Refug Problem

[1460sun]

Just set up a refug. Had problems finding a pump that would fit in the return area, so I bought a 300gph pump and drilled the refug. Set everything up last night. Problem: The pump pulls to much water from the refug and over flows the tank. Help

[1460sun]

Heres a diagram of how it's setup.

[dan]

are you using the fuge as your filter also? the only way to stop the problem your having now is to install a smaller pump but that would mean slow water flow in the tank. water should be going through the fuge at a slow rate and water in the tank at a fast rate. BTW the fuge has become your sump and by the pics it is way to small. all your evaporation will happen in that small area where you have the pump. how much water do you think you have in the area where the pump to the first wall? probably not much. another problem is when you cut power how much water returns to fuge/ filter? if the fuge /filter is to small it will overflow. most people have a sump and also have a fuge. that way they can control the flow in each unit. hope this helps some. if you want you can come and look at my setup.

[1460sun]

Thanks for the reply and the offer to check out your setup. You've given me some things to ponder. Still seems to me if you can control the flow with a fuge and a sump, you should be able to do the same with just a fuge. Ideally I'd love to have both and maybe thats the solution to my problem. I'd estimate there is at the most 2 gal in the area with the pump. Guess I'll take a field trip to CB Pets when they open and talk wih Richard. He always seems to have the answers to my problems and maybe take a look at their setup in the small tank just inside the door. They are a little closer, than Leon Valley.

[RobertG]

I agree with Dan here. If your power does go down have the mops ready. You really want the fuge running slowly so it can be a beneficial fuge.
I am sure Richard will set you in the right direction.

Good Luck

[GaryP]

The way I have my sump/fuge set up is this.

1. The tank drains to a 30 gal. long sump.
2. The return hose to the main tank has a T and a ball valve that provides slow flow to a 30 gal. fuge.
3. The fuge then gravity feeds back to the sump where the water is picked up again by the return pump
and it is pumped back to the main tank.

[1460sun]

Talked with Mark at CB. He suggested putting a Ball valve in the line returning to the tank to slow the flow. Waiting for the glue to dry to see if it works. Tested the power outage and water gets about 2 1/2" from the top of the fuge.