Flow Imbalance on my 60 Cube

[catgirl29]

I'm reluctant to ask for help because more experienced people will probably see my set up and shake their heads but no amount of Internet reading has helped me solve this issue so far.

I've got a pump running - and I have that sucking sound that many threads say a Durso will cure.

I have no idea how to install one on my tank though. Here is what my overflow looks like (it's a semi-circle shaped piece of plastic with long holes at the top for outflow). The tank came with a 1" drain with a 3/4" return. I'm running a Rio 2500 pump at full flow. I've removed some slack I had with my Spa Flex. The drain line into my sump sits into the sock, about 1" below the water line.

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I put these ball valves up here for safety (but I may totally have them in the wrong place) and I notice that if I slightly restrict the water leaving the tank, then I have less sucking noise, however, this is pretty dangerous if it's not just right and I've had the water rise to the top rim very quickly. Just a tiny adjustment either results in the sucking noise or a water rise. Grr.

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(Ignore super bad primer drips.)

It seems I have more/faster outflow than my return is handling. When not restricted, the water level does stay stable in the sump and in the tank but I get the terrible gurgling. Will a Durso solve the sucking problem or is it the pump or? If a Durso would help, can anyone explain how to install it on this type of tank where the drain and the return sit one on top of the other?

Thanks for any help.

 

[ringo®]

Hard to tell in that picture. Is it draining through a bulkhead without any kind of plumbing on the overflow side?

 

[jbdreefs]

I believe she has the 60 cube that is drilled on the rear panel, not the bottom.

Space is pretty tight in the overflow to maximize reef real estate. My suggestions:

Restrict your pump with a ball valve thus slowing the water going in the tank.

Or, get a smaller pump.

Or, drill a secondary drain line.... But a little difficult because it is currently full.

Restricting a drain line, when there is no other drain line is flirting with disaster, and generally a bad idea.

 

[jbdreefs]

I see you have a ball valve on the return line. Trying closing it a little by little until the toilet flushing or gurgling sound goes away.

 

[catgirl29]

Adjusting the the ball valve is the only thing that makes it go away - but it comes back with even a little bit of evaporation. I am also trying to avoid that long term as I know it's a bad idea. I have an ATO and am trying to get that installed this week.

I'll try to adjust the pump down a little. Surely not everyone has this return issue? Maybe it's just the form factor of the cube or the positions of the bulkheads on this tank?

 

[catgirl29]

As far as I can tell, this is the case. The water just enters the overflow, filling it up and then it flows through the bulkhead, through the ball valve into Spa Flex into the sump.

Ringo®;1038682 wrote: Hard to tell in that picture. Is it draining through a bulkhead without any kind of plumbing on the overflow side?

 

[tbub1221]

I have a similar problem with my cube if the return pump is pushing too much water too fast the drain cant keep up , is your return pump variable speed if so try turning it down some.
Also I can't tell from the picture but it looks like your missing a 90° elbow on the overflow side of the bulkhead , you can cut about 3/4 or better OFF each side and slip it in facing down it will help with some gurgling

 

[catgirl29]

Terry - do you mean on the inside of the tank (inside the overflow chamber)?

I just found this drawing - external Durso. May have to try this. I would remove that ball valve, clearly, and have the plumbing heading straight down to the sump, which is maybe a better idea anyway.

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[porpoiseaquatics]

Catgirl29;1038706 wrote: Terry - do you mean on the inside of the tank (inside the overflow chamber)?

I just found this drawing - external Durso. May have to try this. I would remove that ball valve, clearly, and have the plumbing heading straight down to the sump, which is maybe a better idea anyway.

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+1 on this idea. While a lot of us might have ball valves or gate valves on the supply line (from the overflow to sump), it's generally a bad idea to use that for flow control. I only use mine during periods of maintenance to keep additional water from going to the sumps while I'm cleaning.

In the first pic of the overflow, the bulkhead seems to be very close to the top of the tank. That's why you are getting so much noise with even a slight amount of evaporation. If you can get the external durso to fit....I think it's your best option.

 

[tbub1221]

Thats it , I wouldn't use a ball valve just put a 90 in and in the drain line drill a small hole in the cap and put air line or a similar size like rodi inside it like I drew on the picture this acts as a siphon break and helps with it staying even with the amounts of water drawn .