clear layer on top of refugium water

I think I have given up the sea horse thing and will just have it be arefugium. So I don't want to increase h2o flow.

 

its not skimming the top because the U- tube isn't taking the water fast enough out of the inlet cup. (i.e. the bubble)

Here's your problem...

once you get the flow right through that U tube, it will suck the cup empty and get another bubble again. If you increase the water flow to that tank and suck that bubble out, keep an eye on the water level and make sure you 1. don't run that cup dry from lack of water and 2. don't put so much flow as to put more water in there than that over-flow is designed. If its designed for up to 600gph and you have a 1200gph pump... get it?

 

If you look at one of the last pictures I sent I already have this. I ran the supply (to the tank in question)to the bottom of tank and all the way across the bottom with 3/4 pvc pluged the end and drilled a bunch of holes in it. Like a garden soaker.

 

I don't think it is sucking cup dry.It would break siphon?

 

Pump pump pump it up! ;D
Step 1: Bump up your flow a LITTLE. (w/ an airline in place to remove air)
Step 2: remove air pocket.
Step 3: increase flow a little more from the ball valve.
Step 4: keep an eye not to "over-rate" your flow to the over-flow.
Step 5: if your cup sucks dry again >> you need more water.

Hint: Remove the "T" and make that your main line back to the main tank.
Get a power head to pump water to that tank separately and keep the over-flow dump like it is.

 

sorry, I didn't see your reply. I was typing.
Ok, you have the drilled pipe.. good. Increase the flow now.

I had an over-flow on my frag tank, just like yours. My tube would lose pressure or if the power went out, it would still flow out but not at its full syphoning potential.. keeping it from skimming the top (the same exact problem you are having). I installed an air sucker to suck the air out of the top of that tube to keep the flow. Eventually, I had a spare tank so I drilled a 1" hole for a bulkhead (as I mentioned before)

Really quick.. what size tank is that? (the one in question)

 

Optimist, Thank you I will try the above. I also will let you know how it works.I am going 1. remove air bubble, done
2. increase flow, done
3. buy pump to take it off "T" that will help with more flow in main tank I like that.
4. I realy like the idea of drilling and putting in a center overflow. I will need to research this. But I really like that idea. Thank you somuch

 

Optimist, Thank you I will try the above. I also will let you know how it works.I am going 1. remove air bubble, done
2. increase flow, done
3. buy pump to take it off "T" that will help with more flow in main tank I like that.
4. I realy like the idea of drilling and putting in a center overflow. I will need to research this. But I really like that idea. Thank you somuch

 

20 gal long I was wondering if they made a bleeder valve for the u tube like they have for boilers so they don't pop and click?

 

Sorry, i noticed I had messages.
No no no.. wait on that drilling. Id hate to see you crack a tank tryin to do that. I am experienced. If it were a cheap 10g for $10, Id say go slow and use plumbers putty to make a little reservoir of antifreeze (thats the only make shift DIY remidy I could come up with).. you have to keep the bit cool. Plus, My drain is on the Left rear furthest corner (center would work too but your glass is thin and is easier to crack there >> IF you absolutely MUST try, try the left back corner, like mine, since you pump into the right side, like mine.) If you need step by step PM me and I'll coach you when I have time and you have the products to do it.