air grows in overflow!

[skierajs]

I've always had this problem but it seems to be getting worse recently -

Every 3 or 4 days I have to restart my overflow because bubbles build up until the pipe is half full of air. It would probably go a few days beyond that but I know if I go on vacation the siphon will break and I'll have my sump on the floor.

Is this caused by the pipe being to large so it can't purge bubbles through it? What is the best way to eliminate this problem?

Thanks everyone!

 

[ZReef]

Likely too slow of flow although I have algae that actually creates air in the siphon tube.

 

[maurod]

The best way to fix this problem is a drilled tank. The next best way is to use an aqualifter pump to keep the siphon working.

 

[delta]

Most likely not enough flow.

Also always keep lighting out of your overflows even if it is a reef ready tank, it is a recipe for disaster.

 

[SaltCreep]

Incresed flow may be the answer.... but..

somehow bubbles are getting created that get into the tube. If you can figure out how to stop the bubbles, you'll be okay.

Try adjusting the height of the INTERNAL overflowbox. If you make that lower, it should make the water level inside that box rise.....and bubbles will have a harder time getting to the bottom where the U-tube siphons from.

You may have to adjust where the U tube sits inside the internal overflow box as well. Look in there and see where the bubbles come from.

 

[RedTide]

I agree with more flow should push the bubbles out. Just another obeservation along the lines of SaltCreep's. Make sure the internal box is level, particularly not lower on the side of the u-tube.

 

[merk1_99]

Def. make sure the tube is clean. And yes more flow. Though it sounds like if the problem is just starting after awhile its a dirty Utube. I also recommend owning at least 2 U tubes so swapping it and and cleaning the other one is easier.