Overflow problems

[bpitts4]

Ok guys....I need help. I have recently setup a new tank and one of the overflows is giving me trouble. The problem is the water level rises and falls inside of one corner overflow and gurgles as it is falling and its extremely loud. The other overflow has a constant water level and is not close to being loud. Below are some of the possible problems.....let me know what you think as I need to fix this fast.

1. The tank is slightly off level on the side with the problems. I noticed this when filling the tank but its so small you cant tell by looking at it. Should I place a few shims to completely level the tank? Again it is off by very small amount.

2. Maybe there is too much flow to that overflow causing this problem. Not sure about this one but threw it out there anyway.

Let me know your thoughts!!

Thanks!

 

[curtismaximus]

You need a valve of some sort to tune in the flow. Some people will say you need a gate valve but you really don't.

How small is you leveling off? Small and slight are very relative terms in this hobby. I think this is a separate issue from your overflow problem but should be corrected if possible.

 

[jennm]

Never valve the drains. Gravity feeds them and you don't want anything impeding that.

Check to make sure the drain hose leading from the underside of the tank, to the sump, doesn't have a curve in it that goes up. That can cause the water to back up until it gets heavy enough, then it 'flushes' down and the process repeats.

Also make sure where the water drains into the sump, that the drain hose is not below the water level in the sump. If the opening to the hose/pipe is under the water, back-pressure can cause the same sort of back-up problem as I described above.

Thirdly, make sure that if you're using a Durso-style standpipe, that the hole in the top of the drain pipe is large enough. If it's not well ventilated, it can gurgle. Widening the hole usually resolves that and/or adjusting the height of the drain pipe.

I would do that before shimming but if there is a serious level issue, shimming under the stand (not between the tank/stand) may help as well.

Jenn

 

[nsconductor]

Jenn - not to hijack the thread but....What are your thoughts on the Bean Animal or Herbie overflows? Both are valved with open emergency drains. And my understanding is that both are very quiet.

Agree with you that upward curves are BAD!

 

[jennm]

Haven't tried them so no "qualified" opinion on those, but I've read good things about the Bean Animal. Haven't heard of the Herbie before.

Since gravity feeds drains, I see NO reason to impede them, EVER. Way too many bad things can happen.

Jenn

 

[totalchaos13]

Nsconductor;845615 wrote: Jenn - not to hijack the thread but....What are your thoughts on the Bean Animal or Herbie overflows? Both are valved with open emergency drains. And my understanding is that both are very quiet.

Agree with you that upward curves are BAD!

That's what I run. Dead silent at over 3000 gallons per hour. Let me know if you want more info on it.

 

[jj ocean]

JennM;845619 wrote: Haven't tried them so no "qualified" opinion on those, but I've read good things about the Bean Animal. Haven't heard of the Herbie before.

Since gravity feeds drains, I see NO reason to impede them, EVER. Way too many bad things can happen.

Jenn

Jenn - I think you'd approve of the BA drain setup if/once you tried it. You do employ a valve to tune the siphon drain, but there are 2 failsafe features in case of blockage (open channel tube to tranform into siphon & a completely empty emergency drain).

I personally think it is safer than my current DT's 2 durso setup.

 

[jennm]

I have no objections to it - just have no experience with it.

 

[ddaddy2420]

JennM;845639 wrote: I have no objections to it - just have no experience with it.

What do u have Jenn?


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[jennm]

We just have standard overflows.

After-market changes/drilling voids tank warranties. That's not a liability I'm willing to take on.

 

[curtismaximus]

Can you take a picture of the overflow and the way it is plumbed into the sump? That would really help this situation.

 

[rdnelson]

Totalchaos13;845631 wrote: That's what I run. Dead silent at over 3000 gallons per hour. Let me know if you want more info on it.

+1000000. Roger come see mine. You can stand right next to it and not hear a thing.


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