Over flows making a racket

[Tarazed]

I installed a larger skimmer, added sand to my refuge and made a few other minor modifications to my sump. Now the overflow (220 RR Perfecto) are rising and falling in an alternating pattern. I'm assuming that is because there is too much back pressure on the drain. If I shorten the drain pipe, presently under the water, that should lower the back pressure and allow the overflows to drain properly. Any one have any opinions? Similar experiences?

Thanks

 

[ScorpionSys]

how are they plumed do you have pics?

 

[Tarazed]

Overflows

Both overflows drain into a single piece of 2" PVC. See below:

 

[Keith P]

Could it be that you added more flow and need to let more air in to the durso/standpipe? The overflow levels are surging, right?

 

[ScorpionSys]

What size are the bulkheads?
What is the GPH rating on the return?

if you have 2 1.25" sched. 40 pvc going in to a 2" pipe you will be restricting flow minimally

1.25" pipe is 1500 gph each total 3000 gph

2" pipe is 3300 gph

now if you have 2 1.5" pipe 2100 gph each total 4200gph

your losing a lot.

But if you only have a flow of 1800 gph exiting there is no issue. with any back pressure.

If you have a pump that exceeds the 2" pipe capacity newly added then you need to either upgrade the pipe or separate the overflows.

Assuming from your pics (Can not make the routing out 100%) your change included the T to a 1" pipe to feed the fuge it could have slowed the flow in the 2" pipe because of its positioning ( faced downward mid stream) its like the water hitting a speed bump. it would have been better to add a reducer T where the elbow is now. Again this all depends on the flow of your return.

If your return flow is under the ratings there is an issue elsewhere and Hmmm I would have no idea lol

GL with your issue hope it won't cause you too much hair pulling to figure it out like this hobby seems to do sometimes.

 

[Tarazed]

Overflows

I just checked this morning and everything has equalized. Its draining evenly from both sides and its much quieter. I guess it just has to work out the extra air, once restarted? Strange. I was afraid I wouldn't get enough flow to the refuge if I placed it at the 2" elbow, so I installed it before the drain. I know its a speed bump, but, I thought it would minimal.

All is well. I guess I can expect an adjustment period to follow every time I shut off the return pumps. BTW the Perfecto drains are 1". I have 1" flex spa (~4") that feed directly into 2" PVC so I should see back pressure/restriction only at the sump.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Thankfully it cured itself

 

[batt600]

I would put a T on the pipe in pic 1 feeding the sump so it can breath .It will be much quiter and you wouldnt have this problem again.

 

[Imbarrie]

I had the same problem. A 45deg before the tee helped give the air bubbles a way to exit. It made all the difference and I incorporate this into all my sumps now.


Sent from my iPhone using Reefs

 

[Tarazed]

T-fitting

For this weekend, I'm going to leave well enough alone. However, I was considering adding a T fitting with a pipe that would extend 2 or so feet above the drain for air flow. Similar to the roof vent on a house for the toilet. Anyone ever try that? Will noise increase due to the vent pipe?

 

[Keith P]

For this weekend, I'm going to leave well enough alone. However, I was considering adding a T fitting with a pipe that would extend 2 or so feet above the drain for air flow. Similar to the roof vent on a house for the toilet. Anyone ever try that? Will noise increase due to the vent pipe?

What you are talking about is a reverse durso. It's easy to build, but takes us more space.

 

[Tarazed]

Keith,

Do you have any links, so I can get some ideas on how I could plumb it. Do you think it will be quieter. I have Durso's on my over flows, correct? Its a 220 RR Perfecto.'

Thanks

 

[Keith P]

Keith,

Do you have any links, so I can get some ideas on how I could plumb it. Do you think it will be quieter. I have Durso's on my over flows, correct? Its a 220 RR Perfecto.'

Thanks

Reverse durso should quiet down the air noise, as it gives the water an area to slow down and it allows the air to escape easily. I think you will still have some water fall sounds.

(Don't ask me, my tank is really loud :hairy: )

Here is a pic I stole from another forum. It's a double durso, but it's the best pic I could find.

 

[Tarazed]

Reverse Durso

Well all was well until this afternoon, it started again. All I've done is feed that tank and the lights have come on. I'm wondering if the heat from the metal halides is what is causing it to happen. It's so strange about 45 minutes after the lights come on it starts again.

If I attempt the reverse Durso's I may make the "air vent" a little taller to prevent water from backup up and out the vent.

 

[Keith P]

Lets go over the noise again. Surging from the top durso?
We never saw a pic of the durso. Does it have a tube in it, or just holes drilled into the cap?

 

[Tarazed]

overflows

Here is a pic of the "stock" over flow. Now with the lights on they are filling towards the top of the overflow box and then the water level is dropping down. The alternates from one side to the other. its not that must louder, but, its louder and its not right. On the Perfectos there is a small vent tube out the top of the Durso elbow.

 

[Keith P]

I would bet it's that air inlet. Surging on the over flow is from a lack of air flow. I would enlarge the hole. Or go one step further and attached a valve (either directly to the elbow or on a piece of 3/8" hose).

I found by inserting a hose down into the durso (4-8") helps make it quieter.

Do you have a ball valve between the return pump and the return outlet? If so, you can close it slightly to test this theory. If the surging stops, it's an air inlet issue.

 

[Tarazed]

I don't have a ball valve on the return pumps. I wonder why its only happening when the halides come on. Maybe the bulbs are heating the durso elbows and that is creating some type of vacuum of "draft". Its so strange! I'm going to make the hole in the drain pipe I mentioned larger. I think its back pressure thats causing this. Thats why they fill, then overcome the back pressure, drain and refill, alternating from side to side.

 

[Tarazed]

I just drilled two more holes in the 2" drain pipe above the water level and it has decreased. But still occuring on occasion. So time will tell. A revere durso is probably the answer and the cause is likely too much back pressure caused by the drain being submerged.

 

[Lunareclipse]

My sump sounds like niagra falls.