DIY return slow down

[Sirtrashcan]

So back in December, i built a 2 gallon, roughly 8"x8"x8" AIO tank out of acrylic that has a 2"Wx8"Hx8"L filter section. I just bought a Sicce Syncra nano pump to get the tank finally running because it would fit and was advertised as adjustable flow. the flow does not adjust out out the pump and I already have an oversized return tube going back to the nozzle. I have removed the forked outlet from the display side of the return nozzle but am finding the flow in the tank is still too strong. Other than a valve on the return line, what would be my best bet to slow down the flow some more? I had to get creative to match the return tube to the pump outlet. The outlet OD is 3/8" and the tube ID is 1/2". Could i do another step-up-step-down thing with another oversized tube attached to the 1/2" tube?

 

[esoxlucius]

Restricting the flow from pumps is not usually good long term. And for that size tank, if you can even call it a tank, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a pump with such a mediocre flow that you'd require.

Even if you hadn't have installed that filter section, and gone with a tiny off the shelf cannister filter instead, I'm not too sure if you'd get one that is literally a trickle!

I'm intrigued as to what you are going to do with this tiny set up.

 

[Sirtrashcan]

I'm intrigued as to what you are going to do with this tiny set up.

honestly, so am I. From what ive seen with the current set up, there is no flow restriction, just expansion. I've seen something similar that Fluval has done with their betta tank filter to slow down the return. they have a box or something that i believe has baffles in it to redirect and slow down the flow coming from their pump. This was just a challenge to see if i could really make anything this small. Ill likely just turn it into an invert tank.

 

[M1A1]

Restricting a pump is fine so long as the restriction is on the output of the pump and not on the intake. A restriction on the intake can cause cavitation which will destroy the impeller.

A valve on the return would work, if you can find one that fits, or you could reduce the pipe size. Increasing the pipe size will increase the flow rate as there is less press loss due to friction in the pipe and fittings.

 

[jjohnwm]

Just use an airlift in place of the water pump. Very easy to adjust flow down to minuscule levels, and takes up very little space. You could even have more filtration media to handle the bio load from the monster fish you will be raising.

 

[Sirtrashcan]

or you could reduce the pipe size. Increasing the pipe size will increase the flow rate as there is less press loss due to friction in the pipe and fittings.

With the box being as small as it is, the pressure from the return nozzle created almost enough of a current to blast water outside of it. When i increased the diameter of the output, it seemed to slow it down, like i am looking for. Would reducing the size not create a stronger jet of water?

Just use an airlift in place of the water pump. Very easy to adjust flow down to minuscule levels, and takes up very little space. You could even have more filtration media to handle the bio load from the monster fish you will be raising.

by airlift, do you mean air pump? could you explain that a little more? im slightly unfamiliar with that term. i already have more bio media than the tank needs being so small, and who knows, maybe ill throw an arowana in there!

 

[jjohnwm]

Essentially it is just a tube open at the bottom, with top open and equipped with a 90degree elbow to exhaust water into the front of the tank. Mount it vertically in the pump compartment, attach an airline such that the bubbles rise in the tube, and direct the output at the too into the front portion of the tank.

Do you know how a sponge filter works? This is just a sponge filter with no sponge. Easy way to move/circulate small amounts of water in an aquarium.

 

[Sirtrashcan]

Essentially it is just a tube open at the bottom, with top open and equipped with a 90degree elbow to exhaust water into the front of the tank. Mount it vertically in the pump compartment, attach an airline such that the bubbles rise in the tube, and direct the output at the too into the front portion of the tank.

Do you know how a sponge filter works? This is just a sponge filter with no sponge. Easy way to move/circulate small amounts of water in an aquarium.

ah ok! that makes sense, ill look into that.

 

[fishdance]

Add a bypass do you can infinitely adjust flow without slowing down the pump.

Essentially a side valve (tap) that can divert water back to the pump chamber. Place valve on the low pressure side, so opening this valve reduces flow on the high pressure side (tank return).

 

[fishguy1978]

The air lift tube is probably the way to go. Use an air stone and it will be quiet too. You can use your current return set up by drilling a 3/16in hole in the elbow. Cut the airline tubing so it has a point and it will slip through fairly easily.