overflow slowing daily

jeeptp75 · 07/05/2006, 08:36 PM

My overflow has been running flawlessly for about 8 months to a year now but the last few days it seems it slowes to the point of almost loosing syphon? I have to resyphon it every day. I took the u tube out to make sure nothing was in it and its clear. Any other suggestions?

Thanks

outy · 07/05/2006, 08:50 PM

clean/check your return pump

jeeptp75 · 07/06/2006, 07:07 AM

The return pump seems to be working fine. When the overflow slows the pump keeps on pumping to the point that it pumps the water out of my refugum and almost overflows my tank. I have a ball valve on my pump and have it turned way back right now becasue if it pumps at full volume its pumping out more water than my overflow is flowing in.

nugg91 · 07/06/2006, 07:17 AM

i have the same problem just recently had to add the ball valve to the pump side. i have a diy u-pipe as an overflow and have cleaned it extensively but still experience the same problems. i will be watching to hopefully find a solution...in the mean time i will be searching also and will post if i find something. good luck

jeeptp75 · 07/06/2006, 07:22 AM

I have had to have a ball valve on mine from day 1 but it was almost completely open. I only ever had to turn it back slightly but like I said for some reason now i have it turned down so low it barly flows.

outta names · 07/06/2006, 08:04 AM

Make sure all your holes in your dorso pipes are cleaned out. I had this problem a couple of weeks ago and salt creep had obstruted my holes causing my overflow level to drop a couple of inches.

jeeptp75 · 07/06/2006, 09:02 AM

whats a Dorso pipe, is that something with a built in overflow mine is the hang on type.

outta names · 07/06/2006, 09:06 AM

Oh, sorry than I guess you wouldn't have a dorso pipe and yes to answer your question they are built in overflows.

Wombat_101 · 07/06/2006, 09:53 AM

I would take apart the entire overflow box and flush it clean by first soaking it in a 50/50 water and vinegar mix. Let that sit for a few hours in the mix, then rinse with water. Let dry, then re-attach to the tank. Do the same with the return pump and hosing as well. This should resolve your problems. Also make sure that all the teeth on the overflow are clean and clear of algae and coraline.

HTH,
Greg

meschaefer · 07/06/2006, 11:09 AM

You may have an obstruction in the pipe leading from the overflow to your sump. Do as the Wombat says and take apart overflow box and any associated pipes/tubing and soak it in some vinegar.

07/05/2006, 08:36 PM	#1
jeeptp75 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Johnstown, PA Posts: 415	overflow slowing daily My overflow has been running flawlessly for about 8 months to a year now but the last few days it seems it slowes to the point of almost loosing syphon? I have to resyphon it every day. I took the u tube out to make sure nothing was in it and its clear. Any other suggestions? Thanks

07/06/2006, 11:09 AM	#10
meschaefer Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Astoria, NYC Posts: 564	You may have an obstruction in the pipe leading from the overflow to your sump. Do as the Wombat says and take apart overflow box and any associated pipes/tubing and soak it in some vinegar. __________________ Matt Current Tank Info: 220 gallon w/ starphire, 120 gallon starphire sump, Skimmer DAS Ex-2, Calcium Reactor Geo 618, Trade Wind 1/2 hp compact Chiller, 2x 250 HQI Lumenarc Reflectors, Vortech mp40w, AC Jr.,

07/05/2006, 08:50 PM	#2
outy Moved On Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: auburn CA Posts: 4,021	clean/check your return pump

07/06/2006, 07:07 AM	#3
jeeptp75 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Johnstown, PA Posts: 415	The return pump seems to be working fine. When the overflow slows the pump keeps on pumping to the point that it pumps the water out of my refugum and almost overflows my tank. I have a ball valve on my pump and have it turned way back right now becasue if it pumps at full volume its pumping out more water than my overflow is flowing in.

07/06/2006, 07:17 AM	#4
nugg91 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: DFW Posts: 143	i have the same problem just recently had to add the ball valve to the pump side. i have a diy u-pipe as an overflow and have cleaned it extensively but still experience the same problems. i will be watching to hopefully find a solution...in the mean time i will be searching also and will post if i find something. good luck

07/06/2006, 07:22 AM	#5
jeeptp75 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Johnstown, PA Posts: 415	I have had to have a ball valve on mine from day 1 but it was almost completely open. I only ever had to turn it back slightly but like I said for some reason now i have it turned down so low it barly flows.

07/06/2006, 08:04 AM	#6
outta names Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 360	Make sure all your holes in your dorso pipes are cleaned out. I had this problem a couple of weeks ago and salt creep had obstruted my holes causing my overflow level to drop a couple of inches.

07/06/2006, 09:02 AM	#7
jeeptp75 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Johnstown, PA Posts: 415	whats a Dorso pipe, is that something with a built in overflow mine is the hang on type.

07/06/2006, 09:06 AM	#8
outta names Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 360	Oh, sorry than I guess you wouldn't have a dorso pipe and yes to answer your question they are built in overflows.

07/06/2006, 09:53 AM	#9
Wombat_101 Reefer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Long Island Posts: 281	I would take apart the entire overflow box and flush it clean by first soaking it in a 50/50 water and vinegar mix. Let that sit for a few hours in the mix, then rinse with water. Let dry, then re-attach to the tank. Do the same with the return pump and hosing as well. This should resolve your problems. Also make sure that all the teeth on the overflow are clean and clear of algae and coraline. HTH, Greg