1750gph on a 75g tank with 30g sump?

[Mercury2234]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a 75g tank that came with a BlueLine 70HD Pump (1750gph). The tank was used for saltwater; it comes with a chiller/heater, UV sterilizer and a 30g sump.

I turn on the pump and the water current seems very strong. I currently have a couple of convicts (to cycle) and they seem to struggle at certain parts of the tank.

I do have a knob, but everytime I crank it tigher the current gets even stronger. On the other hand, if I let it open all the way, while the ratio is somewhat lesser (still stronger) the water ratio/balance gets too low where the back of tank gets making suction sounds (water is draining faster than what the pump is releasing?). It woudnt have been a problem, but the tank is in my bedroom.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated...

 

[Bee0912]

that is a huge pump for a 75 gallon ever for a salt water setup. i bet if you made a spray bar across the back of the tank it would distro the water presure a but. or just get a smaller pump.

 

[Mercury2234]

Tried turning the spray bar towards the back, but then the current gets SUPER strong on one side of the tank, while the other is nil. In other words, gravel and sand blasting through like a hurricane.

I dont know, I might just keep em there as I am planning on moving them and putting some large predators in there.

 

[FSM]

Sounds like it could be a great river tank. I have less than half the current in my 75 (quiet one 3000) and I don't think having twice as much would be a problem at all, but that would still be less than what you've got.

How is the output set up? If you put two spraybars on one side of the tank it should distribute the flow well enough so it isn't too powerful of a current.

 

[Toby_H]

While I don't think that kind of flow rate is at all "necessary"...

Since you hav it... I would follow the above advice and create better distribution of the flow...

 

[Mercury2234]

Yeah, I agree its definitely not necessary, but since it came with the tank and its in a great working condition. The owner said it was only 3 months old and he paid over $250 for it. He had to get rid of it ASAP as he was being allocated out of the country.

Unfortunately, if I do put it against the glass, the current start to blow out the sand at the bottom...literally! Not to mention if I do that, the one part of tank is totally serene, while the other is a hurricane. The flow is basically one long pipe with two spray bars. I tried to put it as high as possible and spread away.

I guess I can just leave it at that if anything else cant be done. But any suggestions would be most welcome...

 

[Bderick67]

Use a longer return line. This will reduce flow and pressure.

 

[hybridtheoryd16]

While I don't think that kind of flow rate is at all "necessary"...

Since you hav it... I would follow the above advice and create better distribution of the flow...

I agree

With the sump you only have a 16.6 turn over rate. 75g + 30g = 105g--1750/105= 16.6

I allways try to aim for 10-15 turn overs per hour on my tanks. Just because it keeps the tank debris free. But it is not needed if you are just after supreme bio-filtration. That can be done with very low turn over rates.

Your problem seems to be current and not flow. So like mentioned you need to distribute the flow more. I would build a 3/4" spray bar the entire length of the tank. And install it in the back top, right under the trim. Put you a 3/16" hole in the bar every inch or so. Aimed down in the tank 20 degree's or so from the water surface. And you will be set.

 

[syndicate]

While I don't think that kind of flow rate is at all "necessary"...

depends on what u want in the tank for example a fish that come from a fast flowing river etc

 

[exoticfishguy]

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