EMERGENCY, WATER LEVEL SUDDENLY TO HIGH XL525

scvc620 · May 19, 2021

For unknown reason the tank suddenly started making a whining noise, sort of, and the water level is over the top of the pipes. I have only had this tank about 8 weeks and this is the first time there has been an issue. The water in the pump compartment is not staying level either. I pulled the filter between compartments and it was clean so replaced. Having a lot of trouble adjusting the water level and really concerned about an overflow tonight. Can anyone suggest anything...PLEASE!

Jekyl · May 19, 2021

Sounds like you're returning water faster than it's coming out. Pump is turned up too high or something like that.

scvc620 · May 19, 2021

Jekyl said:
Sounds like you're returning water faster than it's coming out. Pump is turned up too high or something like that.

Okay, i haven't changed it but will go dial it down. thank you so much.

Jekyl · May 19, 2021

scvc620 said:
Okay, i haven't changed it but will go dial it down. thank you so much.

Could have been happening gradually and didn't notice. Or perhaps a blockage?

Hincapiej4 · May 19, 2021

Here's a decent test. Take the water from your main tank and dump it in your sump. See if it quiets the noise, if it does, pumping too fast. If it quiets when doing from sump to tank, too slow. Use a pitcher.

scvc620 · May 19, 2021

Jekyl said:
Could have been happening gradually and didn't notice. Or perhaps a blockage?

My LFS returned my call and told me what to do, yes, it was a blockage, a firefish had gotten in the pipe. Bummer, but so glad nothing worse. Thank you for your help!

CoralB · May 19, 2021

Check for a obstruction in any of the Drain pipes

Hincapiej4 · May 19, 2021

dang firefish, always cosplaying as Mario.

CoralB · May 19, 2021

Maybe a fish , substrate , snail , crab ? Anything that could have suddenly got stuck

tehmadreefer · May 19, 2021

Snail in the pipes will do it. Nothing like a snail blockage causing an overflow at 2am...

scvc620 · May 19, 2021

tehmadreefer said:
Snail in the pipes will do it. Nothing like a snail blockage causing an overflow at 2am...

Oh my, not looking for that for sure. LOL

scvc620 · May 20, 2021

scvc620 said:
Oh my, not looking for that for sure. LOL

I just want to put out a thanks to those who responded. This a lesson learned and thankfully an easy one. This tank is my first Red Sea tank and the plumbing is a bit different that what I have had before. For those who are new to the hobby or to the tanks, I flushed out the object (firefish) by opening the valve all the way. The pressure pushed it out. Took a while to dial it back in, but this morning all is good. Happy Reefing everyone.