Sump Not Returning Enough Water?

[sffinn01]

So I had just made this sump and started cycling it for a transfer and this is my first time making my own sump. And felt like there should be more water coming out of the return. I had to put the ball valve In there because the return pump was sucking up the water faster than it could fall from the refugium any thoughts?

 

[sffinn01]

So I had just made this sump and started cycling it for a transfer and this is my first time making my own sump. And felt like there should be more water coming out of the return. I had to put the ball valve In there because the return pump was sucking up the water faster than it could fall from the refugium any thoughts?

Here’s what the flow looks like

 

[SmCaudata]

Water out of the return has to match the drain from the tank. Return chamber runs dry because the pump pushes more than you get from your drain lines.

Its hard to tell from the picture, but it looks like the water in the middle section is barely above the baffle. How is your tank level? Adding more water to system may help.

If tank level is appropriate or high, then you need to either increase drain volume or decrease return.

You may be able to increase drain volume through a bigger pipe depending on your bulkhead size and drain style.

You allow return speed through a controllable pump or valves.

 

[Dom]

Simple: Add more water.

The problem is related to a lack of water volume.