Flow Issues

evergreenblue · 11/12/2012, 10:25 AM

Hello everyone,

It's been quite a while since I've posted here as I came to a halt with setting up my tank due to buying a house (and all the tasking involved of owning), and of course work and school. Excuses aside, I've finally progressed forward with the tank, and have been having some issues on two fronts with my flow, that I was hoping I could get some advice here!

1. First problem is regarding my main flow. This tank is the first time I've dealt with an overflow, sump, etc. I have two drain lines coming from the overflow box, with one being a backup to the first one, so normal operation utilizes one drain line. I have a ball valve installed on both the drain line and the return line to control flow. So, my issue lies with maintaining a steady state condition in the system. When I throttle down on the drain (or increase return flow) the overflow level gets too high and pours into the backup. When I open up on the drain, the level gets too low causing noise issues. That being said, I am looking into a way to silence the drain, but ask for advice on maintaining the level. The other spot I see variance is the sump level, it doesn't seem to stay in one spot. Granted, I've made adjustments to the valves, but it seems to seriously affect the level that the sump is maintained, to an exaggerated point which doesn't make sense to me.

2. My other issue is with my power-heads. I currently have two Koralia 1400's, one on each side in the back, and a small leftover Korlaia Nano from my first tank to put flow under some of my rock. First, let me say that the Nano does not seem to contribute enough flow to my problem. My issue is that the currents collide (which is what I want) and create a kind of return bottom current at the front of the tank, blowing the sand away from the front center of the glass, and leaving a bare spot. On top of this, I have a couple dead spots, so it doesn't seem like I have even enough flow, or at least not positioned properly. Mind you, I had planned on adding one or two more of the pumps down the line. So, any ideas on battling this issue? I've messed around with aiming the pumps a little, and seem to have minimized it, but it still remains. I currently have some mixed grain size pacific volcanic sand. I was entertaining the thought of also adding some larger grain, and heavier, crushed coral to the mix to maybe anchor it down, but also add some diversity.

I understand this is kind of long, but hopefully I can get some help from you guys, I'd greatly appreciate the help, Thanks!!

sjames · 11/12/2012, 12:16 PM

ive never put a valve on the drain side, normally that's discouraged as it can lead to a tank overflow. if you have a "backup" drain pipe, i would think you would just situate that one higher than the other, as opposed to putting a valve on it.

restricting the output side of the return pump is recommended practice. Im not sure why you are having problems maintaining your water level, is your return pump just too small?

as for the noise, it usually takes quite a bit of fiddling around to get the return noise to an acceptable level. you will have to fool with the height and configuration of your stand pipe.

gbru316 · 11/12/2012, 01:17 PM

Your water level in the tank will even out on it's own as long as the return pump isn't pushing more water than the overflow box is rated for. As previously noted, do NOT restrict drain lines.

The only water that can go through the overflow is water that is pumped higher than the overflow box itself. Your return pump sets the amount of water going through it. Your sump level is changing because your display level is changing.

Unrestrict the drains, adjust your pump so that it's not overflowing the display, then deal with the noise as a seperate issue.

regarding blowing sand, experimentation or reduce flow (which isn't ideal).

11/12/2012, 10:25 AM	#1
evergreenblue Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Poulsbo, Wa Posts: 11	Flow Issues Hello everyone, It's been quite a while since I've posted here as I came to a halt with setting up my tank due to buying a house (and all the tasking involved of owning), and of course work and school. Excuses aside, I've finally progressed forward with the tank, and have been having some issues on two fronts with my flow, that I was hoping I could get some advice here! 1. First problem is regarding my main flow. This tank is the first time I've dealt with an overflow, sump, etc. I have two drain lines coming from the overflow box, with one being a backup to the first one, so normal operation utilizes one drain line. I have a ball valve installed on both the drain line and the return line to control flow. So, my issue lies with maintaining a steady state condition in the system. When I throttle down on the drain (or increase return flow) the overflow level gets too high and pours into the backup. When I open up on the drain, the level gets too low causing noise issues. That being said, I am looking into a way to silence the drain, but ask for advice on maintaining the level. The other spot I see variance is the sump level, it doesn't seem to stay in one spot. Granted, I've made adjustments to the valves, but it seems to seriously affect the level that the sump is maintained, to an exaggerated point which doesn't make sense to me. 2. My other issue is with my power-heads. I currently have two Koralia 1400's, one on each side in the back, and a small leftover Korlaia Nano from my first tank to put flow under some of my rock. First, let me say that the Nano does not seem to contribute enough flow to my problem. My issue is that the currents collide (which is what I want) and create a kind of return bottom current at the front of the tank, blowing the sand away from the front center of the glass, and leaving a bare spot. On top of this, I have a couple dead spots, so it doesn't seem like I have even enough flow, or at least not positioned properly. Mind you, I had planned on adding one or two more of the pumps down the line. So, any ideas on battling this issue? I've messed around with aiming the pumps a little, and seem to have minimized it, but it still remains. I currently have some mixed grain size pacific volcanic sand. I was entertaining the thought of also adding some larger grain, and heavier, crushed coral to the mix to maybe anchor it down, but also add some diversity. I understand this is kind of long, but hopefully I can get some help from you guys, I'd greatly appreciate the help, Thanks!!

11/12/2012, 12:16 PM	#2
sjames Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: PA Posts: 675	ive never put a valve on the drain side, normally that's discouraged as it can lead to a tank overflow. if you have a "backup" drain pipe, i would think you would just situate that one higher than the other, as opposed to putting a valve on it. restricting the output side of the return pump is recommended practice. Im not sure why you are having problems maintaining your water level, is your return pump just too small? as for the noise, it usually takes quite a bit of fiddling around to get the return noise to an acceptable level. you will have to fool with the height and configuration of your stand pipe.

11/12/2012, 01:17 PM	#3
gbru316 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Lancaster,PA Posts: 1,720	Your water level in the tank will even out on it's own as long as the return pump isn't pushing more water than the overflow box is rated for. As previously noted, do NOT restrict drain lines. The only water that can go through the overflow is water that is pumped higher than the overflow box itself. Your return pump sets the amount of water going through it. Your sump level is changing because your display level is changing. Unrestrict the drains, adjust your pump so that it's not overflowing the display, then deal with the noise as a seperate issue. regarding blowing sand, experimentation or reduce flow (which isn't ideal).