Pump Issue...

So, I am having an issue with the outflow of my pump. I have a Mag drive 7 pump in my 20 gal refugium. It seems like I have to reduce the outflow of the pump with a ball valve (I use vinyl tubing) to almost nothing. It is pumping water back into the DT quicker than it is draining back down to the refugium. Now my question is, I called my LFS and he gave me 2 ways I could help with my problem.

The first way, change all my plumbing to PVC and add a few 90 elbows to reduce the flow.

Second way, again, change to PVC and then add a spray bar. I don't see how this would help since he suggested adding it to the DT. Now, if i added a spray bar over the refugium, I understand how that would help.


for some reason I cannot wrap my brain around how to fix this.

 

The spray bar works to slow it down because you have to for the water through little holes. This creates back pressure and slows the flow down.

Ideally you want a pump that does not return water faster than your overflow can move it out. You should look into a pump that runs at about 200 gph at 4 foot head. That is 10 times the sumps volume which is the max recommended so your skimmer can be more efficient at removing waste.

What is your overflow rated at?

 

Are you using an overflow box? I had the same trouble when I got an air pocket in my overflow U tube.

 

I have a 75 gallon drilled with 1" drain and return lines. The Mag7 is rated at 450 at 3 feet, and it's actually about 3.5 feet.

No, my tank is drilled.

 

1" drain is good for 300gph under optimal conditions such as no elbows in the line and a straight drop. You probably will get about 150 gph to 200 gph from the drain.

 

Sweet, so what would be a good pump for me to get then? I was advised to get the Mag7, which was obviously bad advice.

 

If you like the Mag pumps a 2 would work. I have Rio HF pumps on my tank. I would suggest the 6HF for your use.

 

FYI you could get 2 6HF for less than the MAG2. Spare are good to have.

 

I will look into that. I ordered my Mag7 from Drs.F&S and my first one got lost. I emailed them and they sent me another one. My original one that got lost came in also. So I have 2 Mag7 pumps. Lol, I will look into the 2 you suggested. Really appreciate the help 2in10. I will update ya once I get a new pump

 

Dont worry. I ran a mag 9.5 on a 30 gallon for a year without an issue. I just throttled it back.