I was wondering what size everyone is using for the tee off of their raw water intake to fill their ballast. I currently have a barbbed 1 and 1/4 in with a threaded tee to 1/2 inch. What sizes are you guys using that have a similar system? <BR> <BR>And also would I be wrong in using a 2000 gph pump off the water intake or would it be better to use the 1100 gph so I don't "starve" the engine? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Paul Pearce

Paul, <BR> <BR>I wouldn't use anything smaller than a 1 inch Id. If you want your flow rate to stay at the pumps capacity you need to keep as much volume coming to it as possible.

I was told to never go anything less than 3/4" hose therefore nothing less than 3/4" connections.

Thanks guys, but what about the pumps? Should I use the 1100 or the 2000? <BR> <BR>Thanks, Paul

Paul, <BR> <BR>Ty is correct. I went from my 1 1/4 t'd off into a 1" and t'd that off to 3/4 for my pumps. If you want to make your life a whole lot easier, I would go with the Simer BW85 reversable pumps, they don't cost much more than the pumps your planning on using. <BR> <BR>When I used aerator pumps, my 1100 was just as fast as my 2000.

Thanks for the advice cliff, but I already have the pumps, actually I've had them for a while and being a broke college kid I think I'll be sticking with the stuff I already have so I can do this without brakeing the bank. <BR> <BR>Oh yeah, I almost forgot where did you guys find the tees that you used? I went to home depot and west amrine but they din't have the right sizes. <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Paul

Thanks for the advice cliff, but I already have the pumps, actually I've had them for a while and being a broke college kid I think I'll be sticking with the stuff I already have so I can do this without brakeing the bank. <BR> <BR>Oh yeah, I almost forgot where did you guys find the tees that you used? I went to home depot and west marine but they din't have the right sizes. <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Paul

There is a local shop here that carries it as there are many hard to find sizes. look up banjo fittings on the net and you will find them.

i would think a 2000gph pump would try to starve your engine at idle but maybe not at speed?? Watch your temp gauge for sure the first couple times you run it