Wet/Dry Sump problem

PJW

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Mar 12, 2003
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I bought a Wet/Dry Sump Filter w/Skimmer last weekend. Installed it tonight and the pump bringing the water back to the tank pumps faster than the pre-filter sending the water into the sump. The skimmer side seems to work just fine. I've even installed a plastic ball valve that I could restrict the flow a bit but that doesn't work either. I can't seem to balance the two out. Is the pump too big for the system? It's a 10g sump and I have a surge 3500 water pump.
 
I hope someone answers, cause I'm having the same prob. I just keep having to adjust the siphon flow, or the pump valve until I get equilibrium, I dunno how to make it easier

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you adjust the siphon flow by lifting or lowering the tube, just prop it up with something like a tube (I'm using Equate Antibiotic oitment, lol) where its small at one end, and larger at the other so you can use the gradient that works the best
 
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I had the same problem, and also a problem with a gurgling pipe. The forum answered both my problems by suggesting what turned out to be a larger diameter pipe. My tank hole was 1", I changed my pipes to the hole to 1.25" reducing to 1" at the hole. I then increased the pipe back back to 1.25" under the tank to the sump. This worked a treat, the gurgling was sorted by using what looks like an inverted U bend (there is a thread on gurlging which points to a useful web site)
 
Fishboy, You need an overflow box, not a siphon. If you're siphoning water out of your tank and the power goes out... or your pump fails... You're SOL. Not to mention it's about impossible to regulate a siphon/pump combo.

pjw, You might want to look into a larger sump. However, if I understand you correctly it sounds like your overflow can't keep up with the pump. this could be solved by adding another overflow, or swapping out the existing overflow for a bigger one.
 
The Surge 3500 pump's flow rate 660 gph. This sump is only about 10g max. I could get another u-tube for the pre-filter and make sure both have enough space to get a good flow.
 
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