[thebadbaron]

Hey everyone,

I'm working on setting up a standard 90 gallon tank that came with 1.5" bulkhead holes drilled in the back. I picked up a Fluval FX5 and want to utilize the holes for a nicer presentation.

My question is; can I plumb a 1.5" intake tubing and 1.5" return spray bar into the tank or should I downsize it to 1" tubing to maintain flow rates? I figure that the FX5 tubing is 1" ID and therefore the flow at the intake and return will be lower as the tubing diameter is increased. I'm including a sketch so it makes more sense.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1errJGqhOg5jHqwAXHNBXeWFq7B2R6DJ7

Also, Where should I downsize the 1.5" tubing outside the tank to fit a 1" barb adapter? I can do it in spots A or B on the below diagram. The last question is; what is the best option for injecting co2? Can I simply drill a hole and add a brass barb fitting into the return to come out the spray bar? Or would it be significantly more efficient add an in-line reactor?

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1P_h3irTuoUfiWzxFnz23aeSw6Q4HYvf_

Thanks!

 

[thebadbaron]

Thanks everyone. I'm guessing the same goes for inside the tank with regards to the intake and spray bar. I wanted to use black fittings for this side but can't find any 1" ABS or PVC elbows.

 

[thebadbaron]

I just paint the white PVC with black spray paint, works fine. Just make sure to use the right paint. This is what I use.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ol...-General-Purpose-Spray-Paint-334020/307244849

Disclaimer: I work for the company that makes the paint.

For whatever reason I was trying to avoid this at all costs but it seems more reasonable now. I'll just pain the damn PVC.