Sump return flow seems slow - Octo Varios-2

Steverd

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This is the return in the sump from a 90g tank I got a few weeks ago.
This is how the previous own had the return set up. I added an Octo Varios-2 pump I had.

The return seems a little slow and I'm looking at this looped tubing that attached to an elbow as shown in the photo.
The lift distance is 50 inches. There is a gate value from the overflow, how much could this be the issue?
Should I just open it all the way?

My question is should I leave working alone or try to figure out how to remove this elbow and tubing?
Some how attach the Varios-2 directly to the red return tubing with is 1inch, but now sure how.

I always remember the old saying: The enemy of good is better.

Thank you for any thoughts on this

IMG_4294B.jpg
 

BryanM

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Seems like that is more than enough pump, and is a DC pump, so I think I'd be inclined to open the valve up and set the pump speed to where you want the return flow to be. I'll be honest though, I've never used a set up like that, I might be missing something.
 
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Steverd

Steverd

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Seems like that is more than enough pump, and is a DC pump, so I think I'd be inclined to open the valve up and set the pump speed to where you want the return flow to be. I'll be honest though, I've never used a set up like that, I might be missing something.

Thanks for the reply,
I was thinking the VarioS 2 should have plenty of power and I cleaned it before installing it here.
3.5 meters on lvl4 with 686 GPH
4 meters on lvl 5 with 792 GPH

I wonder how much flow the extra tubing and elbow is reducing the flow?
 

Dom

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Why the big loop of tubing between the pump and PVC?
 
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Steverd

Steverd

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Why the big loop of tubing between the pump and PVC?

YES, that a good question. It's how the previous owner had it, I can only guess that they
couldn't figure out a better way to connect their return pump of the PVC?

I'm trying to think of a way to maybe cut off all of the fittings at the base of the red PVC and
somehow connect the pump directly to the return pipe.

I need to measure the fitting on the VarioS pump, I know the red PVC is 1"
Any ideas?
 

Dom

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There looks to be about 18" of tubing, adding to the distance the pump moves water back into the tank.

It also looks like a 3/4" return line.

You could eliminate the tubing and go directly into the PVC return line.

But it is difficult to see what you're working with. More pictures from the sides would help.
 
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Steverd

Steverd

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There looks to be about 18" of tubing, adding to the distance the pump moves water back into the tank.

It also looks like a 3/4" return line.

You could eliminate the tubing and go directly into the PVC return line.

But it is difficult to see what you're working with. More pictures from the sides would help.

Here are a few more photos - The VarioS pump has a cool double size barb fitting,
I think the bottom 1/2 might be 1 inch?

IMG_4297B.jpg IMG_4306B.jpg IMG_4307B.jpg
 

Dom

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Yeah... that should be redone.

I think the reason you don't have good flow is because you are reducing the diameter out of the pump when it goes into the tube.

Eliminate the tube completely, and connect the pump direct to the PVC.
 

Freenow54

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This is the return in the sump from a 90g tank I got a few weeks ago.
This is how the previous own had the return set up. I added an Octo Varios-2 pump I had.

The return seems a little slow and I'm looking at this looped tubing that attached to an elbow as shown in the photo.
The lift distance is 50 inches. There is a gate value from the overflow, how much could this be the issue?
Should I just open it all the way?

My question is should I leave working alone or try to figure out how to remove this elbow and tubing?
Some how attach the Varios-2 directly to the red return tubing with is 1inch, but now sure how.

I always remember the old saying: The enemy of good is better.

Thank you for any thoughts on this

IMG_4294B.jpg
If I understand correctly that is the original pump. \the area around it is clean. \appears to be a lot of debris in all the other places. I would take it out and clean it then run a course filter over the inlet so you just have to clean the filter in the future. Maybe ? the pump clogging
 

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