One overflow drains faster than other

[R6REEFER]

Im filling my tank for the first time, this is my first sump. I finally got to the part where water starts filling the sump and the right side drains significantly faster and starts draining first. When both are draining the right is still the fastest. Is that going to be a problem? I took out durso pipes and made sure they're put together correctly as well as made them the same height. There is no restriction in the drain lines. The right side (faster) is the fuge which has a higher level than the skimmer section (left) and the return is in the middle. The sump is filled now and completely even across the board so I'm thinking it'll be okay. Don't know for sure yet as I'm waiting on the arrival of my Ecotech Vectra.

 

[kschweer]

2 things come to mind. Are the drain pipes similar lengths? And do you have the drains submerged in the sump? If so is one deeper than the other?

 

[R6REEFER]

Yes they are exact same size as they are the megaflow kits from aqueon. Yes the drains are submerged but exact same length. I had this sump custom built by a pro.

 

[kschweer]

Strange. Is the tank level?

 

[Reefrookie220]

I'd be willing to bet your aquarium isn't level.

 

[R6REEFER]

Level as can be, from every aspect even the sump and canopy. I thought it was that at first but nope.

 

[Lab_Adam]

Looking at your level it makes sense to me that the right side is draining faster

 

[Ebone]

time for a gate valve

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Looking at your level it makes sense to me that the right side is draining faster

I agree. I bet if you put a good three foot level on there you'd notice a larger difference.

With that said it's not a big deal, and something I wouldn't be terribly worried about. I've seen countless systems where this occurs.

 

[R6REEFER]

If you think about it, the tank would have to be slightly leaning to the left in order to make the level how it is. With that being said wouldn't the left drain move water first and faster??

 

[143MPCo]

If you think about it, the tank would have to be slightly leaning to the left in order to make the level how it is. With that being said wouldn't the left drain move water first and faster??

Personally I wouldn't put much faith into the point level you are using as a true Professional Box Level 6' long is what you need, the reason I say that is top brace is normally fitted by hand and can have uneven areas... a box level will take end to end high point and give you a better overall picture of true level.

If it's really leveled after using a box level, snake the drains as you might have an obstruction sitting in one, or can you physically note less water draining over the teeth of the overflow?

 

[Robertchrisroph]

Yea. my tank does this too. not level. your level shows it. Just a bit off. mine works fine. Good luck

 

[underwaterdan]

Gotta agree with the not level part.... however I must add... nice sump

 

[R6REEFER]

I haven't had it up and running with a pump (the vectra should arrive tomorrow) I'm basing this off of the initial fill. To me it looks like it's the same amount through the teeth, there's no obstruction and the vinyl doesn't have any kinks or restrictions bends. I'm willing to bet the tank is just a tad off level but from what I'm gathering it shouldn't be a problem, especially because the quicker side is draining to my fuge.

Thanks, I had that sump custom built to my specifications. It holds quite a bit of water, about 45 gallons.

 

[Trex]

My 210 is similar --- but leveled it with an 6 foot box level. I am using separate Herbie's in each overflow, which go into separate bulkheads/filter socks in the sump. I believe that I made the right hand sides stand pipe ever so slightly shorter. Been running this way since December, and haven't noticed any real issues. The only minor annoyance is that the right hand side's filter sock does get dirty sooner. I am sure that I could adjust the gate valves to even this out, but it is dead silent now, so I don't feel the need to mess with it.

Can see the drains are separate into the sump --- the shorter travel is actually the slower one.

 

[mrred]

Ya that's not a real level. I had a similar situation, it doesn't take much to make real difference in flow.
Gate valve!

 

[ravedood]

in my case the tank is level but my right overflow drains faster than my left which leave an oil slick on the left hand surface after feeding. the drain is not clogged according to my shop vac. in the stand the left pipe is about 4 times longer than the right side. my sump is on the left side of the stand. what can i do in my situation?