Plumbing Woes

[Ulfhedinn]

Setting up a 40 breeder with a 20 gallon sump, 1 inch bulk head in the back right corner. On the inside I have a 45 degree elbow with a strainer to raise the water level a bit. On my first setup, I had a 90 degree 1" barbed elbow that connected directly to the tubing and ran down into the sump. This set-up worked fine as far as flow/water level, but I got a horrible slurping/gurgling sound and decided to look for a way to change it.

A friend recommended something like figure 4
this

Basically a T with an open top to draw air in. I did this, and there was quiet, however I somehow decreased the out-take of water, and my tank would flood if left going.

So, any solutions that would solve my problems? I was thinking of valving the pump flow a little, is this a safe/reliable method? Maybe a smaller pump?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[poppin_fresh]

what size return pump? Having a slower sump turnover is not always a bad thing.

 

[Ulfhedinn]

Its a mag drive 3, rated 350 gph, I know that was close to the rating on the 1" bulkhead, but the 350 rating was at 0' so, so pumping almost 4 feet up I thought Id be ok.

The pump turnover isnt my biggest concern, and I dont plan on relying on the pump return for current. Should I downgrade to a smaller pump, or do you think I can valve it off, may divert some of the flow from the pump back into the sump?

 

[poppin_fresh]

I think that pump is fine. I would either valve it back or try to reduce the amount of air the T can draw in. You might be able to add a cap that you can drill some holes in. It might help.

 

[Ulfhedinn]

I have a cap, I was actually thinking about doing just that, but I didnt think that would really make a difference. Ill give it a shot in the morning, Thanks for your help!