Return is too strong

[mallorieGgator]

Hey all! I currently have a mag 12 on my 120 gallon tank. This thing is WAY to strong of a return and I'm getting a suction down into the sump as a result and it's blasting my corals. Is it fine to regulate it with a valve going into the tank? My husband is worried it's going to burn up the pump. If it's ok, can someone please tell me how to and what to use to regulate the flow? Thanks!

 

[Steven R]

you could install a ball valve on the return line. simple fix just make sure it is not a metal valve of any kind. also count for back pressure on the line coming from the pump to the first side of the valve if you choose to instal one make double sure it is secured in some fashion really tight so it does not blow off throw water everywhere. PS I am in citrus county about an hour form you how is the seen in gainesville any shops worth the drive?

 

[mallorieGgator]

Ok, thanks! Gainesville isn't very good for LFS. The good ones around us are in the Jacksonville area (Bio-reef and orange park aquatics) and Ocala Aquariums in Ocala.

 

[mallorieGgator]

Also, if anyone has done this, can you please post pictures of what it looks like and where you got your valve?

 

[Dowtish]

here is my sump, you can see the return goes up then 45's twice then there is a ball valve. very simple. I have heard there can be a risk to burning up a pump by backing the flow down too much. If you can't the flow you want, without backing it down less than 40 percent, you might want to look into a mag 9.

 

[Steven R]

Also, if anyone has done this, can you please post pictures of what it looks like and where you got your valve?

thanks I kind of run the same thing here nothing good for miles I usually go to tampa or orlando. the valve is really easy to install you can get it at lows or home depot just make sure it is for potable water so you do not run into contaminants.

 

[mallorieGgator]

The only problem I'm seeing is that my return is a hose rather than PVC. Is there anyway to put the ball valve in with a soft hose?

 

[Steven R]

The only problem I'm seeing is that my return is a hose rather than PVC. Is there anyway to put the ball valve in with a soft hose?

yes but you have to make sue that you install it out of the water and clear from any spray because you are going to have to put hose clamps on both sides. And you are probably going to have to glue pvc connectors on the inside lips of the valves so you can slide the flex tubing over it.

 

[90greefman]

Instead of a ball valve to your dt do a return line to your sump with a ball valve on it. This way you can regulate the water flow to the dt and the rest just goes back to your sump. No extra stress on your return pump this way. Otherwise an eheim 1262 is great for a 120.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

I would switch the pump, go with something smaller and you will not need to mess with it at all. I would recommend an eheim quiet one 5000, it is adjustable between 600 and 1300 gph, I use one on my 90 at about half power. It has a 1" barbed tube outlet, so it will go right in the mag pumps place.