Losing suction in my overflow

C

CodyRay

[I lose suction in my U tube in my overflow from time to time and was wondering if it could be caused by my water level in the sump getting too low. Sometimes I dont top it off in time, and the return will blow bubbles into the tank until i catch it. Does the lack of water being returned have an affect on the overflow?]
 
[First of all, the tube needs to be kept clean.

You need to have a pump that moves enough water to rush the bubbles right through the U tube. If they don't blow through, your pump isn't strong enough.

Not the end of the world, but you have to keep an eye on it.]
 
[this is what i have now

My pump


Its the 1800, so it moves 650 GPH

Here is a picture of my overflow. I dont know anything about it though because i didnt buy it. Hopefully someone will know what pump to go with it. All help is greatly appreciated.

BTW, Chris, hows the 300 gal tank coming along?]
 
[It moves 650gph at 0 head. As soon as you add 4' of vertical height, you'll lose flow. Add to that the diameter of your pipe, plus every fitting between the pump and the water's surface has to be accounted for. You might only be moving 400gph after that has been taken into consideration.]
 
[The easiest and cheapest solution would be to get a U-tube with a slightly smaller diameter so the water moves through it faster.

If you get a pump that puts out more than your overflow can handle, you'll have a flood. Sounds like you're far from that right now.]
 
[Man, that was a stupid question for me to ask. How can i tell what
sized pump matches my overflow, and where can i get a smaller U tube?]
 
[Is the U tube 1" in diameter? You'll want a pump that moves about 600 gph at 4' head pressure. If you used a Mag 7 with 1" plumbing, you'd get 480gph not inlcuding elbows. Using Spaflex might help to avoid those sharp corners, or just go with a Mag 9.5 which will produce 800gph. You will have to divert some of the water back into the sump because it will be too much flow for that overflow box.

The Mag 7 should do the job well enough, imo.]
 
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