Need help with return pump

[dangit2001]

I switched over to a new tank that is a 110 gal. My previous tank was 150 gal and I was using a Mag 3. Now that I am using it on the 110 gal I believe its to strong because its causing a lot of noise on the return pipe. I do have a ball valve and it still makes a lot of noise. Would anyone have any recommendations? or a smaller pump that they would like to trade me for?

 

[texhorns98]

Don't think it's the size of the pump, but more the overflow itself. Are you using durso stlye?

 

[dangit2001]

what is durso style? I just know its a reef ready tank. With two holes, one for water to drain to the sump and one for water to return back to the tank.

Edit: Correction, its a model 12b not a model 3

 

[texhorns98]

Durso style refers to the type of pipe you have coming from your drain bulkhead. The pipe itself is referred to as a "stand pipe". If it's just a plain pipe, that might be the reason for your noise. The height of the pipe could also be causing noise. A mag 12 is a stout pump, but still should not be causing a problem. Did your other tank by chance have two drains?

 

[dangit2001]

Yes it has two drains. With that pump if you up the ball valve all the way it makes a loud suction noise. So that is why I figured it was the pump being two strong.

 

[texhorns98]

Just noticed you actually referred to the noise from the return pipe (?).

 

[dangit2001]

Yes. I apologize if I didn't mention it on my first post. I was up late trying to get the tank running. Waiting for r/o water takes a lot of time.

 

[texhorns98]

You mentioned it, I missed it! If you only have one return then the Mag 12 might be a little much.

 

[dangit2001]

What flow rate would you recommend?

 

[texhorns98]

I run around 850 gph on my 120, but I have two drains. How big is your drain?

 

[rbredding]

I'd recommend a pump that turns your sump volume over 6-10 times an hour..

that's all you really need..


right now, I've got a 90 gallon tank and my return doesn't run but about 350gph..


my tank has been running for over a year with this setup and it's been working out perfectly for me..

and it's QUIET with no MICROBUBBLES!!!

 

[dangit2001]

Well the bulk head is 1 1/2" and the pipe is 1". The drain is a vertical drop right into the sump with a 90 degree elbow.

 

[mph84]

one thing that would help a little is to get rid of the 90 and maybe run 2 45s. a 90 degree is kind of a traffic jam for water flow. especially on a drain.

 

[texhorns98]

The mag 12 is about as big as one drain can handle. With a 90 degree angle in there, you're pressing your luck. Try removing that and see if it makes a difference in the noise level.

 

[dangit2001]

Well I will be using a different sump and re plumb it so hopefully it will solve my problems.