Return Line Questions
 

Ok, so having recently finished my tank build, It seems I am constantly striving to improve my setup.....

Stats:
135g euro braced tank
33g sump
reeflo dart return pump
reeflo dart for closed loop with oceans motion
3 x lumen max elite hqi
Euro Reef 180
1/2 chiller

blah blah blah money pit.

I'm crazy obsessed with it, but I do however have a question about the return, after doing some additional research I'm finding out the restricting the return line is a big no no. However I cannot find a way to tune the return and supply from the sump....when I have the ball valve on the return all the way open it surges down, then breaks siphon, then starts the process all over again, not matter how I adjust the flow on the pump returning water to the tank

Drain line 1.5":


Return pump (front pump, from 1.5" to 1" )


I'm sure I'm missing something simple?

Or is that ok?

Any ideas?

does the return pipe enter below water surface in sump.Could cause back pressure.

yes it is below the water surface by around 5 inchs

wouldn't back pressure cause it to flow less? from what I am seeing it flows to well and then sucks all the water out of the overflow box...

The Dart might be a little too much pump for the return from the sump, what size are the overflow drains? try raising the drain so it isn't under the surface of the sump as the previous poster suggested,the drain sounds undersized and is siphoning.

the overflow drain is a single 1.5"

cut it above the surface ,see what happens,if nothing oh well

What are you using as an overflow? Drilled? HOB? Are you using a Durso/Stockman or just a plain standpipe? Is it an AGA Megaflow?

good question, it looks like this:

Raise the drain and reduce the otput of the Dart, once it gets quiet increase the pumps output slowly.

1" above the surface level?

man am I glad I put unions everywhere:



.....i am also planning on doing something with the rats nest....just not today :twised:

A single 1.5" is only good for around 1400 gph (see RC drain calculator) and the Dart is probably pushing around 2000gph.

Valve back the output of the pump a bit (can restrict output no problems, but not the input side).

ok, so I raised the drain to just above the water and presto, drain valve 100% open, and I can get up to 40% on the return valve.

it is a little louder dropping into the sump but not bad

thanks to all

Looks like your running a Durso style drain. With the air bleed home on the 1st 90*. I have tried that way too, and didnt like it much. I found using a T, and having the air bleed on the other end of the T performs much better
If you look at the one in the pic here, you will see what I mean

http://www.dursostandpipes.com/

when a Durso air bleed gets pluged, it will surge in and out of a full siphon. Trick with them is to ballance the air bleed with the amount of water it should flow.

You don't need to run that much flow through your sump in any event. With your CL you've already got plenty of flow in your display. Using a lower flow return pump will save you a lot of electricity and your skimmer should work better.

Some like a lot, some like a little.

I'm on the side that there's nothing wrong with the return pump contributing to the overall turn over of the display (currently pushing about 1000gph through my sump).

Sounds like it is time to lose the Sedra driving the chiller and put the excess capacity from the Dart to good use.