Overflow problem??

HELP!!!

Ok am truly f#^%ed! How do I determine the water level of my main tank using a overflow??

Ok looking at the pic my logical assumption would be the blue line. It is NOT the blue line. Ok let’s assume water surface tension is large. How low must I put my overflow box????

I put it at the level I wanted...overflows my tank
I moved it 1/2 inch down...overflows my tank
I slow my pump down...less water...still over flows.

Is there a set level? It is a real b#$%# to lower my overflow. I do not want to do it again.

How low?

Thanks,
Zak

 

There is not a set level, but usually you want to get it as close to the top as possible. This helps remove the film that develops on the surface of the water. You also have to keep in mind that when you stick something in the tank such as hands (when you're cleaning it) the water level is going to rise, so make sure you compensate for that.

The problem your having is that your return pump is way overpowered for your tank. Either throttle it down a lot or get a less GPH pump.

 

Power has it...kinda

I lowered my overflow one last time and reduced the return pump even more. What a waste of a nice return pump. I did figure out what the problem is...maybe? Take a look at this.

http://www.z-ice.com/Aquarium/sump/DSC01952.jpg

I do not want to take my hood off again but I may in a day or two. Once my temper has lowered. I want to turn my pump up to get more circulation. I did enough this weekend.

Zak

 

Yea this is exactly your problem. Your overflow box isn't draining the water as fast as your return pump is refilling the tank. Does that make sense? (Not trying to dumb it down or make you sound stupid. Just qualifying the question)

 

Water Tension

Look at this:

http://www.z-ice.com/Aquarium/sump/DSC01961.jpg

Originally I thought the water level was based on the lowest point on the input of the overflow. As you can see....nope! Perhaps I should use something different? Any ideas?

My return pump is barely moving any water. I want to open it up. What can be done? Lower my overflow?

Thus far I am not impressed with the "overflow" system.

Zak

 

The little slits you have in the top of the OF box are too small. You need to put twice as many in there or open those up. The water has to pass through them and they don't seem to be that big. I put eggcrate at the top of mine to keep fish out and not let it be a restriction to water flow.

 

Water Tension

Look at this:

http://www.z-ice.com/Aquarium/sump/DSC019611.jpg

What does an overflow tube look like? In the inside!? I think I need to dremel out a few more openings. I have a filter on the outside of the tube. I do not think I am getting enough flow exiting the overflow box. I want(must) have more power coming back to my tank. My return pump is barly 1/3 being used.


Is this a good idea?

Zak

 

You need to open these little slits at the top more or put more in there. Not very much water can pass through those little inlets.

 

Zac
First what is your return pump and what is it rated? How big is your tank?
It looks like the openings inyour overflow box are very small but you might be able to lower it so the whole opening on the tank side is just below the surface. This is how mine is set up. Also the U-tube you are using what is the inside diameter? This looks fairly small. The bulkhead fittings in your overflow how many and what size? What size is your plumbing?
A 1inch bulkhead will only flow 600gph at best.
My sytem uses two 1 1/2 inch bulkheads feeding two drainlines into my sump. One feeds to the skimmer and the other is throttled back for my fuge. I use a Mag9.5 submerged in the return portion of sump and it runs wide open. I do have a different brand of overflow with a pump to remove air from the overflow as it builds up. With out this pump the sypon will break and tank overflows.

 

you need another u-tube to pull more water. the one u-tube you are currently using isn't going to flow as much as your return pump. so add another hole to the over flow box. plumb it up for the second u-tube and second drain pipe. more teeth might help as well