Reducing return pump power.

[Thomas Weber]

Just filled my first saltwater tank with water but it seems that my return pump is too strong. I have a 75 gal with a 20 gal sump. The water level in the pump chamber of the sump is being drained faster than it can refill. Any tips on reducing amount of water going up to the tank?

 

[ccombs]

Is it a DC controlled pump? There are several ways to restrict the flow, some of which put back pressure on the pump which isn't the best.

Tell us more about your gear and we would love to help!

 

[ccombs]

Just filled my first saltwater tank with water but it seems that my return pump is too strong. I have a 75 gal with a 20 gal sump. The water level in the pump chamber of the sump is being drained faster than it can refill. Any tips on reducing amount of water going up to the tank?

Also, for what it is worth, you could theoretically add more water, you would just need to be sure it does not overflow your sump if you lost power. When you lose power, anything in the display that is above the return or intake will either flow or siphon (depending on the side) back into the sump, so be careful about that.

 

[WVNed]

speed up the water going down the drain

 

[ccombs]

speed up the water going down the drain

That is the easiest way if you are able to accomplish that lol.

 

[Gonebad395]

A little more about your setup will help pictures are even better

 

[ReeferBean]

I've used ball valves on ac return pumps with no issues.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Everyone covered it.

Only thing, and has already said would be to give info of tank, drain and style/set up, pump and plumbing.

should be easy fix wether reducing flow, opening up drain

 

[Thomas Weber]

Is it a DC controlled pump? There are several ways to restrict the flow, some of which put back pressure on the pump which isn't the best.

Tell us more about your gear and we would love to help!

What is the difference on a DC and AC pump and how do I know which one I have?

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Dc you can actually control the power of the pump, ac cannot. A ball valve or gate valve needs to manually slow flow

 

[WVNed]

An AC pump will plug straight into the wall. A DC pump will have a controller.