overflow question (pic)

gregrex · 05/31/2006, 05:53 AM

I've recently installed a U-type overflow on my office aquarium. It works fine, but appears to be collecting bubbles.

It looks to me like the syphon is going to break if this keeps up. Anyone have any advice on how to eliminate the problem?

sjm817 · 05/31/2006, 05:57 AM

You need to increase the flow through the U Tube. You have to have enough flow to keep the bubbles blown through. What size pump are you using? Remove any restrictions in the return pump plumbing if they exist.

Another option is to get a smaller diameter U Tube.

gregrex · 05/31/2006, 06:30 AM

Thanks. The first pump I tried was a Catalina Aquariums model rated at 800 gph. With only a few feet for head loss, it appeared too fast and I chickend out. I switched to a 400gph model (again, el-crappo Catalina Aquariums), and noticed this problem.

I think I'll put on a Mag5. Thanks for the help.

sjm817 · 05/31/2006, 06:37 AM

Mag5 should be good. Generally....you need ~ 200 GPH minimum through the U Tube to keep bubbles pushed through.

05/31/2006, 05:53 AM	#1
gregrex Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 154	overflow question (pic) I've recently installed a U-type overflow on my office aquarium. It works fine, but appears to be collecting bubbles. It looks to me like the syphon is going to break if this keeps up. Anyone have any advice on how to eliminate the problem?

05/31/2006, 05:57 AM	#2
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	You need to increase the flow through the U Tube. You have to have enough flow to keep the bubbles blown through. What size pump are you using? Remove any restrictions in the return pump plumbing if they exist. Another option is to get a smaller diameter U Tube. __________________ - Scott Last edited by sjm817; 05/31/2006 at 06:11 AM.

05/31/2006, 06:37 AM	#4
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Mag5 should be good. Generally....you need ~ 200 GPH minimum through the U Tube to keep bubbles pushed through. __________________ - Scott

05/31/2006, 06:30 AM	#3
gregrex Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 154	Thanks. The first pump I tried was a Catalina Aquariums model rated at 800 gph. With only a few feet for head loss, it appeared too fast and I chickend out. I switched to a 400gph model (again, el-crappo Catalina Aquariums), and noticed this problem. I think I'll put on a Mag5. Thanks for the help.