Return Pump Possible Issue?

[layer3switchguy]

Folks,

I've been trying to figure out a minor but annoying issue I'm having with my tank. I seem to have a fair amount of very small grain particles floating in my tank all the time. The particles are about the individual size of say sugar grain. I can see a slick of this sitting at the top of the water column as well. At first i thought perhaps my return pumps might have been kicking up sand, but I don't notice that happening. I have no sand sifting critters that I think would cause this.

I'm now wondering if perhaps my return pump simply isn't powerful enough for the tank. My sump is located in the basement, with the main tank on the 1st floor. I estimate the head loss of around 12 feet, but thats a guess. The return pump is a Coral Life 790P, which is rated at around 790GPH @ 4' loss. The tank is 120g 4x2x2.

Any idea if I'm on the right track in solving this issue? I plan to swap the pump out with something more powerful, around 1700GPH but thought I'd seek some advice here.

Thanks in advance!
L3

 

[layer3switchguy]

shameless bump to the top!

 

[sjm817]

Is your overflow surface skimming? The water level inside the overflow has to be below the bottom of the teeth for it to surface skim.

 

[lombard0]

I dont think the "floating stuff" are sand unless you have very strong circulation pumps that directs flow upwards, keeping those stuff afloat. If you're getting a decent flow from your return line (your hand would be your best tool to gauge it), then you need to re-examine your overflow if it's skimming the surface water effectively, as what Scott mentioned. Can you share a pic of your overflow?

 

[layer3switchguy]

Thanks guys... I will look closer at the overflow and see how that is working, I'll try and grab some pics too...

Thanks