return flow problems, newbie needs help

[dmpkirkland]

After many years of collecting all the necessary parts for a 60 g reef system, I finally put water in it this past weekend. Although the water is cloudy, my big question is a return flow problem.

I have a reef ready sump 20g under the tank, with gravity feed. I have a Catalina 2200 pushing the water back into the tank thru one return tube. The water level in both the tank and the sump does not stay consistant. Either the water level drops in the tank (too much in sump) or vice versa. When I sit and stare at the sump, I can make fine adjustments to the 2 ball valves (one input as well as output). But as soon as I leave, the water level changes. I assume the gravity flow is fairly consistant, but could the CA2200 be the problem. Until I can achieve hemostasis, I am hesitant to leave the tank alone. Any suggestions? Please help. I am considering buying a Mag 5 or 7?

[Lucid]

if you have an overflow box, try adjusting the depth of the one inside (if possible). I had to do that on mine before it would find it's happy spot. had me tank watching for 2 hours before I would leave it.

[icemark]

I prefer gate valves for controlling flow more than ball valves. Ball valves are really much better for simple ON/OFF than trying to get a perfect controlled flow.

With a gate valve you can control the opening, and flow much much easier.

[Reefland]

Hey icemark, nice to see you around!

Posted via Mobile Device

[icemark]

Hey icemark, nice to see you around!

Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks, I semi retired (down to 35-40 hours a week) so I am finding time to do things I haven't been able to do for a while, once again.

[ibefishy]

I think both the Mag 5 and 7 will be too small for your return. I tried a Mag 7 with my tank, same size as yours but I used a 30g for my sump and the Mag 7 was not big enough. I had to go to a Mag 12. If you want a Mag 7 I have one for sale, I only used it in freshwater for about 15 minutes before I figured out it was not creating the flow that I wanted