Slowing the drain - too much movement

[fernandokng]

The drain from the tank is set up in the same sump compartment as the skimmer. However, the drain water is very turbulent, and it's negatively impacting the skimmer. The inside of the skimmer becomes very turbulent as well, is not able to produce the fine bubbles.

How do you guys deal with this? Any suggestions how to calm it down?

 

[wxl14]

Try a ball valve.

 

[autoponicz]

a ball valve and a filter sock

 

[fernandokng]

I'm hesitant of partially closing a ball balve as it can get stuck if there's enough calcium build up, and I don't clean it periodically...

 

[OctaviousMonk]

I can't say this in any better terms DO NOT RESTRICT YOUR DRAIN FLOW!!!!!!!!!!
it is a disaster waiting to happen!!!! restrict the return flow and that will in turn slow down your drain water. Putting a filter sock in place will also remove some of the turbulance and bubbles from the drain.

 

[midtownman]

drain sock works for me but dont think ur skimmer is not working cause the sock pick up alot of the stuff the skimmer would've been

 

[fernandokng]

One of my biggest issues is that the drain periodically shoots down a large amount of water once in awhile, and creates all this turbulence and splashing, and then it calms down a bit. But it's never a consistent flow. I can't pinpoint what's causing the sudden gush into the sump. Any ideas how I can fix this?

 

[OctaviousMonk]

what type of drain are you using?

 

[nycsicktank]

One of my biggest issues is that the drain periodically shoots down a large amount of water once in awhile, and creates all this turbulence and splashing, and then it calms down a bit. But it's never a consistent flow. I can't pinpoint what's causing the sudden gush into the sump. Any ideas how I can fix this?

i had the same problem. i went with a bigger pvc and problem solved

 

[figgy]

add a elbow to it.

 

[fernandokng]

The type of drain I have is a union ball valve set up, about an in inch diameter- attached to a flex pvc draining into the sump.

 

[vanceny]

Is this a reef ready tank or are you using an external overflow. It sounds like you need a stockman or durso standpipe. That should fix it.

 

[fernandokng]

Reef Ready with Durso standpipe.

 

[vanceny]

If your getting burping then then you may just have too much flow going through it. Either slow down your return pump or increase the size of your drain pipe. What are you using for a return pump?

 

[ReefnQueens]

Lowes sells a type of pvc that is more hollow then normal pvc which allows more flow ..... a smaller pipe will fill up while draining and catch some air in it allowing a thrust of water.....take out whatever pipe you are using and get a pipe with a thinner wall....just my advice

 

[fernandokng]

Yes, I'm definitely getting burping.

It's an OceanRunner 2500. I believe its 630gph at 0' feet.

My tank drain hole is about 1" in diameter. Do you mean increase the drain hole or the pipe itself....

 

[fernandokng]

The pipe I'm using right now is a flex PVC, and I don't think it's that thick to begin with it.

unless, I'm misunderstanding...

Lowes sells a type of pvc that is more hollow then normal pvc which allows more flow ..... a smaller pipe will fill up while draining and catch some air in it allowing a thrust of water.....take out whatever pipe you are using and get a pipe with a thinner wall....just my advice

 

[Nataku]

Control the amount of air going down the drain along with the water will stabilize the flow

 

[nycsicktank]

Yes, I'm definitely getting burping.

It's an OceanRunner 2500. I believe its 630gph at 0' feet.

My tank drain hole is about 1" in diameter. Do you mean increase the drain hole or the pipe itself....

pipe itself, to 1 1/4 or 1 1/2