Hello all,
I've seen this question pop up multiple times on this forum as well as others, however, the advice always seems to be different.
I built my own sump tank (scary, I know) and everything actually seems like it's fine (hallelujah). My issue began when we (dear hubby and I) began working on the plumbing (really scary, I know).
Relevant info, my display tank is 38-gallons and my sump is 20-gallons. My HOB overflow box is rated for 800GPH and my return pump is rated for 530GPH at 0', +/-325GPH at 4'-6 which is the height of the rim of my DT. We plumbed the overflow using 1"OD, 3/4" ID clear vinyl tubing, same for the return.
I opted for the 800GPH overflow because I wanted the added length on the skim. From everything I've read, an 800GPH overflow box should have absolutely no problem handling my pump, even at 530GPH, yet the pump chamber sucks nearly dry while my DT water level verrrrrrry slowly rises to nearly overflowing. I've tried playing with the skim box height on the overflow with no success. I am super scared to add more water to the system because I reaallly don't want to face an overflow. Silly me, I forgot to order a check valve, so we already experienced a near disaster when we originally set this thing up last night.
My return pump is not adjustable and I am really kicking myself for that. I suppose my question is, what now? Hahaha. I am soooooo frustrated. Should I go the gate valve route? Get a smaller or an adjustable pump? Or is there something I'm overlooking?
Any and all help is appreciated!
I've seen this question pop up multiple times on this forum as well as others, however, the advice always seems to be different.
I built my own sump tank (scary, I know) and everything actually seems like it's fine (hallelujah). My issue began when we (dear hubby and I) began working on the plumbing (really scary, I know).
Relevant info, my display tank is 38-gallons and my sump is 20-gallons. My HOB overflow box is rated for 800GPH and my return pump is rated for 530GPH at 0', +/-325GPH at 4'-6 which is the height of the rim of my DT. We plumbed the overflow using 1"OD, 3/4" ID clear vinyl tubing, same for the return.
I opted for the 800GPH overflow because I wanted the added length on the skim. From everything I've read, an 800GPH overflow box should have absolutely no problem handling my pump, even at 530GPH, yet the pump chamber sucks nearly dry while my DT water level verrrrrrry slowly rises to nearly overflowing. I've tried playing with the skim box height on the overflow with no success. I am super scared to add more water to the system because I reaallly don't want to face an overflow. Silly me, I forgot to order a check valve, so we already experienced a near disaster when we originally set this thing up last night.
My return pump is not adjustable and I am really kicking myself for that. I suppose my question is, what now? Hahaha. I am soooooo frustrated. Should I go the gate valve route? Get a smaller or an adjustable pump? Or is there something I'm overlooking?
Any and all help is appreciated!