Having trouble getting my return pump in sync with my overflow

[Nooooooooob1]

overflow is an eshopps pf300, return pump is like 760gph I believe. So I have an adjustable pvc valve I’m using to limit the flow of it, but I can’t ever get it to exactly match the overflow. It’s always just the slightest bit too fast or too slow. Anyone experience this before?

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

pf300 shoulf be able to handle upto 760 gph for drain which is greater than what pump can deliver after head loss so i am not sure what the problem is. in theory it should be working just fine. have you tried removing the sponge of the drain and cleaning it maybe its clogged etc?

 

[RobZilla04]

First off is the return pump flow controllable? If so, open the pvc valve fully and adjust the flow on the pump controller. If not I assume you are use the valve to regulate/restrict the flow which can add stress to the pump reducing it's lifespan. As for matching to the overflow, there should be a happy medium in which the sump water volume will stabilize. Mark that spot on the sump with a sticker or marker. From there you can "fine tune" the flow and watch the water level at the mark. If it goes up or down back off the change made.

 

[Nooooooooob1]

pf300 shoulf be able to handle upto 760 gph for drain which is greater than what pump can deliver after head loss so i am not sure what the problem is. in theory it should be working just fine. have you tried removing the sponge of the drain and cleaning it maybe its clogged etc?

The pf300 drains at 300gph. The sponge is brand new

 

[Nooooooooob1]

First off is the return pump flow controllable? If so, open the pvc valve fully and adjust the flow on the pump controller. If not I assume you are use the valve to regulate/restrict the flow which can add stress to the pump reducing it's lifespan. As for matching to the overflow, there should be a happy medium in which the sump water volume will stabilize. Mark that spot on the sump with a sticker or marker. From there you can "fine tune" the flow and watch the water level at the mark. If it goes up or down back off the change made.

Yeah that’s what I’ve done so far, I marked a level on the tank and try to keep it there, making the tiniest adjustments. But overnight or throughout the work day, I’ll come back to it and the water level has increased/decreased a few inches. Not much, but if I just let it go, it’s going to either overflow or run the pump dry.

 

[JamesWeaver]

I have the pf300 and my return pump is 568gph and never had any issues

 

[madweazl]

Set your flow rate (below what your overflow can handle obviously) and then set the height of the internal box (it's adjustable for a reason) to set the water level you want in the display (do not use flow rate to compensate for this). I'd remove the sponge altogether and use a "gurglebuster" instead (much quieter and easy to make).

 

[RobZilla04]

Yeah that’s what I’ve done so far, I marked a level on the tank and try to keep it there, making the tiniest adjustments. But overnight or throughout the work day, I’ll come back to it and the water level has increased/decreased a few inches. Not much, but if I just let it go, it’s going to either overflow or run the pump dry.

Are you sure the change is not evaporation?

 

[Newname]

Same problem except my syphin flows slightly up so i blame it on that.all i can think is may b cheap ebay pump.else idk crap does my head in messin with it for the last 6 months

 

[Retro Reefer]

The pf-300 is rated at 300 GPH, your probably over driving it.. I have one and run about 280 gph through it and it works perfectly. I would recommend running it as is including the foam tube it adds a layer of pre filtration, you can get 3 packs of the replacement foam prefilters for $10 from dr. Foster and Smith which make maintenance a breeze.