Finding pin holes in a closed loop system

[my2rotties]

This is the best picture that I have on hand at the moment. The pump is behind the skimmer. The feed to the pump is on the bottom of the sump if I am understanding your question correctly.

[golf nut]

A true closed loop draws water from the main tank and recirculates it back to the tank, if this isn't what you have then it isn't a closed loop, if you have a link to the pic I might be able to see it in a larger format.

[my2rotties]

I cant get photos at the moment. The display is above the sump and fuge. The water goes from the sump, up into the pump, to the tank, back out through the overflows and into the sump again. Also the skimmer in the sump is not longer there. I guess the other skimmer blocks the view of the plumbing going upstairs to the display...

My husband built it and I just maintain it. He is not available this evening due to hockey so I'm on my own and don't know much about the guts of the system.

[Rbacchiega]

Is there any way to drain some of the tank water so it's just below the highest point of the CL system? Then fire it up again and see if that gets rid of the air in the line. Have makeup/top off water ready to fill....

[my2rotties]

I already tried that... and boy it is good I have lots of water made already.

Originally Posted by Rbacchiega

Is there any way to drain some of the tank water so it's just below the highest point of the CL system? Then fire it up again and see if that gets rid of the air in the line. Have makeup/top off water ready to fill....

[golf nut]

Check the sump.

[Rbacchiega]

I know it'll probably suck, but you might have to check the actual pump. Take the pump apart and clean it out. I don't imagine the sump could be runing dry...if you're anything like me you check it religiously

[e46er]

so your just talking about your sump return pump a closed loop is a seperate pump like states above soley for flow to elimanate powerheads

[golf nut]

Then it isn't a closed loop but a standard return.
It could be a number of things, but based on the fact that hubby is out playing hockey I would think that your sump may be running dry and air is being sucked in.

[my2rotties]

The sump is full. The water gets sucked into the return pump from the bottom of the sump not the top. The water would have to be drained right out for it to be sucking air. I feel that the pump is cavitating and on it's way, out but the LFS INSISTS there is a pin hole in my system. I don't know much abut how the system works but I cannot see how it is possible to have a pin hole to be honest. Sorry about my lack of knowledge on the set up. I watched it get built but do not know the technical names of all of it. I just take care fo the entire system except for broken things.

Originally Posted by Mr OM

Then it isn't a closed loop but a standard return.
It could be a number of things, but based on the fact that hubby is out playing hockey I would think that your sump may be running dry and air is being sucked in.