Sump problem- help asap please

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
A sump should be at least 1/3 of the tank volume. A few of reasons are to compensate for evaporation and to hold water in a power outage. Is there a chance you could upgrade to a 100g min? Also ball valves are not consistent on controlling flow so you may need a gate valve.


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There is nothing blocking the skimmer openings on the overflow? It haven't been modified in any way? I still don't know why tank manufacturers still insist on only drilling tanks for 1" bulkheads. Especially that size tank.
 
jsodwi said:
There is nothing blocking the skimmer openings on the overflow? It haven't been modified in any way? I still don't know why tank manufacturers still insist on only drilling tanks for 1" bulkheads. Especially that size tank.
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Nah, nothing blocking the weirs and never modified. It's ridiculous that they drill such little holes


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I'm assuming that it isn't the weir that's limiting the flow. Is there any way to check the PVC pipes for obstructions? And do your overflow pipes have the vent at the top to prevent bubbles from getting stuck?
 
Pomatomus said:
I'm assuming that it isn't the weir that's limiting the flow. Is there any way to check the PVC pipes for obstructions? And do your overflow pipes have the vent at the top to prevent bubbles from getting stuck?
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The pipes are clear as I checked those first and yea I have a little tube in the top of the pipe to release air. I'm assuming it's just a matter of me regulating the return flow since the pump is stronger than the drains can handle


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jsodwi said:
I still don't know why tank manufacturers still insist on only drilling tanks for 1" bulkheads. Especially that size tank.
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+1 Couldn't have said it better I had to use all 4 1" bulkheads on my tank as drains. just to get a half way decent flow

strollo22 said:
Would it be better to use the valve before the pump or after the pump though?



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It's my understanding that its bad for the pump to be restricted at the input, but perfectly fine to at the pump output. I know that's what reeflo recommends anyways.

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bassguy said:
A sump should be at least 1/3 of the tank volume. A few of reasons are to compensate for evaporation and to hold water in a power outage. Is there a chance you could upgrade to a 100g min? Also ball valves are not consistent on controlling flow so you may need a gate valve.


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Click to expand...

Is that your rule about sump size or is this a general rule I am not aware of? I look at some salt forums, and those guys frequently use small sumps. I just started up my 3rd one, and see plenty of others that are no where near 1/3. My understanding from doing some plumbing research is that ball valves are more easily fine tuned. I use them, but have never compared myself.

Is your tank acrylic? If yes, why not drain the overflows and drill larger holes. Why not change your returns to 3/4"? Then you won't need to worry about adjusting valves. Can you cover all or at least a portion of the sump to decrease evaporation and splash? I just set up a new tank that has a small sump and was losing water to both conditions. I put a lid to a styrofoam cooler over it. I cut notches out of it. I completely stopped any splash and I am sure it will slow evaporation.
 
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