Return from sump

webshout · 06-10-2007, 08:22 AM

Hello all: Warning! A NOOB here. I have a 75 gal FOWLR, up since 09/06. A midas blenny and a clown, moved the domino damsel to a QT b/c it was picking on the clown. Serpent star, peppermint shrimp, snails and hermits.

On to my question. I have a Turboflotor skimmer sitting in a 10 gal sump. It's run by a OR 2500 fed by a DIY overflow. I've got 1/2" PVC (DIY) feeding it with a valve to control the flow. My problem is the return (also DIY pvc with valve to control the flow). I had a RIO 2100 that blew off the return hose 3x. No major floods as I was home each time. (WHEW!!) So the skimmer was down until the Mag 5 arrived. I hooked it up and it is noisey, when I limit the flow. No suction cups on the Mag 5, so I also tried a Via Aqua 1300, which is noisey too.

So any suggestions on how to make this all work, fairly quietly. The tank is in the family room, so I've got to keep everybody (the wife) happy.

Thanks for your help.

WS

coral reefer · 06-10-2007, 09:39 AM

IMO, I wouldn't try to limit the flow casued by your pump as it puts added stress on the pump decreasing the life of the pump and will possibly aid added heat due to friction.
Now for the noise, try placing a mouse pad or other similar object at the bottom of your sump and place the skimmer and pump on it to reduce the noise through constant vibrations.
Try that and let us know how you make out...maybe someone else has a better idea or alternative motive!!

webshout · 06-10-2007, 02:18 PM

Thanks for the thought, but if I don't limit the output, the water level drops below the intake for the return pump. If I compensate by turning up the flow to the OR feeding the skimmer, the collection cup runneth over.

In looking at the MAG 5 base, I see it detaches. I'll check with LFS to see if they carry a suction cup base. If I can make it stick, maybe that will cut down some of the noise. May a lower flow pump for the out put? I'll also try the mouse pad idea.

Thanks again.

W.

coral reefer · 06-10-2007, 03:37 PM

Can you adjust the skimmer cup higher or lower on the skimmer itsalf? I know that on the Aqua C Remora, you can adjust the cup so that the skimmate is either wet or like a foam consistency!
And on my EV180, I have a flexible pvc pipe that runs from the main cup to a bigger container therefore eliminating the chance of overflowing!!!
Let me know how you make out!

RAVEN · 06-10-2007, 05:19 PM

Get a piece of filter foam for the Aquaclear filters and cut it down to a 1/2" thick pad and wrap it around the bottom of the pump with a rubberband.
Also, if noise is a big issue like it was on my tank, try a Quiet One pump by lifeguard. They are very quiet. I have a model 3000 and it have to open up my tank cabinet to tell its running. You can check the spec on the pump at www.marinedepot.com

webshout · 06-11-2007, 07:50 PM

The skimmer is a Turboflotor 1000 and the cup can't be adjusted. I notice the noise when I adjust the outflow and maybe the MAG 5 is meeting resistance. Maybe a lower flow pump is in order. Maybe go with a MAG 2 (250 GPH) or Quiet One 1200 (296 gph). Any thoughts? How do others handle the return from the sump?

I could also go with a set of those float switches: turn on MAG 5 pump when water is high; off when low. See: eBay: Aquarium Level Controller - Float Switch Actuated Relay (item 150130654996 end time Jun-12-07 20:34:37 PDT)

I am fast leaving the land of KISS.

Thanks for the feedback.

W.

RAVEN · 06-11-2007, 08:26 PM

Are you looking for a return pump, if you are then you will need larger pumps than those because of head pressure. Those 2 pumps are basically power heads at that gph. Just use a ball valve to dial down the flow and you want to use a float switch. Ultralife makes a good float switch.

webshout · 06-12-2007, 06:20 PM

Raven: Thanks for the thoughts. I do have ball valves on intake to skimmer and outflow/return. The MAG 5 started with the noise when I dialed it back to keep more water in the sump. I checked out the Ultra lifeswitches, but may go with the one on ebay as it can be configured to off/low and on/high.

Interestingly, the MAG was not sitting flat on it base in the sump, I'll try the foam on the bottom of the MAG and see if that helps stabilize and cut down on the noise.

Thanks again.

W.

airtruck · 05-01-2008, 05:20 PM

why not just put a tee in and have part of the flow go back into the sump?