plumbing noise fix?

Hey all, been awhile since I last posted been busy with work and what not, but I have attached a photo with where I am today tank is looking pretty bare still cycling, just waiting for the nitrites to lower. I think I might need some more sand ( there is a plenum under it.) Anyways to the question I feel that the intake plumbing is to big 1 1/2, as it never fills full and you can hear the water fall and take the bends just wondering if I put another ball valve on the protein skimmer section and tune it down to make it match the outflow could I theoretically fill the pipe, I don't really know how this would be possible but I just want to keep the same output but since there is air in the pipe, by reducing the end width would it get rid of the air? Sorry if it seems if I rambled on just didn't know how to word it.
Thanks ;D

 

Are you using a Durso or Stockman style stand pipe? If so, is it properly vented?

 

I am guessing this is going into a sump and you could install a ball valve but it proably wont change much, you will still need the amount of flow to keep the sump full. I would replumb it to be 1/4 inch large than your return line then get some black pipe insulation (foam about 1/2 inch thick Lowes and Home depot carry it) and wrap the drain line with it this will cut the noise level back quite a bit!

 

I assume you only have one drain in your overflow so it may be better to get a bigger return pump than to restrict your ONLY drain... just a thought.

 

Uh,
Installing a ball valve on the overflow to the sump is asking for a failure.

 

If you want to try "tuning" your outflow for max quiet, don't restrict the flow (assuming your pump and O/F rates are matched). What you can do is add a "Tee" fitting and a valve that bleeds some of the return flow back to the sump. That way, you still have a matched inflow and return, so no flooding or running your pump dry...