Building my Dream: It's a Miracles!

[jt48]

Has anyone ever had an external return pump create a continuous wave in the sump? My Dolphin is! Marine Depot says its due to the pump sucking water in and pushing out but MD does not know what would cause it. They referred me to Dolphin and it even stumped them. Awaiting return call.

 

[SPotter]

can you post a video of it?

 

[BigOldReef]

Do you have valves on the outflow of the pump. Try turning the valves down just a fraction and see if it kills the wave or alters it.

 

[jt48]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwVVSqTC6Jo

 

[jt48]

Do you have valves on the outflow of the pump. Try turning the valves down just a fraction and see if it kills the wave or alters it.

No valves were connected. The output out of the two 1" returns is not that great even with eductors connected. Unless, the eductors are responsible?

 

[SPotter]

video wont play but that be because of my work system but I can see the wave in the still photo. Hows the out put from the return lines in the tank? Question about the level in the sump though.....its pretty high. Do you have check valves or something to prevent back flow in the event of a power failure? Wouldnt want their to be a flood in the basement because the sump overflowed.

 

[jt48]

video wont play but that be because of my work system but I can see the wave in the still photo. Hows the out put from the return lines in the tank? Question about the level in the sump though.....its pretty high. Do you have check valves or something to prevent back flow in the event of a power failure? Wouldnt want their to be a flood in the basement because the sump overflowed.

No check valves installed. The water level in the sump has not been set at but where it is now, there is 30 gallons of allowable drain. I will be placing holes in return line to break the suction.

 

[SPotter]

ok got the video to work and that is really weird. Is the water flowing too fast thru the sump and causing the wave action to happen in the final chamber?

 

[jt48]

ok got the video to work and that is really weird. Is the water flowing too fast thru the sump and causing the wave action to happen in the final chamber?

I doubt that is the reason as I believe I should be pushing greater volume. Marine depot reported the pump is sucking in and pushing out. This would also be an explanation for the reduced flow. But the question why and how to correct.

 

[jt48]

Talked to Dolphin again. Problem probably not with the pump but either how water is entering the sump or design of baffles. Will let you all know the mystery later. Thanks for the replies.

 

[SPotter]

good luck!

 

[BigOldReef]

Is it possible that you are looking at the wrong end of the sump. Perhaps the overflows from the tank are surging and that is pushing the water into the sump at a variable flow rate, so it goes over the baffles as the water pressure changes causing a wave ?

 

[jt48]

Is it possible that you are looking at the wrong end of the sump. Perhaps the overflows from the tank are surging and that is pushing the water into the sump at a variable flow rate, so it goes over the baffles as the water pressure changes causing a wave ?

Yes it is possible and likely. Talked to Dolphin again and that is what I need to figure out. Will be posting longer video shortly that may help.

 

[SPotter]

Can you make the drain pipes into the sump shorter? that might be causing some bsck pressure.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2

 

[jt48]

Longer video explaining sump design. Hopefully you can point out the flaw that creates wave. My next course of action is attaching 90 degree elbows to the bulkheads in sump either with or without a section of PVC. Other possible idea is placing a baffle to separate the drain section from skimmer section.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=D-LzRJMWctA

 

[jt48]

Can you make the drain pipes into the sump shorter? that might be causing some bsck pressure.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2

If u are referring to the four 15 " PVC pipes connected to the bulkheads, I thought about that also. Wave action is same with or without them. Thanks though for the idea.

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Just a thought but what if you lowered the water about 3 -5 inches? You think it will be the same?

 

[dave.m]

What if you added a fourth vertical baffle? This might be enough to throw off whatever is aligning so well to create the wave. I don't know how you could set one up temporarily to test it, though.

Dave.M

 

[Jasanden]

Edit

 

[Jasanden]

Hey Osprey, do you think you have air in the line? Have you tried just turning it off and starting it back up after a minute?