How can I ramp up or down my dc return pump automatically

[ud56]

I have a dc return pump that the flow can be adjusted manually. Looking for a way,if possible,to adjust flow rate automatically at different times of the day.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

The drain rate is set to match the return rate, if the return rate changes, wouldn't you have to adjust the drain rate to match it? Sorry if I misunderstand. Are you just trying to get more flow at different times of the day? Do you use powerheads?

 

[ud56]

The drain rate is set to match the return rate, if the return rate changes, wouldn't you have to adjust the drain rate to match it? Sorry if I misunderstand. Are you just trying to get more flow at different times of the day? Do you use powerheads?

No powerheads yet. Yes just trying to change flow at different times of day. Example like turning down flow a little at night. I know I can do it manually but thinking when I’m not around.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

No powerheads yet. Yes just trying to change flow at different times of day. Example like turning down flow a little at night. I know I can do it manually but thinking when I’m not around.

It takes a couple of days to dial in the return to match the drain. Most of us set it and never touch it again. If you increase the return rate, you have to fix the drain to match it, or else the tank will overflow. Better to get powerheads for in-tank water movement.

 

[Uncle99]

I have a dc return pump that the flow can be adjusted manually. Looking for a way,if possible,to adjust flow rate automatically at different times of the day.

This IMM does not work.
As the speed increases the return chamber will drop and turn on the ATO.
Opposite for lower flows.
Return pumps should be running at the same level the overflows are designed to take.

Now wavemakers you can adjust any way you see fit and is the way you can have “random” flows.

 

[ud56]

This IMM does not work.
As the speed increases the return chamber will drop and turn on the ATO.
Opposite for lower flows.
Return pumps should be running at the same level the overflows are designed to take.

Now wavemakers you can adjust any way you see fit and is the way you can have “random” flows.

Ok thanks. I’ll have to go that route. Any suggestions for a 25g aio lagoon

 

[backbayreef]

Ok thanks. I’ll have to go that route. Any suggestions for a 25g aio lagoon

I wouldn't muck with random flow on the return pump, just set it at a specific speed and run 24/7. On my 25gal tank (IM25ext), I just have a cheap Jebao 1600gph return running at 10% but added a RFG for random flow. I have zero wavemakers inside the tank since it's a nem tank and don't want nems to get shredded. For your AIO, any compact Sicce pumps might do the trick. Like others suggested, you could add a wavemaker (or two) if that's what you're after. Good luck!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

While I don’t see a way to easily do this automatically, adjusting the dc return pump flow rate works fine on my system. I raised it a bit just today. :)

 

[Uncle99]

Ok thanks. I’ll have to go that route. Any suggestions for a 25g aio lagoon

I use only Jebao’s.
Not had a problem over 5 years and I have 8.

SW8? Maybe.