Overflow boxes working slow

larisa Raykh · Jan 6, 2018

Hey guys. I noticed about 2 month ago my overflow boxes (I have 2 in the corners of 120 G) water levels started to have a slower flow. Incoming merely moving and outgoing water level dropped about 2 inches now. What could be the problem and how do I fix it? TIA

Big G · Jan 6, 2018

Weirs clean on the boxes? Has your pump slowed? Sometimes they get clogged from debris and need cleaning. I like citric acid to dissolve all sorts of problems with pumps and powerheads.

larisa Raykh · Jan 7, 2018

Its a dry pump amd its ok, I'm thinking pipes clogged? I dont even imagine undoing the piping.

mfinn · Jan 7, 2018

Sounds like a pump issue.
If it was clog issue in the drain, the tank water level would be rising.
The water through the overflow is only going to go as fast as the return pump is able to pump.

ca1ore · Jan 7, 2018

If the water being returned to the tank has fallen off then clearly there some kind of pump obstruction. Always a good idea to put a screen on the suction side of the pump.

Big G · Jan 7, 2018

Even if it is a dry pump, the impeller inside the pump can be damaged, in need of cleaning, etc. The electric motor inside the pump can wear out, sometimes prematurely. Do you have a backup pump to try?

Daltrey · Jan 7, 2018

I pull my return pump apart every 6 months, clean it in vinager and scrub it with a tooth brush along with my powerheads and skimmer. It's a good habit to get into.

I also added unions on all of my plumbing so it can be taken apart and cleaned if needed. If something like a snail does get into your plumbing you will need a way to get it out. It literally takes 5 min to cut pvc and add a union.

larisa Raykh · Jan 8, 2018

Big G said:
Even if it is a dry pump, the impeller inside the pump can be damaged, in need of cleaning, etc. The electric motor inside the pump can wear out, sometimes prematurely. Do you have a backup pump to try?

No, I will have to get one then.