ow Much Flow Through Sump?

[CrewePD210]

So I have got my 150 up and full. I'm trying to adjust the flow through the sump, and am kind of at a loss. It seems the pump either out pumps the sump, or the water is draining too fast into the sump and the pump cant keep up. IS it just a matter of tweaking the valves and adjustments until it is a good slow flow through it, and at a steady level?

This might be a simple question, but I am having a hard time visualizing it.

THanks in advance

 

[get-salty]

What type of overflow you have on the main display? commonly one is the herbie, which is where water line is right at or tad below the emergency valve. Then adjust your return pump, either more speed or less by looking your return chamber. Return chamber water line typically mid way or few inches above the return pump itself.

 

[BlueBayouReefHTX]

It seems the pump either out pumps the sump,
1. If DC pump, adjust the output upwards so it pumps water faster back to your tank

or the water is draining too fast into the sump and the pump cant keep up.
2. You can try adjusting your valves below your overflow, or decrease the power of your return pump.

It really is a trial and error thing. This is exactly why I keep my returns at the same output all the time, instead of doing some type of variable output thing these newer pumps have.

 

[CrewePD210]

What type of overflow you have on the main display? commonly one is the herbie, which is where water line is right at or tad below the emergency valve. Then adjust your return pump, either more speed or less by looking your return chamber. Return chamber water line typically mid way or few inches above the return pump itself.

The drains look like upside down J's with a piece of hose running out of the top.

 

[BlueBayouReefHTX]

It seems the pump either out pumps the sump,
1. If DC pump, adjust the output upwards so it pumps water faster back to your tank

or the water is draining too fast into the sump and the pump cant keep up.
2. You can try adjusting your valves below your overflow, or decrease the power of your return pump.

It really is a trial and error thing. This is exactly why I keep my returns at the same output all the time, instead of doing some type of variable output thing these newer pumps have.

I will say that there are some other factors that will influence how much you can actually adjust those valves and some other things I mentioned- your overflow for one- how much water you can actually drain in a certain amount of time, how many baffles and foam pads you have in your sump, and the actual power of your return. I would start with the more basic things I mentioned and if you aren't able to get it to where you want, consider some of those others.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

So I have got my 150 up and full. I'm trying to adjust the flow through the sump, and am kind of at a loss. It seems the pump either out pumps the sump, or the water is draining too fast into the sump and the pump cant keep up. IS it just a matter of tweaking the valves and adjustments until it is a good slow flow through it, and at a steady level?

This might be a simple question, but I am having a hard time visualizing it.

THanks in advance

It looks like you have a ball valve on the drain line. You may want to switch to a gate valve for better fine tuning. Also, is your return pump speed adjustable? (DC pump?)

I'm assuming that your internal overflow is a durso? These threads may help:

Search results for query: durso

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Tangdora]

. The water will only spill over into the overflow box at the speed the pump is outputting. . faster draining into your sump would me your stand pipes are not adjusted right and you may be getting excess siphoning or if your lowered speed excess water from the tank may be retuning to the sump in which you may need to remove some water. Also The water should hold steady in the back of the overflow and not be pulsing up and down. Ideally run it where the water was coming in faster and then remove some water and then scoop some water out if your sump level gets to high and hold in a 5 gallon bucket till your sump level hold steady.

 

[CrewePD210]

. The water will only spill over into the overflow box at the speed the pump is outputting. . faster draining into your sump would me your stand pipes are not adjusted right and you may be getting excess siphoning or if your lowered speed excess water from the tank may be retuning to the sump in which you may need to remove some water. Also The water should hold steady in the back of the overflow and not be pulsing up and down. Ideally run it where the water was coming in faster and then remove some water and then scoop some water out if your sump level gets to high and hold in a 5 gallon bucket till your sump level hold steady.

Thanks that is helpful.

 

[CrewePD210]

What type of overflow you have on the main display? commonly one is the herbie, which is where water line is right at or tad below the emergency valve. Then adjust your return pump, either more speed or less by looking your return chamber. Return chamber water line typically mid way or few inches above the return pump itself.

Thank you this is helpful

 

[CrewePD210]

I will say that there are some other factors that will influence how much you can actually adjust those valves and some other things I mentioned- your overflow for one- how much water you can actually drain in a certain amount of time, how many baffles and foam pads you have in your sump, and the actual power of your return. I would start with the more basic things I mentioned and if you aren't able to get it to where you want, consider some of those others.

Thank you this I helpful. I was kind of thinking it was a trial and error process until you hit the sweet spot.