overflow acting funny

Absint Reefer · 06/30/2007, 09:28 PM

I have a 110 high with like a 30gl wet dry and the overflow box in the back is filling up then draining half way then repeating I would'nt mind but it makes a gargle noise somthing firce anyone have any ideas how to fix this?

Dawman · 06/30/2007, 10:52 PM

Do you have a built in overflow or a HOB overflow ?

Hop · 06/30/2007, 11:02 PM

Sounds like the vent hole in the durso/stockman is plugged up... If you have a different set up, we might need some more details

Satori · 06/30/2007, 11:06 PM

IME, that's caused by one of two things:

1) The vent hole isn't adjusted properly.
or
2) Too much flow.

Absint Reefer · 06/30/2007, 11:24 PM

it is a built in overflow and when you say vent hole what are you talking about? I'm sorry I know very little about plumbing and overflows

just dave · 07/01/2007, 05:10 AM

If it is an overflow with just a straight drain pipe a restriction in the drain line ( kinks, bends, loops, outlet underwater...etc.) or pump size vs. drain size is mismatched will cause this. In each case what is happening is that more water is being pumped in the tank vs. what can comfortably drain out of the tank through your current drain configuration. As the water being pumped in can't get out at the same rate it starts to back up. As it backs up the water level reaches a point where you get a "flushing" effect and it rapidly drains down and the cycle starts all over again. See if throttling back the return pump helps. If it does and you don't want to keep the pump throttled back you will have to address the restriction(s) in the drain.

Satori · 07/01/2007, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Absint Reefer
it is a built in overflow and when you say vent hole what are you talking about? I'm sorry I know very little about plumbing and overflows

If you're using a durso style standpipe, I'm referring to the vent hole at the top. Is that what you're using, or is it something else?

Absint Reefer · 07/01/2007, 09:54 AM

Quote:

If you're using a durso style standpipe, I'm referring to the vent hole at the top. Is that what you're using, or is it something else?

yes it is

what's weird is that the tank has been up and running for 3 months and never did this before I never messed with the pump or the overflow, is this common

Satori · 07/01/2007, 09:57 AM

In that case, check the vent hole for salt creep clogging it.

Absint Reefer · 07/01/2007, 10:35 AM

if the vent hole is the little hole on top of the overflow going down into the sump then thier is no clog

06/30/2007, 09:28 PM	#1
Absint Reefer Reefer Madness Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Dayton baby Posts: 5,042	overflow acting funny I have a 110 high with like a 30gl wet dry and the overflow box in the back is filling up then draining half way then repeating I would'nt mind but it makes a gargle noise somthing firce anyone have any ideas how to fix this?

06/30/2007, 11:02 PM	#3
Hop Carpe Noctem!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 8,548	Sounds like the vent hole in the durso/stockman is plugged up... If you have a different set up, we might need some more details __________________ Hop Current Tank Info: 300-gallon in-wall system (mixed reef)

06/30/2007, 11:06 PM	#4
Satori Cancer Sucks Join Date: May 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Posts: 3,134	IME, that's caused by one of two things: 1) The vent hole isn't adjusted properly. or 2) Too much flow. __________________ I'm reaching for the random or whatever will bewilder me. --Tool, Lateralus

07/01/2007, 09:57 AM	#9
Satori Cancer Sucks Join Date: May 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Posts: 3,134	In that case, check the vent hole for salt creep clogging it. __________________ I'm reaching for the random or whatever will bewilder me. --Tool, Lateralus

06/30/2007, 10:52 PM	#2
Dawman Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: IL Posts: 212	Do you have a built in overflow or a HOB overflow ?

06/30/2007, 11:24 PM	#5
Absint Reefer Reefer Madness Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Dayton baby Posts: 5,042	it is a built in overflow and when you say vent hole what are you talking about? I'm sorry I know very little about plumbing and overflows

07/01/2007, 05:10 AM	#6
just dave 11th in '11 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cordova, TN Posts: 4,394	If it is an overflow with just a straight drain pipe a restriction in the drain line ( kinks, bends, loops, outlet underwater...etc.) or pump size vs. drain size is mismatched will cause this. In each case what is happening is that more water is being pumped in the tank vs. what can comfortably drain out of the tank through your current drain configuration. As the water being pumped in can't get out at the same rate it starts to back up. As it backs up the water level reaches a point where you get a "flushing" effect and it rapidly drains down and the cycle starts all over again. See if throttling back the return pump helps. If it does and you don't want to keep the pump throttled back you will have to address the restriction(s) in the drain.

07/01/2007, 10:35 AM	#10
Absint Reefer Reefer Madness Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Dayton baby Posts: 5,042	if the vent hole is the little hole on top of the overflow going down into the sump then thier is no clog