Balancing an Overflow/Sump System

[Nelson]

Is there some secret or a common sense procedure that I've overlooked :?   I have an overflow/sump/skimmer running on my SW set-up but I can't for the life of me get the input to match the output for any length of time.  After a couple of hours (or many hours) it seems the sump water level lowers and the pumps have very little to pump.

I have a ball valve on the overflow and a newly installed ball valve on the exhaust side.  The skimmer doesn't factor into my problems, it draws water from the sump and exhausts back into it and is the only part of the system that runs well.

Is it just a matter of continual adjustment?  I had to shut the sump down when I left for my business trip as I didn't trust it not to cause some problem that I wouldn't be around to take care of.

Need help from all you SW guru's out there.  

Nelson

[gator]

do you have a siphon overflow, or a drilled tank?

[DARKPHREAK]

I hope its drilled and not siphon overflow because you will continually have this problem. The reason this is happening is because your sump pump is to big(gph) for the overflow. You'll need to throttle back the pump to match the overflow. Based on if you have a drilled bottom or side overflow and it only flows 600 gph and your sump pump runs at 800 gph, the sump will empty before the overflow fills it back up. You want something like this to slow the flow from the sump pump.

http://aquariacanada.com/osCommerce/product_info.php?cPath=1_60_61_168&products_id=694

[Nelson]

I hope its drilled and not siphon overflow because you will continually have this problem. The reason this is happening is because your sump pump is to big(gph) for the overflow. You'll need to throttle back the pump to match the overflow. Based on if you have a drilled bottom or side overflow and it only flows 600 gph and your sump pump runs at 800 gph, the sump will empty before the overflow fills it back up. You want something like this to slow the flow from the sump pump.

http://aquariacanada.com/osCommerce/product_info.php?cPath=1_60_61_168&products_id=694

As I indicated, I have alves n both intake and exhaust sides of the system.  BTW - it's a siphon overflow.

[DARKPHREAK]

Your always going to have to fiddle with a siphon overflow. Once it gets algea growth it'll slow down and can cause either a overflow of the tank or sump.

[gator]

I hope its drilled and not siphon overflow because you will continually have this problem. The reason this is happening is because your sump pump is to big(gph) for the overflow. You'll need to throttle back the pump to match the overflow. Based on if you have a drilled bottom or side overflow and it only flows 600 gph and your sump pump runs at 800 gph, the sump will empty before the overflow fills it back up. You want something like this to slow the flow from the sump pump.

http://aquariacanada.com/osCommerce/product_info.php?cPath=1_60_61_168&products_id=694

As I indicated, I have alves n both intake and exhaust sides of the system.  BTW - it's a siphon overflow.

Well - I suggest that you empty your tank before it gets too established and have it drilled.  I believe there is someone on this site (one salty dog) or saltydog on ac who does drilling in the ottawa area.   Please believe me, if you don't do it now, you'll regret it....especially for the size of your tank, you should have an overflow in each corner.

[DARKPHREAK]

I didnt want to suggest that at first but its the only way to go.

[Nelson]

I agree about the benefits of drilling so I emailed saltydog for info - then I checked out tank drilling on the "net".  We're told that you cannot drill tempered glass.  If you try you end up with a large pile of small bits of glass!!

[gator]

usually only the bottom of the tank is tempered.  You could drill the back in each corner and make/purchase overflow boxes and bulheads for the drain

[BigDaddy]

Yeah, that's the case with Perfecto tanks.  The bottom pane is tempered, but the four sides are not.

[DARKPHREAK]

My AGA is only tempered on the bottom. You dont really need to buy overflow boxes but just make something like this and connect to a bulkhead on the back on the tank. Salty Dog will steer you in the right direction

[Nelson]

usually only the bottom of the tank is tempered.  You could drill the back in each corner and make/purchase overflow boxes and bulheads for the drain

That makes sense - when the tank was empty there was a label at the bottom of the tank that indicated it was tempered glass.  Drilling would make my life a lot easier.  Waiting for a response from saltydog about drilling the tank.

[Nelson]

Can the wall holes be drilled while the tank is erect or does the tank have to be on its side for additional down pressure and water cooling of the drill bit?

[DARKPHREAK]

Im not sure how he does it. It would be easier for you if the tank would remain were it is, and it will cost more to have him(if he does) come to your home and drill it. I watched him do it on a small 30g at a MASO meeting and the tank was on its side so I think its best on its side for the reasons you stated.

[Nelson]

Im not sure how he does it. It would be easier for you if the tank would remain were it is, and it will cost more to have him(if he does) come to your home and drill it. I watched him do it on a small 30g at a MASO meeting and the tank was on its side so I think its best on its side for the reasons you stated.

You're probably right....unfortunately!

[Nelson]

Where did you get the plumbing in the photo DARKPHREAK?

[DARKPHREAK]

The pics was posted by One Salty Dog over on AC. Heres 2 links

http://aquariacanada.com/PhotoPost/showphoto.php/photo/1662/cat/536

Its talked about in this thread
http://aquariacanada.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5230