cloggin overflows in AGA tank...?

[thebigblue]

my 125 gal with dual overflows is slowly starting to clog...

pushing the top of the tank water line to the limit...

i assume its happening due to algaes clogging the teeth on the overflow (top and bottom teeth)...

could i somehow open these teeth and make them bigger with a dremel tool or something?...i would have to do it with the tank full obviously...

i use a mag1800 for return and thought about using it for a new closed loop im planning and down-sizing to a mag12 for my return pump...would this help?...

 

[SPC]

How long has the tank been running?
Steve

 

[thebigblue]

steve

the LR went in on thanksgiving...so about 8 months...heres my setup

125 AGA tank
3-250w 10K ushio MHs
150#s LR
5" DSB

i have a good mix of all types of macros goin on...i think the bottom teeth in the overflow (if your familiar with the AGA design) are clogged as well...i did try and not fill them when i put in my DSB, but they could have become clogged since...

i estimate the pump to be putting out about 1100 gph at 4' head...i had to add the "durso" standpipes for both overflows to quiet the rushing "toilet flushing" noise of the drains...i guess its possible these could be somewhat clogged?...

right now the water level is almost coming over the top of the tank....i hope maybe using a smaller return pump might help?...

 

[SPC]

Blue, if your tank has been running ok in the past then why don't you just clean out the slots? I have to do this with a brush on mine every few months.
Steve

 

[jhaag]

I used a dremel on mine with a triangle shapped bit. That way, I was able to punch the top of the slots out to about 3/8" but left the bottom the same (they are kind of lighbulb shaped). This allowed me to ensure that every hole was exactly the same size and perfectly level. I thought about using a dremel to widen the entire slot, but I was concerned that it would look crappy when I couldn't keep them all the same size. All I did was float a piece of masking tape on the water (after I turned off the pumps then waited for the tank level to settle). That way most of the plastic junk stuck to it. Once I turned the pump back on (about 5 mins per overflow), any plastic shavings I missed floated on the tank so I could sweep them up with my fish net. I am really happy with the results.