overflow problems / flow problems.

[BoArDwAxStYlE]

So it seems as if i have too much flow, I can see things collecting in the other side of the tank on the surface, however it will not flow through the overflow on the other side. I dont know what to do, I like the flow i have other than the occasional small sand twister.

I really dont want to change flow patterns. But it wont be the first or last i figure.

 

[willray]

Your going to have to...change it that is.A little directional change on one of the pumps can make a big difference,try to point one at the surface in the direction needed and if you don't succeed ...try and try again.You really want to export that which is collecting at the surface ...as an added bonus you'll get more light to the corals as well.

 

[jango]

So it seems as if i have too much flow.

I would say you didn't have enough. Like willray said you will either have to adjust what you have or add a pump to agitate that section of the tank to keep waste from collecting on the surface.

 

[delta]

You want waste to collect on the surface. the issues here is it is not getting skimmed off the surface properly agitation of the surface will stop it but it will also put in back into the water column.

It could be the turn over rate is not enough to skim the surface properly. so depending on return pump/headloss the issue may be there or directional flow in tank is blocking off flow in one corner. Most likely it is a combinations of both. But hard to say not being albe to see the tank or have any real info as to the pumps, PH and flow direction in the tank.

 

[BoArDwAxStYlE]

I think it was just direction of flow, I have a powerhead right near the overflow and it keeps things from getting sucked into it. I dont mean things are collecting like building up, they just have enough time to collect on the surface for a few seconds over there. Yeah im going to increase turnover a little, and rearrange power heads.
I will update everyone when i do this later on tonight.
Pumps are hydor 3 i believe across from overflow blowing towards back corner near overflow, And a (blanky) maxi 900 for now next to over flow blowing across front bow, and return split with one pointing slightly down towards middle back of tank and the other way down in front of overflow towards back of rock work. That last one is about 6 inches under overflow as well.

 

[BoArDwAxStYlE]

alright so i reversed the flow, all powerheads facing the opposite direction, so flow is now coming across the bow towards the overflow, working much better and upped turnover from 5x to about 7x. I still think it could do better so im looking for another hydor to put on back wall near overflow and get rid of the maxi on side wall in front of overflow.

 

[danzig]

I used my return to agitate the surface of my tank, and i had a loc line one so i could move it up or down to adjust it as needed worked great and could move it if i had dead spots like you

 

[BoArDwAxStYlE]

I have loc line. I split it with a y so i would have two spots of angle. Its much better now for sure. I dont have any dead spots, it was just slower at first on one side allowing w/e to collect long enough on the surface to be seen before it was blasted with a power head again.

 

[delta]

You can definitely block off surface skimming if the flow is directed right at the overflow.

Agitating the surface works against surface skimming, better to adjust so your overflow is properly skimming the entire surface. Surface skimming is what feeds all the crud in your tank to you skimmer, and the reason your skimmer should draw tank water from as close to the drain in your sump as possible. That build up you see on the surface is waste and needs to be removed