Help with Low Flow

Kluver · 07/28/2006, 02:59 AM

As you can see below, this is my sump setup. The 2 baffles are approx 1" above the bottom. For some reason, I'm not getting that much flow b/c I use a mag 7 and I have to crank the ball valve to almost half way down just to meet the inflow. I have approx 3' head.

FYI, my tank is drilled at the top left corner w/ a strainer as my intake to my sump. I suppose this might be the weak link. So here are my questions:

1. Are the baffle at 1" up from the bottom enough clearance for approx 500-600 gph (baffle wise)?

2. If above question is yes, would adding a hang on overflow help to increase the flow?

3. Do you think the way my tank is drilled is the cause of low flow? If so, what can I do different?

4. Do you see anything wrong w/ my sump design that can be changed to maximize my flow?

reefnetworth · 07/28/2006, 05:05 AM

1: in a 20g sump, yes, depends on intake diameter.
2: yes, also depends on intake on dia.
3: increase the dia. of the intake.
4: the sump design is fine.

I have a 25gT with 10g sump, 3 baffles, at 350gph. intake, 3/4" I.D.
REEF-ON!!!

07/28/2006, 02:59 AM	#1
Kluver Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 250	Help with Low Flow As you can see below, this is my sump setup. The 2 baffles are approx 1" above the bottom. For some reason, I'm not getting that much flow b/c I use a mag 7 and I have to crank the ball valve to almost half way down just to meet the inflow. I have approx 3' head. FYI, my tank is drilled at the top left corner w/ a strainer as my intake to my sump. I suppose this might be the weak link. So here are my questions: 1. Are the baffle at 1" up from the bottom enough clearance for approx 500-600 gph (baffle wise)? 2. If above question is yes, would adding a hang on overflow help to increase the flow? 3. Do you think the way my tank is drilled is the cause of low flow? If so, what can I do different? 4. Do you see anything wrong w/ my sump design that can be changed to maximize my flow?

07/28/2006, 05:05 AM	#2
reefnetworth Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 3,810	1: in a 20g sump, yes, depends on intake diameter. 2: yes, also depends on intake on dia. 3: increase the dia. of the intake. 4: the sump design is fine. I have a 25gT with 10g sump, 3 baffles, at 350gph. intake, 3/4" I.D. REEF-ON!!! __________________ GIVE A MAN A FISH, YOU FEED HIM FOR A DAY. TEACH A MAN TO FISH, HE FEEDS HIMSELF FOR LIFE. (NEVER, underestimate another man's greed) Current Tank Info: SPS dominated barebottom display with BB sump since 2005, most consistant parameters in 19+ years of reefkeeping.