Waterchanges w/sump & leaking return & gurgling....

bur01014 · 09/19/2010, 06:16 PM

Three random q's, but setting up a new tank (used actually).....So I did a leak test this weekend with tank up, plumping done, and refuge and sump going. So here are my q's.....

1. Waterchanges now- do you guys with sumps (haven't had one yet) just turn off your return pump and then switch out the water in the sump? If this is the case, wow so much easier it seems!(mostly less messy)....is this how people do waterchanges? Through the sump?

2. My overflow is gurgling....is this normal? It isn't too bad, but enough to be slightly annoying....can anything be done? It is gurgling right at top of overflow where pipe opening is and water drains down. I'd rather not throw sponge in there due to its potential to be a nitrate factory/ overflow my tank.

3. I have a 45 degree elbow on my return plumping and after checking, I found it leaks at this spot where the joint is. The leak is about one small drip every 10 seconds....luckily it just drips back down into the sump.....rather than redo my plumbing is there any quick fix? Maybe silcone around that joint? A small drip in the sump every 10 seconds doesn't bother me, but while on vacations my mind would have racing thoughts of the leak suddenly becoming quite worse.

Thanks for your time if you respond to my q's!

James77 · 09/19/2010, 08:23 PM

1. yes. I use a long wide hose to siphon the sump water outside, and refill- takes about 10 minutes tops.
2. Not normal, but it happens alot. google/serch "Durso standpipe", that will quiet it down(herbie, and beanAnimal are other silent overflow designs). If it is a flushing sound, be sure there are no dips in the drain line and it goes steadily down. Water can back up otherwise and cause a siphon, which sounds like a flushing toilet.
3. silicone might work, but you are better off re-doing the joint, the parts are cheap enough

.

jasonssandiego · 09/19/2010, 08:58 PM

My changes involve using the python hose. It's nice to have since I can turn on the return pump at the end and add salt with an additional powerhead for mixing. Makes it so easy for waterchages that I actully like doing them now. James77 makes a good point about the durso standpipe. That's what I personally use. Search the site for other ways for plumming. I made a c with the inline tubing and lowered the flow rate. My bed is 3 feet from the tank and I have no problems sleeping at night. And you might want to reconsider doing the elbow again for a piece of mind. Hope this helps.

09/19/2010, 06:16 PM	#1
bur01014 Moved On Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 101	Waterchanges w/sump & leaking return & gurgling.... Three random q's, but setting up a new tank (used actually).....So I did a leak test this weekend with tank up, plumping done, and refuge and sump going. So here are my q's..... 1. Waterchanges now- do you guys with sumps (haven't had one yet) just turn off your return pump and then switch out the water in the sump? If this is the case, wow so much easier it seems!(mostly less messy)....is this how people do waterchanges? Through the sump? 2. My overflow is gurgling....is this normal? It isn't too bad, but enough to be slightly annoying....can anything be done? It is gurgling right at top of overflow where pipe opening is and water drains down. I'd rather not throw sponge in there due to its potential to be a nitrate factory/ overflow my tank. 3. I have a 45 degree elbow on my return plumping and after checking, I found it leaks at this spot where the joint is. The leak is about one small drip every 10 seconds....luckily it just drips back down into the sump.....rather than redo my plumbing is there any quick fix? Maybe silcone around that joint? A small drip in the sump every 10 seconds doesn't bother me, but while on vacations my mind would have racing thoughts of the leak suddenly becoming quite worse. Thanks for your time if you respond to my q's!

09/19/2010, 08:23 PM	#2
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	1. yes. I use a long wide hose to siphon the sump water outside, and refill- takes about 10 minutes tops. 2. Not normal, but it happens alot. google/serch "Durso standpipe", that will quiet it down(herbie, and beanAnimal are other silent overflow designs). If it is a flushing sound, be sure there are no dips in the drain line and it goes steadily down. Water can back up otherwise and cause a siphon, which sounds like a flushing toilet. 3. silicone might work, but you are better off re-doing the joint, the parts are cheap enough . __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

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09/19/2010, 08:58 PM	#3
jasonssandiego Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 87	My changes involve using the python hose. It's nice to have since I can turn on the return pump at the end and add salt with an additional powerhead for mixing. Makes it so easy for waterchages that I actully like doing them now. James77 makes a good point about the durso standpipe. That's what I personally use. Search the site for other ways for plumming. I made a c with the inline tubing and lowered the flow rate. My bed is 3 feet from the tank and I have no problems sleeping at night. And you might want to reconsider doing the elbow again for a piece of mind. Hope this helps.