Baby I Got The Plumbing Blues

[MedicMike]

I'm at the end of my rope with this whole plumbing thing I just cant seem to get it right! I'm using a DIY weir style external overflow box, so I dont know what the GPH rateing is on it but it has a 1'' outlet. I redid my return plumbing and plumbed in a diverter but things still dont seem to be working like they should. I think maybe I should just get a overflow from reefgeek or something because my mag 7 puts it back in twice as fast as this dumb overflow can take it out! Is there a fool proof plumbing plan, or is it just trial and error?

[seahorsedreams]

How big is your sump? Do you have baffles in there? Can you draw a little diagram or something to show us your plumbing. Pictures. I'm a very visual person and sometimes have a hard time with descriptions.

I'm trying to get three tanks plumbed today.

[PurpleAardvark]

Well we all get thee plumbing blues at some piont. You have 2 opions here. Mod your overflow box by drilling it for 1 1/2" pvc or returning it and getting a different one. If you return your box you will just end up with the same problem. 1" pvc is 1" pvc. Your other option is to dail down your mag 7. What size tank is it? you may not need that much flow through your sump.

[seahorsedreams]

Okay, I just looked at some of your pics from another thread. It could very well be the overflow box. But show me how you have throttled back the pump and then the baffles thing.

[seahorsedreams]

Hi Purple... guess we are posting at the same time.

I think the overflow box could be contributing.... check out the water level in that thing.... it looks like it only has a couple inches of water in it.

We could all "chat" about it if anyone wanted to....... thought I would throw the invite out there.

[MedicMike]

um up for a little chat

[seahorsedreams]

Purple.... come on :-) Only kidding bud.... if ya wanna we are in there.

[MedicMike]

K this is the pic of my diverter

[seahorsedreams]

Have you opened it wider than that?

[seahorsedreams]

So, this overflow box.... did you build it yourself?

[MedicMike]

I didnt build it another member of CR built and gave it to me

[saxman]

from the pic, it appears as tho you're using both a 1" inflow and a 1" return. one typically uses a smaller return than inflow. are you opening the 1/2" return from the Mag 7 to 1"? this may have some bearing on your "overpumping" trouble.

is your overflow box a U-tube type? if so, is the tube clear and free of bubbles?

Renee and i discussed this a bit yesterday, and it doesn't make sense that you can't bleed the excess flow back into the sump with your valve. have you lifted it to confirm that water is indeed bleeding off? i wonder if the return plumbing is so big ID-wise that you're not getting much of it diverted.

it's also possible that the ball valve isn't giving you a fine enuff adjustment, and a gate valve may be a better choice. as much as i dislike adding valves directly inline, you may need to restrict the outflow of the pump itself.

just thinking out loud here...

[seahorsedreams]

Greg, we are sending along a old overflow we have kicking around.... see the package by the door?..... go mail it :-)

[saxman]

Greg, we are sending along a old overflow we have kicking around.... see the package by the door?..... go mail it :-)

saxman <----always the last to know...:rolleyes:

[MedicMike]

LOL trust me I know the feeling but I appreciate it