Bubbly overflow

[Alex’s Reef]

I serviced a clients tank the other day and the overflow bubbles pretty loudly. It doesn’t bubble all the time. The client says it stops for a week and then it starts up again randomly. He’s had the tank since 2018 and it’s always done this since day 1. I’ve only taken a look at it once but there’s gotta be something that can be done to stop it from bubbling. I’ll provide a short clip so you guys can see what I’m taking about.

Don’t know all the specs but he got the tank on Amazon. I imagine it was one of their starfire tanks, looks at least 65 gallons or so.

 

[blaxsun]

I can't view the video on my iPad, but I'll try and check it out tomorrow.

 

[Sean Clark]

I'll lean towards a periodic overflow restriction.

 

[Alex’s Reef]

Not sure why the video won’t play, sorry guys. There is a clownfish the client had no idea about that has been living in the overflow box for over a year, I don’t imagine that’s the reason for the restriction of water flow. If the overflow tube was clogged with something that would be the reason obviously but it’s done this since day one according to the client so I have no clue..

 

[blaxsun]

I'd need to see the overflow in the top of the tank, but it looks like they've possibly configured two main overflows as opposed to a main and emergency. That, or there's too much flow for the one overflow and it's triggering an influx of water through the emergency.

In any event, the problem is there's no gate valve or way to regular the water level/flow - which combined with the way (I suspect) it's setup is causing the issues. Unrelated, your client will want to replace those steel clamps with plastic (rust is a killer).

 

[Alex’s Reef]

I'd need to see the overflow in the top of the tank, but it looks like they've possibly configured two main overflows as opposed to a main and emergency. That, or there's too much flow for the one overflow and it's triggering an influx of water through the emergency.

In any event, the problem is there's no gate valve or way to regular the water level/flow - which combined with the way (I suspect) it's setup is causing the issues. Unrelated, your client will want to replace those steel clamps with plastic (rust is a killer).

Yes, the water goes down the main drain and the e-drain isn’t used at all. I’ll tell the client putting a check valve on the main overflow tubing may help. I looked down in the overflow box and I couldn’t find anything clogging the entry to the main drain. I hope the check valve works. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[nereefpat]

I'd like to see the overflow

Any idea how much flow the return pump is pushing?

 

[Alex’s Reef]

I don’t have any pictures as this was the first time at the clients house. I’ll ask him to send some pictures

 

[Alex’s Reef]

Not sure how much the return pump is pushing, I’ll ask the client that as well. Attached is a picture of the top of the overflow box. Not sure if the dual return nozzle piping is in the way but I have a feeling it is.

 

[nereefpat]

If there is 2 drains in there, then he'll be able to use 1 as a siphon and that will completely get rid of the bubbles. If there is just 1, then he likely needs to slow down the pump (or valve it down) just enough to keep from pulling so much air down the drain.

 

[The Farmer]

Put a long air line tubing in the main drain and see if that helps. It is possible it’s creating an air pocket that causes it to bubble after a short period of time

 

[Alex’s Reef]

These are excellent suggestions, thanks for chiming in. I’ll send these tips to the client and I’ll provide some updates momentarily.

 

[Alex’s Reef]

The airline tubing helped with the loud gurgling noise as the client said it’s not so constant but there is still some noise but the client is happy and he thinks it’s the best it’ll get so thank you guys!

 

[The Farmer]

Happy to be of service
Your welcome