My sump sucks

[Ox100]

Hey guys I recently started cycling my tank but I keep having problems with my pump it will start out fine everything level then by morning the third chamber with the pump is empty even when I fill it up couple hours later the pump is making noise ok here's some info my tank is 106 gallon the sump I'm using is 30 gallon tank with acrylic baffles what off?

 

[Mjl714]

It sounds like the pump is to strong for your inbound sump flow, and cannot get enough water, is this possible?

 

[Ox100]

It sounds like the pump is to strong for your inbound sump flow, and cannot get enough water, is this possible?

The pump is hydor seltz 1000GPA even on slowest setting 6-8 hours it would drain the chamber

 

[Mjl714]

The pump is hydor seltz 1000GPA even on slowest setting 6-8 hours it would drain the chamber

All those valves appear fully open, is that correct?

 

[Ox100]

All those valves appear fully open, is that correct?

Yes

 

[Mjl714]

Then if you’re going to keep that pump, you’ll need to add a valve so you can slow the return flow.

 

[Ox100]

Then if you’re going to keep that pump, you’ll need to add a valve so you can slow the return flow.

So your saying that pump is just to strong?

 

[Mjl714]

It sounds like it, based on where your sump is drying up. Just add a valve on your return an you should be all set.

 

[SeaDweller]

So your saying that pump is just to strong?

your outflow from the pump doesn't match the inflow from your drain. You need to add a valve to control the pump outflow, if you already put it on the lowest setting.

 

[Mical]

your outflow from the pump doesn't match the inflow from your drain. You need to add a valve to control the pump outflow, if you already put it on the lowest setting.

OR there's an obstruction/restriction in the drain line - snail maybe?

 

[NanoDJS]

Is it your evaporation , I evap arounf 5 gallons a day , If I didnt run ATO , I would be chuckin bubbles by lunch.I keep my house warm so alot more evaporates than in summer. When you run an ATO thats where you measure the level in that chamber

 

[Ox100]

Thanks for all the idea's guys

 

[shookONES]

Couple things I noticed...

In your first pic (external overflow box), why is the water level so low? I’d ditch the durso setup on your full siphon drain in favor of a low profile strainer. Then, use that gate valve to raise water level so a little water flows through your secondary drain. If the system was unplugged for the photo, disregard HAHA!

As far as your pump/sump dilemma, there probably isn’t any issue with your pump needing to be throttled back. From what I can tell, the actual pump section of your sump is super small. If possible, maybe reconfigure the baffles to give you some more volume there. That, or consider an ATO. If all else, add a downward facing 90° fitting to the pump’s intake to prevent it from sucking air when water level gets low.

 

[Ox100]

Couple things I noticed...

In your first pic (external overflow box), why is the water level so low? I’d ditch the durso setup on your full siphon drain in favor of a low profile strainer. Then, use that gate valve to raise water level so a little water flows through your secondary drain. If the system was unplugged for the photo, disregard HAHA!

As far as your pump/sump dilemma, there probably isn’t any issue with your pump needing to be throttled back. From what I can tell, the actual pump section of your sump is super small. If possible, maybe reconfigure the baffles to give you some more volume there. That, or consider an ATO. If all else, add a downward facing 90° fitting to the pump’s intake to prevent it from sucking air when water level gets low.

I did have everything off at time of the picture. You may be on to something with reconfiguring that third chamber

 

[shookONES]

I figured that was the case. Taking a second look at your pics, it looks like you could have made your baffles taller too. But think of it this way: your first and second sump chambers have fixed water levels. Any fluctuations (evaporation, water removal, etc) will only affect the small pump section. 1-2g of evaporation and I bet it’s practically dry.

 

[Mjl714]

Couple things I noticed...

In your first pic (external overflow box), why is the water level so low? I’d ditch the durso setup on your full siphon drain in favor of a low profile strainer. Then, use that gate valve to raise water level so a little water flows through your secondary drain. If the system was unplugged for the photo, disregard HAHA!

As far as your pump/sump dilemma, there probably isn’t any issue with your pump needing to be throttled back. From what I can tell, the actual pump section of your sump is super small. If possible, maybe reconfigure the baffles to give you some more volume there. That, or consider an ATO. If all else, add a downward facing 90° fitting to the pump’s intake to prevent it from sucking air when water level gets low.

i thought about this, but at roughly 10x (1000 ghp on a 100 gal system) I thought easiest would the slow down return. you don’t need 10 times tank turnaround.