Slowed flow on return line

[Tigershark22]

Howdy!
Wondering if anyone has any input or experience with this. One side of my split return line has a much lower flow output than the other side.

1” PVC to 3/4” Loc-Line with a Y-adapter.

I realize I can take the assembly apart to check it out or clean it.
Just wanted an idea of the cause if this is somewhat common.

Side note: I found a rather large flatworm in my sump filter a while back. Not sure if they can house themselves in the lines.

 

[Dom]

I recall once seeing a post here with a video of bristle worms taking up residence in drain lines; I mean, it was PACKED.

But there is no way to the outlet in the tank except through the return pump, so a critter in your return wouldn't be my first guess.

I don't know that I like how you have your returns coming up above the water line. This may be the cause. If you keep it this way, then perhaps installing a manifold to balance the output.

 

[Tigershark22]

I recall once seeing a post here with a video of bristle worms taking up residence in drain lines; I mean, it was PACKED.

But there is no way to the outlet in the tank except through the return pump, so a critter in your return wouldn't be my first guess.

I don't know that I like how you have your returns coming up above the water line. This may be the cause. If you keep it this way, then perhaps installing a manifold to balance the output.

Could you explain more about the plumbing and how a manifold helps (I’m not exactly sure what that is lol). I’m definitely still new to the hobby and this is my first ever setup, running for about 5 months now.

I did the return lines in this way because I didn’t want to drill more holes in the tank. The overflow was nerve racking enough. I also saw it as a way to prevent backflow to the sump without the need for a safety valve. But I don’t know how it affects head pressure to come above the water line. I’m definitely open to suggestions that don’t require drilling!

 

[Tigershark22]

I recall once seeing a post here with a video of bristle worms taking up residence in drain lines; I mean, it was PACKED.

But there is no way to the outlet in the tank except through the return pump, so a critter in your return wouldn't be my first guess.

I don't know that I like how you have your returns coming up above the water line. This may be the cause. If you keep it this way, then perhaps installing a manifold to balance the output.

I also need the returns as close to the surface as possible for agitation or else a film of stuff builds at the surface and doesn’t carry to the sump

 

[Dom]

Could you explain more about the plumbing and how a manifold helps (I’m not exactly sure what that is lol). I’m definitely still new to the hobby and this is my first ever setup, running for about 5 months now.

I did the return lines in this way because I didn’t want to drill more holes in the tank. The overflow was nerve racking enough. I also saw it as a way to prevent backflow to the sump without the need for a safety valve. But I don’t know how it affects head pressure to come above the water line. I’m definitely open to suggestions that don’t require drilling!

A manifold is a network of gate valves that allow you to control how much flow goes to a given device. People will often feed things like reactors off of the return line.

I like your thinking about back flow. Good idea.

Yes, I agree; drilling can be nerve-wracking. I've busted a few tanks while drilling. I guess that is why I've become so good at replacing glass and resealing.

If the difference in flow is subtle, I wouldn't worry about making a correction.

I understand your design is meant to get flow throughout the tank. But you might consider going with a simple return outlet and add power heads.

How big is the tank?

 

[Tigershark22]

A manifold is a network of gate valves that allow you to control how much flow goes to a given device. People will often feed things like reactors off of the return line.

I like your thinking about back flow. Good idea.

Yes, I agree; drilling can be nerve-wracking. I've busted a few tanks while drilling. I guess that is why I've become so good at replacing glass and resealing.

If the difference in flow is subtle, I wouldn't worry about making a correction.

I understand your design is meant to get flow throughout the tank. But you might consider going with a simple return outlet and add power heads.

How big is the tank?

Oh okay that makes sense.

60 gallon tank and I do have 2 powerheads. The flow is still perfectly fine in the display and through the sump. Honestly if anything, it helps because I’ve got a clove polyp on that side of the tank where the flow comes down the side and the flow is perfect for it currently. That’s why I haven’t even disconnected the loc-line to look lol.

More of just a curiosity. But I definitely learned new information so thank you for your time.

 

[Dom]

Oh okay that makes sense.

60 gallon tank and I do have 2 powerheads. The flow is still perfectly fine in the display and through the sump. Honestly if anything, it helps because I’ve got a clove polyp on that side of the tank where the flow comes down the side and the flow is perfect for it currently. That’s why I haven’t even disconnected the loc-line to look lol.

More of just a curiosity. But I definitely learned new information so thank you for your time.

Yes... I'd let it be if you are happy with how things are going. In this hobby, if it isn't broken, don't fix it.

- Good luck.