Major refugium issues-help please!

I don't understand why it drains backwards either after shutting off the intake, but it does. Almost to the point of overflowing my DT. May need to install some type of shutoff valve. Between the pump/intake tube??

@Cosmo: How high is the water level in your DT? Mine is about 1" under tank rim. When my fuge drains this is exactly how high the water rises. To the rim of the tank.

 

The valve would be a good idea.

The reason it flows back is the pump is not designed to prevent back flow and water likes to be at the same level when it is connected with a siphon. The siphon is created because both ends of a tube are in water.

 

My water level is within 1/2" of the top of the tank, but my overflow sits way higher and doesn't drain to the level of the tank. Do you have your output or intake lower than the drained water level? Sounds like you have a sump reverse syphon thing thing going on, maybe. I twisted and raised my output tube to partially above my water level to help this and stop some of the noise.

 

I'd do that anyways, the shut off valve, my pods exploded after turning my flow down, and that would allow you to regulate that

 

I think your mod is what is preventing you from experiencing this issue. It is a great mod in my mind. I wonder if the OP has one of those combo skimmer/fuge units.

 

No combo skimmer fuge thing Just the plain ole aquafuge2 medium. I think I'll try the valve, and try closing it before I shut off the flow when doing a water change. That should stop the back flow
By the way...thanks 2in10! Great explanation which I totally understood! *high five*

 

I love it when a plan comes together. I was hoping to create a visual or remind you of something you had experienced.

 

Feeling kind of dumb here...the aquafuge pump came with a valve and I thought it was just for regulating the flow only...not for stopping it completely~lol~ahdah!!!

 

Oh my, well at least you don't have to do a DIY.

 

You know sometimes when peoples make things they really need to consider ALL aspects of their product.
I love this lil HOB refugium. But the shape of the intake tube makes it virtually impossible to clean it out.
I can't take it apart to soak it, which I'd love to do. Anyone got any other ideas?