Sump flow rate

[perrytheplatypus]

Hello all, I have a fluval sp6 in a sump for a 200 gallon tank plumbed using pvc pipe and the flow rate going into the tank is insane. It will blow sand away leaving a bare spot no matter where I point it and I was curious if I could just place a flow valve on the intake or output portion of the pump and if that would help?

 

[Aardvark1134]

spray bar

 

[Potatohead]

Absolutely, you can throttle it back with a ball or gate valve no problem, but do it on the output side. I don’t know if returning it for a smaller version might be better though, depends on your setup. I would shoot for around four times turnover through the sump.

 

[perrytheplatypus]

Absolutely, you can throttle it back with a ball or gate valve no problem, but do it on the output side. I don’t know if returning it for a smaller version might be better though, depends on your setup. I would shoot for around four times turnover through the sump.

Out of curiosity why does it have to be on the output side?

 

[Aardvark1134]

Never ever choke the input of a pump. Bad things happen.

 

[GThompson]

Out of curiosity why does it have to be on the output side?

It will cause cavitation in the pump possibly ruining the impeller. Just restrict the output side.

 

[perrytheplatypus]

It will cause cavitation in the pump possibly ruining the impeller. Just restrict the output side.

Thank you

 

[GThompson]

Thank you

I have the SP4 and it flows quite a bit of water also and my cure for the problem was ordering a dc pump that is controllable. You can find a decent one for about the same price as the Fluval. And you end up with a spare pump :) Good luck with it.

 

[Mariette]

If it’s too powerful and you don’t want to replace it, how about adding a length of hose to your plumbing to increase head height? You could add a short piece or a long snaking piece coiled up. I’ve never tried this myself but have been doing a ton of research lately because I just finished plumbing my return pump and it was a nightmare!!! Easily the worst part of setting up a new system. Ugh!

 

[perrytheplatypus]

I have the SP4 and it flows quite a bit of water also and my cure for the problem was ordering a dc pump that is controllable. You can find a decent one for about the same price as the Fluval. And you end up with a spare pump :) Good luck with it.

Thanks