Help needed with new plumbing setup

[fmelindy]

OK, here's the deal. I'm just getting the plumbing set up on my new 125 gallon tank and I have never been so frustrated in my life....
I have two overflow chambers with those standard All-Glass overflow piping kits. One is running a closed loop so it overflows into a 1 1/4" pipe which is reduced to a 3/4 " fitting and then goes to a Quiet one 1600 gph pump and is returned to the tank via the same overflow box with a 3/4" pipe all the way.
The other goes to my sump which has the exact same quiet one 1600 gph pump. The thing is, I don't seem to be able to get the overflow right on the sump side. It seems like the overflow chamber "empties too fast" if that's possible, without affecting the level in the other overflow box at all. When it empties it makes a flushing noise. I was able to reduce this somewhat by again reducing the outflow from 1 1/4" to 3/4" but there is a still a lot of air getting flushed out into the outflow and its making a loud noise and I am going crazy!!! Suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!

 

[fmelindy]

Oh, and tmy kent nautilus skimmer is producing absolutely no air bubbles (i just set it up). Is this normal for a newly setup skimmer?

 

[fmelindy]

Anybody? My skimmer is still not producing any air bubbles whatsoever this morning....

 

[turningtim]

What are the overflows rated for (gph)? Have you calculated how much flow you're getting from the pumps after head pressure and plumbing restriction (elbows etc.) How is your sump set-up with skimmer and return chambers. Your skimmer should make bubbles no matter what, but it just takes a "break-in" period for it to produce skimmate. So if your not getting bubbles then something is wrong.
Try and calc the numbers or post and I'll give it a shot. I'm no pro but I've been running a lot of calc's for my new set-up. I don't know maybe I can help.

 

[squidd]

Should be an air adjustment hole on the sump side stand pipe...need to open it up a "tad" to slow the flow and stop the flushing...
Skimmer should be producing bubles from minute one...at least if your getting air into the system.. the slimey/foamy ones that collect in the cup take a little longer...
Are you getting "any" bubbles in the skimmer body...?

 

[fmelindy]

No bubbles whatsoever in the skimmer body....
Squidd - you talk about an "air adjustment hole" where would I find this?
TurningTim- I have no idea what the overflows are rated for. They don't seem to be having any trouble keeping up. The two pumps are identical and are rated for 1000gph at 6' and 1600 gph at 0'. Im at 41/2 ' so it's somewhere in between. There are no elbows. The plumbing is straight flexible pvc tubing until the overflow standpipes. The sump is just a big single chamber with the outflow from the tank going directly in, the skimmer sits next tot that tnd the outflow pump is on the other side.
Thanks for your replies, both of you!