Elbow before the return pump?

[Dazureus]

I'm redesigning my sump system for my 55 breeder and decided to go with a blueline pump for my return. It has 0.75" in and out. My question is this: I've seen closed loop systems with a 90 degree elbo right before the pump, so due to area constrictions, I was wondering if I could go out of my sump at a 1.5" bulkhead, through at like-sized union ball valve, through barbed and poly tubes if necessary, to a 1.5" elbow and reduce right before the pump. This would let me orient the pump 90 degrees from straight, reducing the total length of my sump/plumbing/pump. Has anyone done this without cavitation or any other problems? Thanks for all replies.

 

[pncstod]

Both my skimmer pump and return pump are plumbed with 90's on them to reduce length and fit under my stand. I have not had a problem yet. HTH

 

[Sidewinder]

Due to space constraints I also had to use a 90 elbow right after the sump. After noticing many micro bubbles I went to the next size up on the elbow and it solved the cavitation there. Now I have bubbles (I think nitrogen) from elsewhere. With elbows, use the largest you can...

 

[Reefscap]

I am going to do this also. It will be fine just as long as the elbow is bigger then the pump intake just like you said

 

[pncstod]

I agree with going one size bigger also. Both my pumps are 3/4 input (gen-x mak 4) and i run 1 inch elbo's and switch to 3/4 at the pump.