Wet dry question

[Crooks76]

I am currently running a wet dry. However my return is faster than my intake. Other than getting a weaker pump is there anyway to reduce the power of my return.

 

[rallysman]

You can either put a "T" with a ball valve after the pump and shunt some of the water back into the sump, or you can just put a ball valve on the output of your pump and choke it down a bit (depending on the type of pump).

 

[Crooks76]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to try that.

 

[Wolf3101]

The T is also a great way to add an inline heater...UV sterilizer or other equipment to the system.

 

[Dr Joe]

The T is also a great way to add an inline heater...UV sterilizer or other equipment to the system.

But, then your still returning more water than needed, even with restrictions, unless you restrict the primary flow too.

 

[Nic]

if you put back pressure on a free flow pump you greatl shorten its life span I would buy another pump

 

[fishingaddict]

he has an iwaki pump. would restricting the line harm the pump?

 

[fishdance]

Add the Tee with a tap but return it back via your bio-tower (in sump). This is a good idea in case you need to medicate your tank or ever have to take tank offline - it allows you to run the sump & keep bacteria alive without the tank. Running it back through your bio-tower means your maximising throughput and you could run it through heater/UV etc too. Since water will take the easy path you dont need a tap on both sides of the Tee.

 

[Bud8Fan]

he has an iwaki pump. would restricting the line harm the pump?

Any centrifugal pump can have the output restricted. Only positive displacement pumps (pumps with pistons) and screw drive pumps can not be restricted.

 

[Volenti]

Any centrifugal pump can have the output restricted. Only positive displacement pumps (pumps with pistons) and screw drive pumps can not be restricted.

Indeed, I've got a high pressure model Iwaki (MD20RZ) that will cavitate slightly if the out put isn't restricted somewhat, they'll draw less power fully restricted than running wide open.