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Snowsrfr 
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 Topic: Overflow Help
Posted: October 16 2010 at 2:18am |
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O.K., it's been a while since I've had a tank with an overflow, so I'm trying to remember how to contend with all the issues I've had in the past.
I have a rimless tank, so my goal is to keep the water line 3/4-1" below lip due to my MP10's wave action.
My issue is that whenever I turn off my return pump, the water level in the tank/overflow rise and stay that way even after the pump is turned back on. Then my ATO kicks in to raise the water level in the sump. Now I either have to drain some water from display so I don't get water splashing over the sides from the waves, or turn my MP10's wave down. Even then the water level is still higher than when I started before. The water level in the over also is over the durso part of the overflow too.
What am I doing wrong? What can I do to eliminate this problem?
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"A fish tank is not a pet. It's a TV that you gotta feed." - John Caparulo
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CapnMorgan
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The Capn'
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Posted: October 16 2010 at 2:23am |
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You can install a check valve on your return line to stop backflow to your sump when the pump shuts off.
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Steve My Old 180G Mixed ReefCurrently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8
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Snowsrfr
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Posted: October 16 2010 at 2:26am |
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But wouldn't the backflow create a lower water level in the display as opposed to a higher water level? Regardless, shouldn't the water level in the display return to it's original level once the pump is turned back on?
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"A fish tank is not a pet. It's a TV that you gotta feed." - John Caparulo
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CapnMorgan
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Posted: October 16 2010 at 3:30am |
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Yes it should... I misunderstood your initial question. What size drain pipe are you running? You always want to run a larger pipe than your return. Also reducing the size of piping as it goes through the glass will increase suction and pull more water. For example: if you have a 3/4" return line run a 1.5 inch durso then reduce to 1" on the dry side of the bulkhead. This will increase suction and more water will move through the drain. You may also just need to throttle your return pump back a little
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Steve My Old 180G Mixed ReefCurrently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8
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badfinger
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Posted: October 16 2010 at 8:04am |
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It sounds like your dursos aren't creating enough suction at the start. Cause your waterline in your tank shouldn't be higher when you restart your pump.
For the problem of your ato going, I have the same problem kinda... so I just unplug my ato when I have to turn off my pump (just for water changes). For feedings I leave my return pump on and turn my mp10 on feed mode
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Snowsrfr
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Posted: October 16 2010 at 7:56pm |
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You'll have to excuse my horrible explanation. Pain meds for a broken wrist, make for a foggy head.
What I'm trying to say is basically when I turn the pump back on the overflow doesn't seem to be keeping up with the return pump. Thus the water level in the tank rises, sump level decreases and then the ATO kicks in to compensate in the sump.
Maybe I need to throttle back my return and turn off my ATO when initially turning the return pump back on
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"A fish tank is not a pet. It's a TV that you gotta feed." - John Caparulo
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