Overflow sucking sound

raptor72

raptor72

Member
BACKGROUND: So I installed the tank right where I used to have my old one, nothing different ( concrete slab, carpet, etc...) I didn't check to make sure that the floor was even like you always read. Anyways, after the new one was in, I checked it with a level. Long story short, the left side is 1/4 inch or less lower than the right.
PROBLEM: Once the whole system was in place, I turned on all the pumps, skimmers, etc... The right overflow drain travels the whole length of the tank to drain into the Fuge on the left side of the tank. The left overflow pretty much drains straight down about 6 inches (much less travel time). I kept hearing a gurgling sound from the overflow tube on the left side and couldn't figure out for the longest time how to fix it. Then when I looked at the travel time, I figured out that the overflow was emptying out too fast and didn't have time to get filled back up (hence, the sucking sound coming from the two holes drilled into the elbows ((siphon break?)) on the drain.
SOLUTION: The drain is 1 1/4" PVC, so I placed a reducer to 1" and it took care of the problem, giving the overlow a little more time to fill up.
NOW: I placed more live rock in yesterday, and the sound started up again (don't know if there's any connection there). Should I reduce the drain more (3/4")? I wouldn't think it would be a good idea, but I have no other solution.
Ideas?????????
 
geoj

geoj

Active Member
I think you have to much flow for the over flow with the size of the air hole that is in the down pipe. Change the line back so it is full size. Give a pic of the overflow so I and others can see what type it is and where the air vent is in the pipe... If it can be done make the vent air hole bigger, but have a way to replace it if it is to big after.
Or you can level the tank
 
raptor72

raptor72

Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by GeoJ http:///forum/thread/384160/overflow-sucking-sound#post_3364615
I think you have to much flow for the over flow with the size of the air hole that is in the down pipe. Change the line back so it is full size. Give a pic of the overflow so I and others can see what type it is and where the air vent is in the pipe... If it can be done make the vent air hole bigger, but have a way to replace it if it is to big after.
Or you can level the tank

I removed the reducer and it's back to the 1 1/4' pipe. Now it's back to the original BIG SLURP that sounds like somebody snoring. The water level fluctuates up and down more this way, approximately 3/4". This picture is of it as the water level nears the hole and air starts going into it (making the sucking sound). I'm putting the reducer back on to quiet it down a bit.
 
geoj

geoj

Active Member
I know you don't feel that I am right but, you have just confirmed to me what is wrong. There should be a hole in the top of the overflow that lets air out as water falls in the line. So lets see this hole.
 
geoj

geoj

Active Member
OK, yep the hole with the air line is too small to let air move in and out the pipe and that makes the water in the stand pipe chamber flush then fill over and over.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
I've found you can get those adjustable air valves, and tap out the hole and thread the air valve into the hole you tapped and it gives you infinite air adjustment.
 
slice

slice

Active Member
Every time I see this thread's title, I think of the "hand grenade with a bad haircut".
Who am I referring to?
 
raptor72

raptor72

Member
Acrylic, it worked! Here's what I did. Instead of using new elbows, is used the existing ones and drilled a slightly larger hole where the airline was on top and inserted a slightly wider piece of airline. Now the water/air ratio is where it needs to be because there is no fluctuation whatsoever. The water line is well above the siphon break and my problem is gone.
Thanks for all the help.
 
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