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Category: Main
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Description: Posts that don't fit in any of the other categories.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=44047
Printed Date: January 04 2025 at 11:39pm
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Topic: Overflow Help
Posted By: Snowsrfr
Subject: Overflow Help
Date Posted: October 16 2010 at 2:18am
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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Replies:
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: October 16 2010 at 2:23am
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
http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef
Currently:
120G Wavefront Mixed
29G Seahorse & Softies
Running ReefAngel Plus x2
435-8
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Posted By: Snowsrfr
Date Posted: October 16 2010 at 2:26am
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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Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: October 16 2010 at 3:30am
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
http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef
Currently:
120G Wavefront Mixed
29G Seahorse & Softies
Running ReefAngel Plus x2
435-8
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Posted By: badfinger
Date Posted: October 16 2010 at 8:04am
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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Posted By: Snowsrfr
Date Posted: October 16 2010 at 7:56pm
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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