Sump question

[ScubaD]

I am building a 29 gallon reef tank with a sump. I'm using a 3/4" bulkhead for the return. Should I use a 1" bulkhead for the drain pipe or a 3/4"?

[AquaRick]

Hi and welcome to AA!

Will you be using only 1 return? A 3/4" has 660gph gravity flow, a 1" is 950gph. Are you using a skimmer? If so I'll assume your return pump will be rated 3-5x your tank volume flow. Without a skimmer, you can have a higher flow.

Either way I think you'll be fine with either pipe. Is your pipe going to be drilled through the back? If it's drilled I'd go with the 1" pipe and install a ball valve so you can dial it down if needed. If you're using an overflow, I'd go with the 3/4" pipe since it's smaller. A 1" overflow pipe in a 29g is pretty large.

[ScubaD]

My pipe is going to be drilled through the base of the aquarium, I will also be using a home made over flow. I am only going to have one return. I plan on using a skimmer later down the road.

I think I am going to use the 1" with a ball valve, even though it will take up a lot of room in the tank.

Thanks for your help!!!

[AquaRick]

Yeah, that sounds good. Let me know how it goes!