the left and right side draining into a 20 gallon long sump with the return drilled into the center with a flexible y output. my question is what size bulkheads would be sufficient and what size return pump would go with that. thanks for all the help!!

 

[Grizz]

You may want to start here. Glass-Holes.com dope aquarium stuff bulkheads will depend on how much flow your after

 

[Dchi225]

im not sure as to how much flow would be necessary. mainly for softies or some lower light hard corals.

 

[AquaRick]

1/2" return line. 3/4" or 1" drains.

 

[Dchi225]

awesome thanks!! thats what i have been after is just a direct answer. to many options otherwise.

 

[AquaRick]

Most pumps for that size tank will use a 1/2" output. And tbh i think you may want to opt for 1" lines. Makes it easier to handle clogs etc.

 

[Daniel Fishy]

Check out the mag 7 that would work for one return 1/2". Two return would need to be spilt with larger pump more power used and possible loud. IMO one return would be fine.