Need suggestion on surface agitation

[um_fan5]

Hola R2R!

I'm having a small issue and would like some feed back / suggestions!

Have 2 MP40's but if I crank them up I get a sandstorm blowing all over...If I raise them up I get micro bubbles!
As is right now...I still can see a vortex of sand being picked up every once in a while but little surface agitation!
I'm also getting a white slime around the edges at the water line which I believe also has to do with the lack of surface agitation.
BTW: Tank is 48 x 19 x 26




Here's my schedule (Both L and R)

I did pick up a a few of these at my LFS which I saw on their frag tank that had no pumps in the tank.
Loc-Line 1/2 inch Ball Socket Circle Flow Assy Figured I'll point them up a bit to get some action going.

If that doesn't work, option 2 would be Limpet Wide Flow Pump Guard - Vortech MP40 Upgrade - Neat Aquatics
and raise the MP40 up higher in the tank.

And my last resort would be to add a gyre!

Any suggestions?

 

[HairyGary]

I'd point the loc line up. You may get more noise but you'll have more agitation. What type of return do you have? You could increase the flow if DC.

You could always add a small power head and aim it at the surface too.

 

[Labora]

you could get an air stone the bubbles rise to the top and disturb surface

 

[um_fan5]

Thanks!

Return pump is a COR20 but I'm having issues with that pump and have an open ticket with Neptune.
If I crank the pump beyond 50% I get a voltage error!

Thanks @Labora! But I really would prefer not to do an air stone. Not a big fan of that in a DT.

Since we're all after that clean look (at least I am)...if option 1 and 2 don't work, I was going to move the MP40 against the back since it's black and add a gyre.

 

[zoaprince]

i use a stand alone surface skimmer

 

[ReefBeta]

Is your turnover too low? Since you have an overflow, it will skim out any build up on the surface. That usually only a problem when using only HOB filters. If you have your return pump turned down, try turn it up a lot more.

 

[TriggersAmuck]

i use a stand alone surface skimmer

Looks like a great solution for nanos with HOB only systems. (And clearly would work with overflow based systems, but I think the value is more so for the former).

 

[SMSREEF]

Agree with those above who say to get more flow through the overflow and into sump.
If your having trouble with the pump plugged into the apex, just remove it from the apex to get it running at a higher speed.

You also may want to try a random flow generator on your return line and point it to very front middle of tank.

 

[um_fan5]

Right now my cor20 is running at 50% anything over that I'll get a voltage error!
So I have the replacement pump coming in tomorrow from Neptune!

But my issue is turnover!
Herbie with 3/4" I should be getting at least 7-8x turn over!
About ready to this in order to increase water flow thru my sump!

 

[SMSREEF]

Right now my cor20 is running at 50% anything over that I'll get a voltage error!
So I have the replacement pump coming in tomorrow from Neptune!

But my issue is turnover!
Herbie with 3/4" I should be getting at least 7-8x turn over!
About ready to this in order to increase water flow thru my sump!

You should not need to drill out your overflow. The only reason to drill out overflow is if your tank water is getting too high because not enough water is getting through.
I think your problem is like you say above, your pump is undersized right now at 50%. I suggest you get that changed first before drilling.
If you drill now, it will only make matters worse because more water will go into the sump from under the surface. You want more surface water to go into sump.

 

[SMSREEF]

Could you post a video of inside your overflow? Maybe your drain is just too high?

 

[um_fan5]

I'll post a video later today after work!

 

[um_fan5]

Here's a quick shot!
Main drain is a 3/4 Backup is the 1" and sits about 2" below the backup.

I did remove the strainer as I've DIY'ed a cover for the weir.



All the surface agitation you see is mostly coming off the return line!

 

[SMSREEF]

Looks like the overflow plumbing is not the issue, water level in overflow is lower than the tank.

There just is not enough water going into the overflow which is caused by the return pump issue.
You get the new pump, I bet you are golden.

You also may want to look into adding the random flow generators to your returns once you get the new pump.
I have them on my tanks and they work great.