sump problem
- Thread starter fishyboi
- Start date
ok here is you problem. in your first and second pic your return lines go way to far under water. Your tank will siphon until they get down to your lowest return line outlet. drill a hole in these lines just below where you want your water level. then fill your sump about 3/4 full with the water just below your bulkheads(so none is flowing into the sump) now kick on your pump and bingo. just adjust the flow with the ball valve
just curious do you have a screen or somthing over your bulkheads? thats a big hole for a fish to disappear in.
i agree on turning the pump of and observing. it like a stimulation test if power goes of. 
if it fills over then you need a bigger sump if it doesn't then it's good to go.
if it fills over then you need a bigger sump if it doesn't then it's good to go.
dodgefreak8 said:
you're right... didn't see the return that is deep in the water. the return will be your problem which will siphon back i would advise you to get...
Clear PVC Swing Check Valves
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_plumbing_parts_fittings_ball_check_gate_valves.asp
i would go and invest one so that their is no back flow. if you want a cheaper way... cut the pipe returning and just put it in line with the drain. to better calculate your water drain capacity is to measure it.
example: if you're 1" return pipe is 4" bellow water which will make a siphon. and your tank measures 96x24x24 inches. 1+4=5 inches (1 inch from the pipe and 4 inch below water level) 5 inches x 24 inches x 96 inches = 11520 . 11520 divided by 231 = 49.8 or 50 gallons. this means you have to have a 50 gal sump at least to be able to hold the water draining if the power is out.
better yet instead of 5 inches make it 6 or 6.5 just to give you leverage because it wouldn'd be practical to keep on measuring whenever you have water changes. just do again the calculation and you should be fine. hope this helps.
last thing is... better have less output on the pump because of the valve rather than having to mop the floor and not being able to sleep
