Is this messing up my pump?

[Discusdude7]

So after I set up my 120, I noticed the fish weren't as active as before and were acting funny. All this changed when I turn the pump off to feed. I figured out the root of the problem was there was way too much current in the tank. I had a ball valve in return line and used it to cut down the current by a half. Is this going to mess up my pump in the long turn? Also am I still getting enough tank turnover? It's a 120 with a 40Breeder sump. The pump is a mag 9.5.

Edit: the mag 9.5 pumps 975 gph at 0 feet and 685 at 5 feet. Pumping about 4-5 feet in my case.
http://www.marinedepot.com/Danner_Ma...WPSBUF-vi.html

[nc0gnet0]

As long as it is on the output line it shouldn't. A better option would be a spray bar to disperse the output.

[Discusdude7]

As long as it is on the output line it shouldn't. A better option would be a spray bar to disperse the output.

Thanks rick. Will look into spray bar. So this isn't decreasing my tank turnover rate?

[nc0gnet0]

Yes, it is. That wasn't the question though, the question was will it hurt the pump.

[Discusdude7]

Yes, it is. That wasn't the question though, the question was will it hurt the pump.

Thanks rick, am I getting enough tank turn over or not then?

[nvladik]

I am surprised you have too much flow with Mag 9.5 on a 120, I am running a Mag 12 on 125 with no issues. Do you have a pic of how water enters the tank?

[joanstone]

How far is the water traveling? At 4' you're getting 800 gph +/- or 6.6 X water turnover
5'=750 gph +/- or 6.25 X water turnover
6'=700 gph +/- or 5.8 X water turnover
7'=650 gph +/- or 5.4 X water turnover
These numbers are also dependent on other things that could slow it down (or not). The diameter of the tubing will effect the force as well. As was pointed out, a spray bar will disperse the water flow. I don't think you have too much flow, maybe just too concentrated. If your water enters the tank via loc-line, maybe playing around with how it's aimed would be a simple place to start.

[Second Hand Pat]

Another thing to consider is when you turn the pump off and the fish swim all over the tank? Is the light off too? With the pump running turn off the light and see what happens. If the fish start swimming all over the place then open the pump flow and see what happens.

[nc0gnet0]

Thanks rick, am I getting enough tank turn over or not then?

The only way to calculate your flow with the valve partially closed is to measure and time it. For two bucks and a drill bit you can build yourself a spray bar, disperse the re-direct the flow, plus get better oxygenation.