T return on dual overflow

[dfm34]

Hi all I am setting up a 140 Gal tank with a dual overflow. I have never dealt with a dual overflow/return so I have a question. I am setting up a mag 18 as my return pump using 3/4" tubing here comes the stupid question can
I use a T fitting to slit the tube to go to each return?

 

[panmanmatt]

A "T" fitting would work ok but a "Y" fitting would work better. T's cause a lot of friction which leads to a great deal of flow loss. A "Y" fitting is a smoother transition thus reducing friction.

 

[JohnS_323]

A "T" fitting would work ok but a "Y" fitting would work better. T's cause a lot of friction which leads to a great deal of flow loss. A "Y" fitting is a smoother transition thus reducing friction.

Yeah, what he said! If you want to "over-engineer" it a little, you could put a ball valve on each leg after the Y fitting. The benefit there is that you can adjust it so that you get the same amount of flow from each return. It may not be an issue, but depending on the length of each run, you could wind up with a ton of flow in one return and very little in the other.

 

[stcreef]

If you cant find a Y, they can be tough to find, go with one inch from the pump to a one inch tee and valves and one inch to the 3/4 inch bulkheads in the tank.

 

[panmanmatt]

A T with a 45 elbow coming off the side will work also if you can't find a Y fitting. Or you can just use flex PVC for your returns and make nice gradual bends in it.

 

[dfm34]

thanks all for the advice