Not sure what to do next to fix my sump problem

[thepresence]

This is a picture of my setup. I've got a 1 1/4 inch overflow opening, with 1 1/2 piping below going into the sump. I'm running a mag 12 return pump with 1 1/2 piping with a head of 4 feet. My problem is the pump is oversized and gets rid of the water too fast. I've got a ball valve on the return line and it is throttled off more then 50% Now i'm not sure wheater i should add a DIY overflow, make the drip plate holes bigger, run smaller pipe, or get a smaller pump. Your help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[bitteraspects]

Your overflow is not big enough for your pump. The easiest solution would be to add a second overflow.

 

[slapnutz]

^^ That, or add a T to the return line, with a ball valve, and return some of the water back to the sump. Or get a smaller pump.

 

[Pharaoh]

Yep. Add another overflow or just dial back the pump a bit.

 

[JK47]

^^ That, or add a T to the return line, with a ball valve, and return some of the water back to the sump. Or get a smaller pump.

I absolutly love this idea and have been wanting to do this on my next set up. You can turn the valve to the tank and leave the flow going over your sump when doing water changes without shutting anything off.

I really do think it would be easiest/cheap to just add a PVC overflow or even two.

 

[Pharaoh]

One thing to remember when bleeding of the water and returning it to your sump. You can lose a bit of efficiency when doing this. By throttling back the pump, you increase the head height, which can decrease the power consumption. You wouldn't get this if you send the excess water back into the sump. Just food for thought.