surging gurgling noise from overflow

TampaSal · 02-01-2005, 07:17 PM

We have a 150 gal reef tank set up for only 1 week. Two days ago started a surging, toilet flushing noise from one of the overflows. It had been fine for a few days and then suddenly started. We are complete newbies to this hobby and have no idea how to stop this noise. We notice that the water level in the overflow goes down a few inches as it "flushes". Then the water level stabalizes, the noise goes away for about 15 to 30 seconds, then starts again. This is totally annoying and the store where we bought the set up seems to have no idea how to stop this. We have a refugium set up in the cabinet. It is set up to the right hand side of the cabinet (as you face it) and the overflow that is making all the noise drain almost straight down to the filter bags in the side of the refugium. The hose is not completely straight but comes down and curves over to then flow down into the filter. We are total newbies and not really handy so replacing things and drilling things are probably not an option. If anyone could help I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

Bald Eagle · 02-01-2005, 08:49 PM

It sounds like air is building up in the line and when enough water builds up, it forces the air out in a rush, hence the flushing effect. Some re-plumbing might be required, but, it shouldnt be a major task. Hope this helps.

**Poseidon** · 02-01-2005, 11:17 PM

Yup i agree, try and make the lines as straight as possible. Or you can do a search on "durso" stand pipes they are excellent and keep the noise to a minimum!

spankerbob · 02-22-2005, 12:28 AM

Too much flow, what is your return pump rated and how much does your over flow handle. i know that when I had a 900gph return pump in my sump and an over flow that was rated 600gph that it made a lot of ocean and flushing noises. I then matched the two and the noises went away. Trial and error is the only way to learn in my case, it is a little expensive but eventually works out ok.

tcobos · 02-22-2005, 02:32 AM

i also agree. i had the same thing happen to me... i moved the return hose just enough to let the water flow freely so that it doesnt collect in the return and air can escape... got rid of the flushing sound... i know its annoying... it bugged the heck out of me...

02-01-2005, 07:17 PM	#1
TampaSal New in Town Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 4	surging gurgling noise from overflow We have a 150 gal reef tank set up for only 1 week. Two days ago started a surging, toilet flushing noise from one of the overflows. It had been fine for a few days and then suddenly started. We are complete newbies to this hobby and have no idea how to stop this noise. We notice that the water level in the overflow goes down a few inches as it "flushes". Then the water level stabalizes, the noise goes away for about 15 to 30 seconds, then starts again. This is totally annoying and the store where we bought the set up seems to have no idea how to stop this. We have a refugium set up in the cabinet. It is set up to the right hand side of the cabinet (as you face it) and the overflow that is making all the noise drain almost straight down to the filter bags in the side of the refugium. The hose is not completely straight but comes down and curves over to then flow down into the filter. We are total newbies and not really handy so replacing things and drilling things are probably not an option. If anyone could help I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

02-01-2005, 08:49 PM	#2
Bald Eagle New in Town Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bartow, Florida Posts: 5	flushing It sounds like air is building up in the line and when enough water builds up, it forces the air out in a rush, hence the flushing effect. Some re-plumbing might be required, but, it shouldnt be a major task. Hope this helps.

02-01-2005, 11:17 PM	#3
Poseidon Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Swartz Creek, MI Posts: 6,159	Yup i agree, try and make the lines as straight as possible. Or you can do a search on "durso" stand pipes they are excellent and keep the noise to a minimum! __________________ Need a Photographer? Just say NO to CRABS Mike

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02-22-2005, 12:28 AM	#4
spankerbob Tenant Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, Ca. Posts: 55	Too much flow, what is your return pump rated and how much does your over flow handle. i know that when I had a 900gph return pump in my sump and an over flow that was rated 600gph that it made a lot of ocean and flushing noises. I then matched the two and the noises went away. Trial and error is the only way to learn in my case, it is a little expensive but eventually works out ok.

02-22-2005, 02:32 AM	#5
tcobos Just Moved In Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Phillips Ranch, CA Posts: 12	i also agree. i had the same thing happen to me... i moved the return hose just enough to let the water flow freely so that it doesnt collect in the return and air can escape... got rid of the flushing sound... i know its annoying... it bugged the heck out of me...

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