strange

[freeweights]

yesterday I went to do my every 2 week partial water change. Unplug the return pump to the display tank like allways, watch the water come up in the refugium 1 inch before the top. drain 5 gals then refill and turn the pump back on and usually works fine.This time everything was going good when I pulled the return pump plug the water came up 1 inch from the top of the refugium. then while i was getting ready to start taking water out of the tank i noticed the refugium was over flowing. after about a half gal spilled all over the floor it stopped I drained the 5 gals out and refilled and it worked fine any explaination for that? I thought that maybe it was shiponing out from the return hose so I found that little hole in the pipe and stuck a pin in it it didnt seem cloged up but maybe that was the problem because I cant think of anything it could have been what do you think??? should I drill that hole a little bit larger ?and that hole should be under the water correct??? Don

 

[robertmathern]

Sounds like the water came through the return hose. You do want the hole just under the water check to make sure it is not to deep. The deeper the hole is the more water will drain back. Just drill another hole close to the surface. I dont think making the hole any bigger will help. Unless the hole is tiny. Usally dont take much air to break the syphon.

 

[mr_x]

making it larger might help. if it's not completely clogged, but is not letting enough air through to stop the siphon, you'll have that result.

 

[natclanwy]

I had hair algae or something similar inside the PVC on my return and it caused a similar problem and when I tried unclog the hole it seemed clear but the siphon wouldn't break completely. I ended up drilling the hole larger then I cleared the algae out of the PVC.

 

[globaldesigns]

I will assume you have a check valve on the return pump. I would check the seals on it, maybe they are going. And if so, then they are leaking water back into the refugium/sump

 

[freeweights]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns
http:///forum/post/2774820
I will assume you have a check valve on the return pump. I would check the seals on it, maybe they are going. And if so, then they are leaking water back into the refugium/sump
I don't have a check valve on it but it sounds like that would work also i'll drill the hole just a little bigger . where do I get a check valve and what does it look like for that application ,an inline checkball or a shutoff valve??? thanks

 

[mr_x]

i wouldn't bother with a check valve. they fail pretty frequently.

 

[natclanwy]

I agree check valves are a waste, too many critters like to make their home on the sealing surfaces of the check vavle causing it to leak.