drain help

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Sorry that wasn't the source of the problem! I have a few questions that might help figure things out (hopefully!) :)

Is there an air gap between the bottom of the drain and the water in the sump? If the outlet is underwater it will impede good drainage.

Any other obstruction at the outflow that would restrict flow?

Is there any backgrading (low spots) in the drain line?

Are there strainers in the elbows inside the tank?

I believe 1 1/4" should be enough for 720 GPH if everything is flowing smoothly.

Post some pix, it may help .
 
remove the elbow within the tank and repladce it with a strainer. works on my tank!
 
hey

no, the flex hosing is almost completely straight and the ends of them in the sump are about 6 inches below water level

no obstruction other than the 2 elbows (with the bulkhead, the fittings ID is 1 1/16", so its not a true 1 1/4" anymore)

no low spots, only place that is horizontal is inbetween the elbows

no strainers

ive been taking pics of the whole tank building to post on here when it gets done but i havent got around to picturinbg this stage yet since ive had so much of a problem wit the drain, if i can ill try to get pics of it today or tomorrow

i dont understand whats wrong, the first pic is in the thread is exactly what i have atm except that the outside 90 is now an elbow

and i cant just get rid of the 90 because my bulkheads were drilled to be about 4" below top of tank so if i got rid of the 90s my water level would be like 5" below top of tank
 
i read on the internet that the drain will start gurgling and what not when the drain approaches its maximum drainage rate. however, i dont think this is the problem because even with one pump on (700gph), the two drains still do the same thing just not as loud
 
zdoo2;1803757; said:
hey

no, the flex hosing is almost completely straight and the ends of them in the sump are about 6 inches below water level

no obstruction other than the 2 elbows (with the bulkhead, the fittings ID is 1 1/16", so its not a true 1 1/4" anymore)

no low spots, only place that is horizontal is inbetween the elbows

no strainers

ive been taking pics of the whole tank building to post on here when it gets done but i havent got around to picturinbg this stage yet since ive had so much of a problem wit the drain, if i can ill try to get pics of it today or tomorrow

i dont understand whats wrong, the first pic is in the thread is exactly what i have atm except that the outside 90 is now an elbow

and i cant just get rid of the 90 because my bulkheads were drilled to be about 4" below top of tank so if i got rid of the 90s my water level would be like 5" below top of tank
Click to expand...


Did you say the ends of the flex tubes are about 6 inches BELOW the water level in the sump? If so, that should be your problem. To flow correctly the drain needs to have an "air gap" between the outlet and the surface of your sump. By submerging the ends of the tubing you impede airflow.

A simple way to test without cutting your flex tubes would be to lower the water level in the sump until it is an inch or two below the outlet of the drain lines. (as long as your pumps won't be sucking air...)

Good luck, I think this should do it! :nilly:
 
ok, it works now without any gurgling and the drain is silent but now the hose is above the water level and it makes a lot of noise from the water splashing, is there anyway i can get rid of that noise without adding too much mech filtration, more money invested and that wont obstruct the flow. also, the 1 1/4" pipe doesnt drain enough water and the main tank very slowly overflows. i was thinking of just putting a reducer or some elbows in the return pump hose to decrease the flow a bit, any other ideas? i dont wanna put a ball valve on it, i think it would just be problemmatic
 
A filter bag over the end of the hose may help quiet it down, or maybe build something out of light diffuser grating and a filter pad...

If your pumps are pushing a little two much water you could:

1) Put a reducer on the outlet (I don't think adding elbows would slow it down appreciably)
2) Put a ball valve on outlet of pump
3) Put a tee in the line with a recirculator. You can use the flow from the tee to power additional filtration or just let it flow back into the sump.
4) They make a clamp that goes over the outside of flex tubing to reduce flow, they are sold through hydroponics dealers and some aquarium suppliers.

I'm glad you were able to get the darn thing to stop gurgling! A little fine-tuning and you're good-to-go.
 
ok thanks a lot, i thinik i might just put a stack of pieces of eggcrating under the drains to stop the water sound
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom