plumbing

Marcus,  you're right a properly designed sump/overflow will not flood.  I guess the point I was making is there's no need for a syphon brake on the return line (hole drilled above the water line to stop a back syphon, mine causes salt creep).  Also you can take suction from the bottom of the tank rather then the top (overflow) which may help circulation *shrug*.  I'm not suggesting everyone go out and put a closed loop pumparound on their tanks.  I just made the suggestion to Suzy because I think it would work great in her situation.  She already has a sump/refugium and return pump (mid size RIO).  This pump will not be able to provide the flow she needs if she removes all the powerheads in her tank.  She's going to have to buy a new pump regardless.  If she goes with one new return pump and ditches her existing return pump, she'll have to modify her sump/refugium to bypass some of the overflow from the tank (as you do on your tank) if she want's to stay at the same flow through her refugium as she has now.  Or she can purchase a "closed loop" pump and keep her existing return pump and not modify her sump. 

Gonzo,  yes, you can think of it as moving the internal powerhead to outside the tank (less heat transfered to the water too).

Suzy are your ear's burning ?

To be honest, I think Mark hit the nail on the head.  She could definately benefit from more water changes.  She has a nitrate issue, but seems to have a hard time growing macro algae.  She's been dosing iron which may help (*shug*) but water changes should add whatever else the macro needs.  She might also benefit from a refugium modification too and/or a more agressive skimmer.

Hey, Hey, Hey!! What's wrong with my sump? I got a way cool mangrove and everything! And BTW,Mark, where do you park your car? Meet me in the parking lot!!

I have not seen Mark P. post on this thread so I going to assume that Mark meant Marcus in the posts above.  Is this correct?

Jon, if you like big skimmers, pet planet has a huge one (used) for sale! It's as big as a 4 year old! I don't think DOC is our issue anymore....(Is there a test kit for that?).
Marcus, tell me what I need to do to the sump. It's 30" x 14",the water hangs out at about 10" deep.I blocked off 9" on the left for the skimmer and the pump so no stinkin' calerpa could clog them up (I'm thinking positive, the last batch of macroalgae hasn't died yet!).The right has 5 inches of caribsea gravel,calerpa and the cutest little mangrove (maybe he's eating all the macroalgae nutrients?).
Mark, I've been lifting weights! Gonna meet you in the parking lot!!!
Thanks,Guys!

I used to test water for TOC (Total Organic Carbon) at a lab.  There is not a way to test at home for it because you have to burn off the TOC to measure it. 

HELP! I traded in our ugly power heads for a ugly overflow box! The really big mag drive that came with this deal is so noisy! Does any body know if the noise can be muffled? I put a ball valve on the overflow to stop the toilet flushing noise but does everybody's mag drive make so much racket? We're trying to watch tv with sound of vacuum cleaner in the room! HELP!   PLEASE!

Hi, Jon! It's a "magnetic drive model 36). It pushes 3600 gal/hr!!! Did the sponge thing.I don't think thats it. I think maybe it's so noisy 'cause I had to put a ball valve on it to tone it down 'till I can build a overflow box that can keep up! Need more lift tubes....The valve is only turned a little bit. Will this burn out the pump ? (Gonna start a new thread about overflows...)

Hi,

Suzy- I can hardly imagine what that thing sounds like. I tested a Mag18 for my current tank and it was painfully loud. Ultimately, I decided to use two Velocity titanium pumps. Absolute silence, at the price of added heat.

"The valve is only turned a little bit. Will this burn out the pump ?"

It shouldnt burn up the pump by moderately restricting its output. The ball valve basically provides resistance. Just like more pipe and corners would. It should be able to handle it.

However restricting the pumps feed line is a problem. I'm sure the pumps instructions will tell you not to do it. You want to restrict the pumps flow by adjusting its output, not the input.

"I put a ball valve on the overflow to stop the toilet flushing noise"

Ever heard of the Durso or Stockman mods? They're wonderful for silencing a toilet tank.

Compared to the other options, ball valves on overflows might not be a good idea. Among other things, it makes a nice little spot for lost snails to get stuck and clog things.

Keodog- "That's 20x turn over on your tank.  Why did you get such a big pump?"

I'm not too far from that rate, and am thinking about adding another pump :)

"I am thinking about trying to enclose it in a box with about 2" foam padding, just haven't had time yet." 

I would be concerned about the pump not being able to adequately dissapate its heat. It may or may not matter, but it's worth acknowledging.

 

Noise level was a BIG concern with my current system. The tank isnt IN my bedroom, but it's only a few feet from my sleeping head. In my effort to find quiet and powerful pumps I tested several. Everything from the Mag18 mentioned, Dolphin, Little Giant and others. I found that most pumps would make less noise if not restriced. A few pumps were more quiet when slightly restricted. All pumps made a bunch of noise when heavily restricted.

HTH:D