Return Pump Flow Rate

[S.Pepper]

I have a tank system with a total volume of about 40 or so gallons. I'm using a Reef Octopus Varios 2 return pump with a maximum power of 792 gph. I currently have it set on 2 (out of 5 settings). It's in perfect harmony; it's virtually silent. The ball valve is really sticky and hard to make small adjustments. The question is, am I sending enough water volume through my system or should I increase the flow rate of the return pump? I'm hesitant on messing with it because it's really hard to get it in tune. But if it isn't enough flow through my system, then i'll have to deal with it. It's a new tank and i'm currently cycling it. Thx.

 

[eea60123]

I think you’re probably fine, but there are variables. Some people like a slower turn over to allow their skimmer more contact time and triton is 10x’s turnover. You also have to consider the head pressure the pump is under and your overflow rating. It’s not scientific or completely accurate, but I usually assume at least a 50% drop in pump flow. I’ve figured the actual amount(1-90 adds 1’ of pressure) but I don’t think it matters that much unless you are way over or under.

 

[Quietman]

I would think so, yes. But I'm one of those, just enough to run water through the filtering system guys (3-4x/hour) and I'm not using it for water movement in the tank. Next time you do a water change and the nozzle is down, see how long it takes to fill a gallon jug then calculate a flow rate. Depending on your sump design and goals...make the call to adjust.

 

[S.Pepper]

I think you’re probably fine, but there are variables. Some people like a slower turn over to allow their skimmer more contact time and triton is 10x’s turnover. You also have to consider the head pressure the pump is under and your overflow rating. It’s not scientific or completely accurate, but I usually assume at least a 50% drop in pump flow. I’ve figured the actual amount(1-90 adds 1’ of pressure) but I don’t think it matters that much unless you are way over or under.

Thx. There is a pretty good flow coming out of the nozzle into the tank... it puts a nice ripple across the top of the water. It's also a straight shot from my return pump to the nozzle of about 4 feet--no elbows.

 

[S.Pepper]

I would think so, yes. But I'm one of those, just enough to run water through the filtering system guys (3-4x/hour) and I'm not using it for water movement in the tank. Next time you do a water change and the nozzle is down, see how long it takes to fill a gallon jug then calculate a flow rate. Depending on your sump design and goals...make the call to adjust.

thx. good idea.

 

[Idoc]

The Varios2 pump at full-on speed had a return of around 460gph with a 4ft head pressure... since you are only on setting #2, I'd assume you are only around 100gph return possibly. I'd think you'd want it to be much higher, even in a 40g tank.

Here's the head pressure chart for your pump...

I wasn't sure where your ball valve was located. If it's on the return line after your pump, it should be full open. If it's on the drain line... then I'd replace it with a gate valve...soooo much easier to tune the flow!

 

[S.Pepper]

The Varios2 pump at full-on speed had a return of around 460gph with a 4ft head pressure... since you are only on setting #2, I'd assume you are only around 100gph return possibly. I'd think you'd want it to be much higher, even in a 40g tank.

Here's the head pressure chart for your pump...

I wasn't sure where your ball valve was located. If it's on the return line after your pump, it should be full open. If it's on the drain line... then I'd replace it with a gate valve...soooo much easier to tune the flow!

It's on the drain line. This is a picture before I filled the tank so the valve is showing fully open. I don't have any livestock in the tank as it is cycling. I think i'm going to try and turn the pump up to at least setting 3, possibly 4, and see if i can get it dialed in. I've seen the gate valve and that's what should have come on the system, but at this time I'm not changing out anything. This is all new to me and i'm taking one small step at a time. thank you.

 

[ca1ore]

We can debate the benefits of lower versus higher turnover; most of which end up being about differing opinions. At the very least, there should be enough turnover to ensure even heating between the sump and display and to provide good surface skimming in the display. If I’m getting dust persisting on the surface of my tanks there’s not enough turnover.

Gate valve is better than a ball valve; but if you’re going to use the latter, use a quality valve like a cepex that won’t stick.

 

[Idoc]

It's on the drain line. This is a picture before I filled the tank so the valve is showing fully open. I don't have any livestock in the tank as it is cycling. I think i'm going to try and turn the pump up to at least setting 3, possibly 4, and see if i can get it dialed in. I've seen the gate valve and that's what should have come on the system, but at this time I'm not changing out anything. This is all new to me and i'm taking one small step at a time. thank you.

It looks like you are using a Herbie overflow system... that's what i use as well. I adjust my drain flow regularly with small micro-turns on the gate valve. You'll want to change to a gate valve as thoug get into it. Right now, you have it wide open because you barely have any return flow... once you turn that up things are going to fluctuate some.

 

[S.Pepper]

We can debate the benefits of lower versus higher turnover; most of which end up being about differing opinions. At the very least, there should be enough turnover to ensure even heating between the sump and display and to provide good surface skimming in the display. If I’m getting dust persisting on the surface of my tanks there’s not enough turnover.

Gate valve is better than a ball valve; but if you’re going to use the latter, use a quality valve like a cepex that won’t stick.

I have at least that. Thx.

 

[pecan2phat]

I like the persistent surface dust theory, made me take another look at my tanks!

 

[Nick30G]

I run a Varios 2 on my 37 gallon system with a 10 gallon sump. I also run it on setting 2 for the past 2 years now and the flow rate has been just fine. You really dont need a high flow rate going through your sump at all. Just enough to get it past your filtration in your sump. Return pump flowrate really is not critical at all to be fair. I have found if I run at above setting 3 the tank is a little to loud for my liking.

 

[S.Pepper]

It looks like you are using a Herbie overflow system... that's what i use as well. I adjust my drain flow regularly with small micro-turns on the gate valve. You'll want to change to a gate valve as thoug get into it. Right now, you have it wide open because you barely have any return flow... once you turn that up things are going to fluctuate some.

That picture, as i stated, is before i filled the tank. I'm using whatever system Waterbox put into it. lol But here's a few more pics of my plumbing.

 

[S.Pepper]

I run a Varios 2 on my 37 gallon system with a 10 gallon sump. I also run it on setting 2 for the past 2 years now and the flow rate has been just fine. You really dont need a high flow rate going through your sump at all. Just enough to get it past your filtration in your sump. Return pump flowrate really is not critical at all to be fair. I have found if I run at above setting 3 the tank is a little to loud for my liking.

Yes, i agree. At setting 2 it is virtually silent. I just tried setting 3 and 4 and opened the valve more and it's noisy.

 

[ca1ore]

I have at least that. Thx.

Then I’d argue you are fine. Increase flow if you want, but there’s likely to be little advantage to doing so.

 

[Idoc]

Yes, i agree. At setting 2 it is virtually silent. I just tried setting 3 and 4 and opened the valve more and it's noisy.

Your picture is a Herbie design...some fine tuning and it will be perfectly quiet. I have no noise from my drains and I use a Varios6 pump that makes no noise at all.