has any one had there syphon overflow break? or is that a rare thing? - Page 2

graveyardworm · 03/12/2006, 09:00 PM

In the drain side the tubes go down into a section seperate from where the drains are located which keeps the water on that end well above the tubes, but it doesnt keep the water higher on that side than the tube ends on the tank side, so tomorrow I'll have to get what I need to raise the drains so the water stays above the tube ends on the tank side. It's all becoming clearer now. Thanks

ohioreef · 03/13/2006, 07:09 AM

I have an Amiracle overflow and my U-tube is the same length on both sides. I didn't realize that you have 2 tubes. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said the 2nd tube is continuing to draw down the water until the first tube is exposed on the short end thus breaking the siphon.

RLMainers · 03/13/2006, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ohioreefer
Maybe you've got a small hole that is covered when the pump is running but exposed when the water level drops when the pump is off.

This is what we have. We've drilled holes that are covered when the tank is running, but when the tank shuts off (due to power outage, etc) the holes are exposed. The water from the overflow drains down to the sump until it's below the overflow box and it fills the sump, but not enough to overflow the sump.
Does that make any sense?

examiner · 03/13/2006, 07:55 AM

If this is your first experience w/ overflows and sumps...I hate to say it, but you'll probably overflow something at some point. I'd guess 50+% of first-timers do it. That's why I always recommend, if possible, you set the tank up w/ fresh water someplace like the garage while you tune the pumps, match flows, etc. etc.

I have a siphon overflow on my 58, and it never breaks flow, even with a power outage. (Lifereef, great product) As mentioned, good flow through the tube prevents bubbles from building up. Be aware that other things could potentially cause a failure, including snails, large chunks of macro algae, etc. You need to put guards in place to prevent these types of disasters.

My first year in the hobby, I got the carpet wet alot. Hasn't happened lately. Despite that, checking the overflow is still the first thing I do every morning.

sjm817 · 03/13/2006, 09:29 AM

Large Snails, big hunk of macro, etc will cause a problem in any overflow, internal or external. Keep them out. I also run a Lifereef and have never a problem.

Driftwood · 03/13/2006, 09:50 AM

You can go with a float switch in your main tank. If the water level rises, it will cut off your return pump. I have this in place. I bought the float valves for $12 on ebay and they even had the suction cups and mounting bracket needed to stick it to the aquarium wall. I have a wier type overflow and it works fine. Sometime air bubbles collect and I have to suck them out with the airline, but I will buy a airlifter for it soon and that problem will go away.

You need to have holes drilled in your return line just below the water surface. This will break the syphon created when power is lost to your return pump. Preventing your main tank water from overflowing your sump.

I have another switch to put in the sump that I will use for an auto top-off.

Works perfectly... Best of luck!

03/12/2006, 09:00 PM	#26
graveyardworm Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nottingham, NH Posts: 7,251	In the drain side the tubes go down into a section seperate from where the drains are located which keeps the water on that end well above the tubes, but it doesnt keep the water higher on that side than the tube ends on the tank side, so tomorrow I'll have to get what I need to raise the drains so the water stays above the tube ends on the tank side. It's all becoming clearer now. Thanks __________________ -David- President - New Hampshire Reef Club There’ll be no one to save, with the world in a grave Current Tank Info: 100 gal lagoon/seagrass, 100 gal sump, Lifereef 72" skimmer, 180 inwall, 125 inwall seagrass/lagoon in progress

03/13/2006, 07:09 AM	#27
ohioreef Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Western Ohio Posts: 3,106	I have an Amiracle overflow and my U-tube is the same length on both sides. I didn't realize that you have 2 tubes. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said the 2nd tube is continuing to draw down the water until the first tube is exposed on the short end thus breaking the siphon. __________________ Gary

03/13/2006, 09:29 AM	#30
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Large Snails, big hunk of macro, etc will cause a problem in any overflow, internal or external. Keep them out. I also run a Lifereef and have never a problem. __________________ - Scott

03/13/2006, 07:55 AM	#29
examiner Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 367	If this is your first experience w/ overflows and sumps...I hate to say it, but you'll probably overflow something at some point. I'd guess 50+% of first-timers do it. That's why I always recommend, if possible, you set the tank up w/ fresh water someplace like the garage while you tune the pumps, match flows, etc. etc. I have a siphon overflow on my 58, and it never breaks flow, even with a power outage. (Lifereef, great product) As mentioned, good flow through the tube prevents bubbles from building up. Be aware that other things could potentially cause a failure, including snails, large chunks of macro algae, etc. You need to put guards in place to prevent these types of disasters. My first year in the hobby, I got the carpet wet alot. Hasn't happened lately. Despite that, checking the overflow is still the first thing I do every morning.

03/13/2006, 09:50 AM	#31
Driftwood Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Gardiner, ME Posts: 841	You can go with a float switch in your main tank. If the water level rises, it will cut off your return pump. I have this in place. I bought the float valves for $12 on ebay and they even had the suction cups and mounting bracket needed to stick it to the aquarium wall. I have a wier type overflow and it works fine. Sometime air bubbles collect and I have to suck them out with the airline, but I will buy a airlifter for it soon and that problem will go away. You need to have holes drilled in your return line just below the water surface. This will break the syphon created when power is lost to your return pump. Preventing your main tank water from overflowing your sump. I have another switch to put in the sump that I will use for an auto top-off. Works perfectly... Best of luck!