not enough overflow

i have a 55g glass tank with a hang on back overflow box.
i have a rio 2100 pump in the sump, but i have to have the ball valve on the return line almost closed to not overflow my tank? how do i get more flow coming out of my overflow box? bigger tube? 2 tubes? help!!
im a noob by the way ;D

 

Water in = water out. If your overflow has a 1" drain it should be draining 1200 gph which is more than a 2100 can push after head loss. Do you have a sponge filter in the overflow box? Are there any air bubbles trapped in the U-tube?

~Will.

 

Yeah... check your u-tube for air bubbles.. blockage... or even the hose for blockage..
something is up here

 

well i have some filter floss in the back portion of the box, there is a small bubble in the top of the tube that i cant seem to get out. would that make it not flow enough?? i mean its barely dripping out into the sump. another thing is the hose that goes to the sump does like a u then back up to the sump because its to long. should that matter?

 

Yes, you need to trim that hose so it drains properly.
What overflow do you have?

 

the bubble is probably your issue... the best thing to use is a turkey baster to get it out.. thats what I used numerous times. Just blow water hard up into the utube with it and should push the bubble out the other side... also yeah the u in your tube could be an issue.. raise it up.. even if you just have to tie it in the stand

 

Posted same time as pack... yeah you could cut it too

 

Remove the floss and slowly increase the flow from the rio. That air bubble should fix itself once the flow is increased through the overflow. If it does not, break the siphon (and turn off the pump) and re-start the siphon with a piece of air hose and a stronger initial flow from the return.

~Will.

 

. . . after you trim that drain as earlier suggested.

~Will.

 

i will try this out guys! i knew someone could help a noob like me out. thanks!!