Overflow set-up problems

[nicole messinger]

I'm setting up a new 200 gallon reef ready tank (with 2 overflows) and can't seem to keep the tubes in the overflow from gurgling. I'm using a mag-drive 2400 gph pump split two ways with a vertical climb of about 5 feet to return water to the tank. I guess i'm wondering if it's possible that i've got too much water flow and the tubes in the overflow just can't keep up. The tubes in the overflow are 1" ID. Thanks for the help.

 

[fixitdude2001]

Welcome to the board nicole, If you think your return is to fast, hear is a cheap way to control your return water, get a pvc valve [very cheap] put it at the water draw end[not the return end] this way you dont damadge your pump, your pump can then be regulated by the amount of water going through it. If you do it on the return side you will cause excess back pressure and, shortening the life of your pump. I have these valves on both our reef and 200 gallon. they work well and are under five bucks, hope this helps...fixit

 

[thereefman52]

also most likely.. you will have a adjust level right on the pump, so you may be able to skip that step

 

[mad reefer]

hey there,
Ihave a 150 with a overflow down 9 ft and at first my wife was crying about the sound but then put the prefilter in the box and bought a cover for it and that made a major difference. also if your brave like me you cand put in the small round sponge inside of the prefilter sponge about half way down I cant even hear mine anymore. Good luck
P.S the flow is great too i would not restrict it unless no other choice.
mad reefer.

 

[noogiefish]

Hey Mad Reefer:
do you think that sponge on the intake of the pump reduces the pump noise? i am running my wet/dry with a rio3100 and the humm is loud. it sits right behind out couch too, which means it is quickly becoming an albatross around my neck!

 

[sonny]

There are kits available to help with noise that include a little float that goes in the top of the drain pipe. I have seen one used, and it was pretty quiet. It was a slow pump on that tank, though. Experiment with different stand pipe configurations. Try cutting slits in the side of the pipe, or drill holes in the stand pipe. That should quiet them down a little. By making the pipe fill with water more, it should quiet some. I think the sponges also make it a little quieter, but this adds some possible unwanted bacteria environment. In a reef tank, you don't want those sponges.
Sonny

 

[johnnysalt]

Nicole, Glad you're here.
I'd bet you don't have a submerged intake on your standpipe....right? If you don't you can make your own for about $4 each. Need help, let me know! My overflow box gurgled for a month while I was trying different "fixes". I fixed the noise FOREVER with a durso standpipe...easiest project I ever did! It's quiet because the intake is under water. Here's a pic of one:

durso standpipe
On mine, I did NOT cut the "small hole" in the top end cap....I left it unglued and "resting" on top of the top pipe. Since it's not glued I can easily adjust it a little more snuggly on the pipe or pull it up a little more. (Last adjustment was like a month ago or so) Let us know what you decide to do!

 

[nicole messinger]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I've got a valve on the intake of the pump for now, it was a quick fix as the noise was driving me crazy. I'll let everyone know what I end up with.