Plumbing

Hi everyone,need some help and maybe some instructions,I have a 72 bowfront with a 20 gallon sump. Have a Mag 9 in sump and my distance from pump to Display is 3 feet horizotilly and 3 feet vertically but the water in my display is high and it over the slits in the overfliw so there is a film forming on top of my tank.was thinking of replumbing with a couple of ball valves to relieve some pressure but im not really sure how or where to do it.

 

I couldn't follow 100% what you are trying to say, but it sounds like your overflow is not large enough to handle your return pump. What size piping on the drain and how do you have it piped?

But to answer your question, yes, you can install a ball valve on the return line to slow the flow down. I do it myself with my Mag 12 on my 125.

 

Based on what you descried, I would agree with Marshall O

I would try the ball valve on the return line and try throttling it back a bit. Once the water line drops a bit, the overflow should start working to skim the film off the top.

Another thing to check - if the height of the drain behind the overflow is adjustable, you might try dropping it a bit. If it's too high then it will keep the water line in your display above the bottom of the teeth on your overflow. if this happens then they wont skim the water surface properly.

 

How is the overflow plumbed, is it internal or a HOB variety, does it have a standpipe and does it have any fittings or restrictions in the lines?

If the overflow was designed for a 72G tank it should be large enough to handle a Mag 9.5 if it is configured correctly.

Yes, you can throttle the discharge side of the return pump with a ball valve without doing any harm to the pump but you need to make sure your overflow is correct too.

Photos really help everyone help you.

 

Hope this helps,tell me if you want specific angles,made durso to quiet overflow also the inflow is 3/4 and 1" going into sump .lol Wow i am a bit overwhelmed how this tank has functioned. I want to do all i can to keep the livestock in the best possible habitat and provide them the quality of life they deserve. I bought this tank from a friend and it blows me away how little regard he had for these animals. I just want to do the best that i can. Another friend just gave me a 125 gallon tank,going to take my time with it and do it right from the start.

 

Drill the hole in the top of the Durso standpipe just large enough to stick a piece of vinyl airline tubing in it snugly. Cut a piece of airline tubing a foot or so long abd stick it in the drilled hole and slowly lower it down or raise it up until the overflow reaches it maximum flow and quietest sound. You will be amazed what this does when the air mixture is correct and injected in the correct spot.Make sure the end of the tubing stays dry and doesn't dip into the tank cutting the air supply off.

 

Will try it,

 

From the pics it looks like you've got some growth blocking some of the overflow slits.

Additionally, the flow might be a little high (not too much tho). Clean the slits and put a ball valve in as others have suggested and you should be good. Slowly close the valve until the level in the tank is about right. Do this in increments... slightly close the valve, wait for the tank to level out, check results, rinse and repeat as needed.

 

Thanks,but how many elbows can i have need 2 minimum and then a t to get runoff back to sump?

 

I have the same set up as you. I get a film build up when my slits get closed up by algae. I usually just pluck away or use a plastic knife to re-open them and bam all better..also make sure you have good surface agitation aiming toward the over flow, that will help.. I found I had to throttle back my 9.5 a bit with a ball valve to make it happy so no prob there..I have 3 elbows on mine the way its set up and have had no problems..ill see if I can dig up a pic or two..HTH..