Tank overflowed

Exotic_Reefer0 · Sep 3, 2020

I'm using an overflow box(I'm regretting this now) and the tube thats siphoning the water into the box captures airbubbles eventually slowing down the flow to the point where the tank begins to fill faster than its able to drain leading to an overflow. Any way to stop these bubbles from getting caught there? I considered drilling a small hole on the top of the syphon tube to create a way for the air to escape but started thinking water could escape there? Idk

Mikeneedsahobby · Sep 3, 2020

You can drill a hole in the top of the u tube and attach a coupling and then attach this to the inlet of a small water pump.

or you can increase the water flow rate in the tube so bubbles are pushed through. (Larger return pump or smaller u tube.)

or empty the tank and drill it if it isn’t tempered.

nereefpat · Sep 3, 2020

An aqua lifter pump works well for this. It constantly runs, sucking water and air out of the tube.

Vette67 · Sep 3, 2020

That will unfortunately just let air in, unless you attach a pump to it. I had those overflow tubes in my first 75 tank, and I had to constantly keep an eye on them to purge the air out. Mine had flapper valves on the bottom that you could use to start the siphon, by quickly moving them up and down. But I also use those flappers to purge the air. Then I drilled my next tank and never looked back. If you only have a single U tube, maybe add another so you can hopefully lose flow slower. I can’t remember, but mine had either 2 or 3 U tubes in it.

Seanb1 · Sep 3, 2020

to never have an overflow again besides fixing the issue with your overflow is to raise your return pump up in your sump so it cant send enough water to your display tank to overflow it.
you should never have enough water to overflow your tank or your sump.

aqualifters are a good fix for overflow boxes that use utubes, doesnt cost much either.