1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!
    Dismiss Notice

urgent: help with overflow (video)

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Nedim, Sep 22, 2011.

  1. Nedim

    Nedim Inactive User

    Hey guys I have the CPR overflow box for my 55 gallon tank.
    Today was my first water change and it went great. It worked perfectly before I changed the water. When I hooked up the overflow box and primed it, I knew it wasn't working well right away. First, the sound from the water hitting the sump was A LOT louder. Second, the water in the overflow box fluctuates and when it gets too low it makes a VERY loud gurgling sound. Could it be that there isnt enough water in the tank? Here is a video that I just took. Sorry the audio is bad.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfNbvJMm9mA]CPR overflow not working properly - YouTube[/url]
     
    Nedim, Sep 22, 2011
    #1
  2. blackx-runner

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    sounds like the water is flowing through the overflow box faster than it was before. The greater water volume hitting the sump is causing the louder noise. And it doesn't look like your return pump is keeping up.
    Is there an air line, or something that was allowing more air into the water column before the water change that could have gotten moved?
     
    blackx-runner, Sep 23, 2011
    #2
  3. Nedim

    Nedim Inactive User

    The only thing that I can think of is that the air line for the aqualifter pump was a little bit longer, but that shouldnt matter right? And the water flow into the sump has slowed down back to normal. Its just the water in the overflow box that makes the gurgling noise. should i add more water to the tank?
     
    Nedim, Sep 23, 2011
    #3
  4. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

    whats the water lvl in your return chamber look like? it looks like the water lvl in the second chamber is dropping pretty drastically. I would like to see more of your sump area
     
    mthomp, Sep 23, 2011
    #4
  5. Bud

    Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

    Is the drain pipe terminating below the water level in the sump? If so, this may be allowing the pipe to partially fill and siphon, which will cause a quick drain and a flush. Adding holes to the pipe above the water line should allow air to intrude and eliminate the siphon. I think. Either that or don't let the water in the sump go above the drain line level.
     
    Bud, Sep 23, 2011
    #5
  6. Bud

    Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

    Another thin too, since pumps have a head loss, when you raise the level of the water in the sump you decrease the head loss and this will increase the flow rate. If you have low enough flow with a mid or low water level in the sump, then you max it out and it starts flushing, this is because your flow rate increased and the drain line is gets enough flow to siphon for a second and flush out the line.
     
    Bud, Sep 23, 2011
    #6
  7. Nedim

    Nedim Inactive User

    My overflow pipe isnt submerged in water. Idk what could be causing it, maybe an airpocket in the tube. If anyone has free time and could come to my house to take a look at it I would apreciate it. I will pay of course
     
    Nedim, Sep 23, 2011
    #7
  8. matt1971

    matt1971 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    The first thing I would do is replace that cpr with a lifereef overflow. If a little bug or something small goes into that overflow it might get sucked up into the airlifter pump and then you have a clog. I've ran cpr overflows for years and never a flood but sometimes a plugged airlifter. I feel more at ease about vacationing now that I replaced both of my cpr overflows with lifereef overflows.
    The first thing I noticed is that the return line to the sump isn't as straight as possible. Then, if you haven't already, you could adjust the height of the rigid airline tubing in the return section of the cpr, and it might help with the sound.
    Hope this helps!
     
    matt1971, Sep 23, 2011
    #8
  9. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

    I've never owned one personally, but I've only heard of problems and horror stories with overflows like that. Yes, they will work fine for a while, but after your first tank overflow, you'll regret having one. I would recommend that you seriously consider drilling your tank and adding an overflow box. If you decide to drill and add an overflow box, you really only *need* to drill for the drain side, the return can go over the side. You can get the hole saw, bulkhead, overflow box and all for about $80 shipped here: http://www.glass-holes.com/700-gph-Overflow-complete-kit-gh700kit.htm

    As for the immediate issue, I think Floyd has nailed it on the head. You can see the water level in the overflow going up and down, then you hear the flushing sound. Adjust your return flow rate and I think that should help.

    --AJ
     
    AJ, Sep 23, 2011
    #9
  10. Nedim

    Nedim Inactive User

    How can i adjust the return rate? My return is just a line going from the pump to the tank.
     
    Nedim, Sep 23, 2011
    #10
  11. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

    Your return line should have a valve on it to control the flow from your pump to your tank.
    --AJ
     
    AJ, Sep 24, 2011
    #11

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice