Stressing!! how do I lower the display tank level in a TMC Sig 900

[Sly1461]

I've tried removing bars from the filter on the exit pipe. Removing the filter sock. drilled the top of the exit pipe and put a tube in. Drilled a hole in the bottom just above the water level in the sump. It runs silent but my water level is way above the exit pipe just a fingers width below the surface. Its stressing me out, as I'm just waiting for it to overflow.

I'm running an Eheim 2000 turned down as low as it can go. Do I have to get a smaller pump?
cheers

 

[Sk8r]

Put a valve on the return line? I ran an Iwaki 100 on a 50 gallon and had to valve it back to 75%. I don't know your system, but perhaps that would help. That's a way to rein in a too-enthusiastic pump of any sort, and it doesn't hurt them, any more than adding a few feet to the distance they're pushing the water.

 

[Sly1461]

Do you have a link to the sort of thing you mean?

 

[Sk8r]

Hose clamp: one of those silvery circles that tightens on your auto hoses with a screwdriver. If under salt water, use special plastic ones, because they rust. Ask your hardware store.
Valve: I use a simple ball valve: you cut the return line, insert this thing, hose-clamping at either side, and use the turning handle to cut down the water flow. If you use a snug hose clamp you will not have leaks, and hose clamps generally don't fail. VALVES can clog, and never use what's called a 'check valve [autoclosing]' anywhere on your tank---but a ball valve is generally not going to clog at all. I have one that's been in operation for about 5 years, no problems.

such valves come in all sizes. If they have a smooth pipe connection, best to insert (and glue with purple glue [ask your hardware]) a pipe you can get a better grip on with a hose clamp. They'll show you how, particularly if you can show them a diagram of your situation and have a little snippet of the hose to give them the size. The one I have has threaded ends and that makes a good hose clamp connection. Remember you cannot use metal---use a pvc pipe and valve. And purple glue is how you make a pvc connection permanent. A hose clamp can be undone with a screwdriver. Neither will leak.

 

[Sk8r]

In this hobby, you will learn a LOT about plumbing. Make friends with one of the 'old guys' at the hardware store and always go for white or grey pipe. The other thing you need to know: hoses are measured in 2 ways: some are given as interior measure, which is the width inside; and some as exterior measure.

 

[Hal]

Gate valve on the output of the return pump. Better than ball valves because they are easier to adjust in small increments. Savko dot com if your local big box store doesn't have your size.

I also put a float sensor on my tank and connect it to my return pump. When the water level raises the sensor it turns off the return pump. It's saved my bacon a few times.

Lastly, install a Herbie overflow or Bean Animal overflow if you have enough holes in your overflow. You can find them using the search function. In essence , they provide backup drains.

 

[oldhead]

Like this, notice mine is partially closed if not it would be going over the top of the overflow. This will not hurt the pump.


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[Sly1461]

Guys, thank you very much. I'm going to get on this asap.

One last question, I'm assuming this valve can be placed anywhere along the return pipe and it doesn't matter? Or is it better to install close to the sump (easy to reach too)

 

[oldhead]

Where ever it is easy to adjust, I'm also running a dual reactor off of my return line


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[Sk8r]

Just where it's convenient to access. This the a way to fine-tune any pump and balance a pump/drainline situation. I let the Iwaki 100 loose full bore in a 50 gal and the outflow just about hit the windows of the living room. Now that I have a 105 gallon tank it can run full out.