Is this the correct level?

[Reefrookie733]

I am playing around with my flow on my reeflo super dart and trying to get as much flow out of the returns as possible. My siphons are just about open all the way and here is a pic of their flow, one really flowing and the other just a little bit. With the valve open about 60% is that about the max flow i can expect to get from this pump?

also, what type of powerheads do i need to put in here. I would like quite a bit of movement (seems to make for a healthier tank)

thx

 

[Reefrookie733]

bump

 

[Crabs McJones]

#reefsquad anyone know the answer to this members question?

 

[saltyhog]

I'm not sure I understand exactly what you're asking. Are you concerned that your drain function is limiting how much you can open up the valve on your return pump? What kind of overflow/drain system do you have plumbed?

Personally, I've never thought of my return pump flow as a primary (certainly not sole) source of display tank flow. Definitely need some power heads IMO.

Can you post some pictures/video of your tank? What are your tank dimensions and what type of coral do you plan to keep? These will help with recommendations about how much and what kind of flow you need.

PS. I would make sure those drain pipes end about 1" under the surface of the water. Otherwise you are going to have problems with noise and salt creep.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I'm with @saltyhog, I'm not sure I understand your issue either.

Is the lack of flow due to the size of the overflow weir or the size of the pipes?

I'd suggest that almost every reef tank with corals utilize powerheads, wavemakers or gyres.

I get 900gph from my sump to the tank which is about 75% of the return pump's ability and the max that my weir will flow. You can see it in my 90g tank build thread.

 

[Auquanut]

Do you have dual herbie syle overflows? I get slightly more flow through the right overflow than the left. I'm sure it's because of the hight of the drain pipes, but it's not enough to bother me. Can we get a picture of your overflows? I personally would raise the level in your return section of the sump. A picture of your entire setup will help with advice toward power heads and placement.

 

[Reefrookie733]

Sorry salty, i am still learning where and how to put information out.

The main question showing the return pump inlet area has a water level in the picture about 1 inch above the inlet. Is this normally where the water level sits at in the sump going into the inlet valve??? I really don't know how else to ask that

That was my fault for asking a question without the dimension of the tank. I apologize. it is a 200G Bowfront and a 75G sump (halfway) full. Dimensions of DT are 72L x 29H x 18W

I probably should not have plugged in 2 different questions in one post but im trying to get as much done while we have this down time.

 

[Reefrookie733]

I'm with @saltyhog, I'm not sure I understand your issue either.

Is the lack of flow due to the size of the overflow weir or the size of the pipes?

I'd suggest that almost every reef tank with corals utilize powerheads, wavemakers or gyres.

I get 900gph from my sump to the tank which is about 75% of the return pump's ability and the max that my weir will flow. You can see it in my 90g tank build thread.

Thanks for the info Ron,
How do you know how much return volume you are getting. I have just been adjusting mine to the maximum capacity to the overflows AND keeping the return inlet sump area 1 inch above the return pump inlet.

 

[Reefrookie733]

Do you have dual herbie syle overflows? I get slightly more flow through the right overflow than the left. I'm sure it's because of the hight of the drain pipes, but it's not enough to bother me. Can we get a picture of your overflows? I personally would raise the level in your return section of the sump. A picture of your entire setup will help with advice toward power heads and placement.

Auqua. I get 20x more flow in my one overflow than i do in the other. That is one issue i am concerned with but i am not sure it is something i should be worried about??

And yes i have a herbie setup at least i think i do! lol

 

[saltyhog]

First, yes the water level in your sup should be higher than 1" over the return pump inlet. If your sump is properly configured it should only take a few gallons more water added to get the level up.

Second, are both of your full siphon drains the same height? If so are the gate valves on them opened exactly the same amount? If both answers are yes then there is something obstructing the one on the left.

Where are the drain pipes for the trickle drain of your Herbie's? They aren't pictured.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hi, I’m just coming by to say hi.

You‘ve got the best around helping. None better.

The only thing I’m going to add is this link. Since we are not sure if you have a herbie, this will give a great description of how it works.

Herbie Overflow Plumbing Guide for Quiet Reef Aquariums - gmacreef

The Herbie method can quiet down your aquarium drain and eliminate microbubbles. The guide includes helpful diagrams and explains each component.

gmacreef.com

 

[lapin]

I am playing around with my flow on my reeflo super dart and trying to get as much flow out of the returns as possible.
My siphons are just about open all the way and here is a pic of their flow, one really flowing and the other just a little bit.

You mean gate valves on the drains?

With the valve open about 60% is that about the max flow i can expect to get from this pump?

You have a valve on the exit of the return pump?


Im trying to follow this.
You have a reeflo dart?
You have 2 ea overflows?
Herbie style?
Pipe diameter?
One flows great and the other is slow?
Both drain gate valves are just all the way open?
Does 1 drain pipe go horizonal and the other straight into the sump?

also, what type of powerheads do i need to put in here. I would like quite a bit of movement (seems to make for a healthier tank)

Put in some MP40's. or 60's

 

[Auquanut]

Auqua. I get 20x more flow in my one overflow than i do in the other. That is one issue i am concerned with but i am not sure it is something i should be worried about??

From the pictures you posted, I can't explain the huge disparity between the amount of flow through your overflows. I think I would be a little worried. Do you have gate valves on your drain plumbing? The only thing that comes to mind is either some kind of blockage, or if you're using flexible PVC tubing for your plumbing, maybe a kink somewhere.
I agree with @saltyhog that you should bring the drain pipes below the waterline. You'll get a lot less noise and splashing.
As far as the water level in your return section goes, in a tank that size, you're going to get a lot of evaporation. The return section is the only place where the water level will go down. You'll need to keep it topped off with RO/DI water either manually, or with an Auto Top Off (ATO) system. Either way, the level can go down quickly, and your return pump will be sucking air if the level gets too low. Having the water level a little higher in the return section will give you more room for error, if you forget to top off or your ATO fails.
You'll definitely need some sort of power heads and/or wavemakers in your tank. Your aquascape and what type of corals you want to keep will determine what you need. The options available are mindblowing. Regardless, even if you go for fish only, your returns are not going to be adequate.

Oh. Forgot to mention: That is one beautiful tank!

 

[Reefrookie733]

From the pictures you posted, I can't explain the huge disparity between the amount of flow through your overflows. I think I would be a little worried. Do you have gate valves on your drain plumbing? The only thing that comes to mind is either some kind of blockage, or if you're using flexible PVC tubing for your plumbing, maybe a kink somewhere.
I agree with @saltyhog that you should bring the drain pipes below the waterline. You'll get a lot less noise and splashing.
As far as the water level in your return section goes, in a tank that size, you're going to get a lot of evaporation. The return section is the only place where the water level will go down. You'll need to keep it topped off with RO/DI water either manually, or with an Auto Top Off (ATO) system. Either way, the level can go down quickly, and your return pump will be sucking air if the level gets too low. Having the water level a little higher in the return section will give you more room for error, if you forget to top off or your ATO fails.
You'll definitely need some sort of power heads and/or wavemakers in your tank. Your aquascape and what type of corals you want to keep will determine what you need. The options available are mindblowing. Regardless, even if you go for fish only, your returns are not going to be adequate.

Oh. Forgot to mention: That is one beautiful tank!

Thank you sir. I do realize that i need to lower the drains but and i have extensions built for them but i left them off so i could see how much water was coming from each one. I wasn't sure if it should equal since once side is about 3 feet from tank to sump and the other drain is about 8 feet drain to sump.

I took the strainer off the less than great siphon but that didnt seem to make a difference. not sure how to check for a blockage. I have so many questions and i grateful for yalls input since this is my first build. I got the marco rock in today so i am just about ready to mix the salt and ro water, put in the live sand i have and then aquascape the thing...i think! lol

 

[Reefrookie733]

You mean gate valves on the drains?


You have a valve on the exit of the return pump?


Im trying to follow this.
You have a reeflo dart?
You have 2 ea overflows?
Herbie style?
Pipe diameter?
One flows great and the other is slow?
Both drain gate valves are just all the way open?
Does 1 drain pipe go horizonal and the other straight into the sump?


Put in some MP40's. or 60's

looked those up and thought it was a misprint! lol. Those are really expensive! is there any alternative?? How many poweheads for a 200G in your opinion??

 

[Reefrookie733]

You mean gate valves on the drains?


You have a valve on the exit of the return pump?


Im trying to follow this.
You have a reeflo dart?
You have 2 ea overflows?
Herbie style?
Pipe diameter?
One flows great and the other is slow?
Both drain gate valves are just all the way open?
Does 1 drain pipe go horizonal and the other straight into the sump?


Put in some MP40's. or 60's

Sorry didnt see this info,

*Yes i have a older Reeflo dart super gold non-hybrid
*I have 2 overflow sections with a herbie in each
*pipe diameter for the herbie is 3/4" for the primary siphons drains and 1" for the emergency drains
*one drain flows quite a bit and the other is a slow, i will add a video to show you
*one pipe is longer than the other by about 6 feet
*the drain that is slow is fully open and the other drain the ball valve on it is about 80 percent open

 

[Reefrookie733]

Hi, I’m just coming by to say hi.

You‘ve got the best around helping. None better.

The only thing I’m going to add is this link. Since we are not sure if you have a herbie, this will give a great description of how it works.

Herbie Overflow Plumbing Guide for Quiet Reef Aquariums - gmacreef

The Herbie method can quiet down your aquarium drain and eliminate microbubbles. The guide includes helpful diagrams and explains each component.

gmacreef.com

Yes sir, my setup is EXACTLY like this one with a true union ball valve versus a gate valve on both my dual herbie returns

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Quick?, where is your return plumbed in?

 

[Reefrookie733]

Quick?, where is your return plumbed in?

not sure what you mean, where is my return plumbed in, sorry

 

[Reefrookie733]

Quick?, where is your return plumbed in?

Do you mean where is my return pump plumbed into the sump at? here is a picture