Innovative Marine INT 112

[Summitwynds2]

I do not use flow meters. Yes, I use the loc-Line. The loc-Line will reduce some flow as it is restricted a little... But not down to 77GPH. In troubleshooting I use the "divide and conquer" technique. In this case I would start at the pump. Disconnect the line and test it. I would make some kind of temp loop back into the sump if that makes sense. Not sure how you plumbed, hoping you can service still?
Before that though, Is the flow coming out of your loc-line/return actually really low? Can you barely feel the water coming out? Are you basing this solely on the flow meter is my point. I work in a calibration facility as my 9-5. Flow meters are not great units to begin with as a whole as far as reading what is actually happening. Many variables, algae, salts etc can effect the reading. Not that they don't work, but I would not put all my faith in the reading without some other verification. Curious, did the flow meter come with a certificate of calibration?

Quick thought - Is your sump under the tank? Or is it plumbed to a basement/other room with 20' of head pressure? That would do it of that is the case.

Here is what I would do if I was in your shoes right now AND the sump is under the tank. (*If you have not already)
1) Test only the Pump and some 3/4" tube. If that flows properly, move on, its not the pump. If not, warranty or check the impeller. (I had a pump plugged in, but not 100% once, the flow was drastically low. Stupid, yet easy potential to solve also)
2) I would then move to moving parts. (Gate Valve) and ensure its actually opening. Can you visually inspect it by chance?
3) I would then eliminate the UV and flow directly to tank.
4) Go ahead and replace the loc-line. Anything can happen, but I haven't had any issue with it and I did a quick search and cant find anyone with issues with the OEM return system not flowing. Google says 3/4" line should run 810GPH. I'm sure it flows more, but at least we have a data number for comparison vs only what the pump is rated for. I would assume the meter (if it is accurate) should be reading about this 810GPH number.
5) By now you should have a good idea of what is stopping the flow.

One more stupid note: Is the meter reading GPH? Long shot buuut, if its reading LPM.... The math would be (77*60)/3.854 = 1198.754GPH. Which on a 2300GPH pump rising about 5' would be about right I think.

If it were me, I would plumb my return as a single line. The UV I would run on a second DC pump in a closed loop fed from my sump and return to my sump. That way you can adjust the flow to the UV when needed to make it more effective. If you're using it to help ich you need more contact time. if it is solely for algae, inline with the return is fine. If you want to help with ich, water would need to be in that UV for about 3 seconds before it exits the tube FYI.
Got any pics of you sump system in question?

Changed the Hydros settings to Litres. - Flow meter was at 300-330 LPH

 

[Summitwynds2]

Went from 85 to 125ish with the locline removed

 

[Fish Fan]

I have a IM 75 gallon that I really like.
Sadly, I would be concerned that the silicone in the tank may have dried up by now and it may leak. Hopefully others will disagree since that is a great deal if seams are OK.

Just my experience, but I have have been interested in aquariums for over 40 years now, and I am an admitted tank hoarder, I pick them up off the side of the road when I see them lol! I have kept them empty in garages for years, subject to the hot and cold of upstate New York, and I’ve never experienced the dreaded dried up silicon. I’ve actually had very few leaks, and none that I would say came from dry silicon.

That said, I’m also decent at resealing tanks (at least standard tanks) so now I’d say if the silicon looks at all questionable, I’d just reseal it.

I probably would not try to reseal an IM tank, their silicon is typically top notch (I have 6 IM tanks). I would think you’re just fine, but you could do a water test in your garage, for example, just to be sure.

Otherwise, they make great tanks, I wouldn’t hesitate to jump on that deal. Good luck!

 

[BubblesandSqueak]

just saw this thread now. sorry I'm late. the only issue you would have I think is if the tank was stored in an unheated garage the whole time. the freezing would take its toll on the silicone. but would think you would see it cracked etc...its really a great sized tank. I have the EXT of this for a year now. not sure how you managed to get the leveling feet too since it was not offered with mine just a year ago?

 

[ReefStuff]

Changed the Hydros settings to Litres. - Flow meter was at 300-330 LPH

Went from 85 to 125ish with the locline removed

That is a difference. This in GPH again? You should still have like 10x or that flow with a 2300GPH pump. 125GPH is only 1x turnover and not enough.
There must be a pump issue, have you tested it solo yet?

 

[Summitwynds2]

Yes, went back to gallons after seeing that in Litres it was equivalent. Thats 40 GPH difference, just from removing the locline. They only had 2” flanges. I doubt I’d have issues with 2 pumps. Here’s my plumbing set up. I have another 3/4” flow meter and have been going to replace part of my plumbing since my horizontal plumbing is about an inch short. I made it work, but I’ve got all the parts to do it and we’ll see if possibly the flow meter is the culprit.