overflow box help

[samsreef]

I have finally got my sump setup. However I'm having some problems with my schruan? syphon overflow box.

- Why does it sound like a toilet flushing all the time?

- How do I stop the syphon from breaking? (air keeps slowly filling up in the overflow section), i'm afraid it will break while i'm at work or asleep and my pump will run dry. What happens when pumps run dry, can it cause a fire?

I have heard of using a "ventura" pump under water so the syphon can not break. Is that what I need? Where can I find one? How much do they cost? Does it have any effect on any of the other functions of the sump (for example if the return pump stops the water flows in to the sump until the syphon breaks, I'm assuming the syphon still breaks right?)

[Reefland]

You might try a stronger pump. It sounds like air is building up because there sin't enough water flowing through it to prevent it.

For the noise, search for durso standpipe. ;)

[samsreef]

Hi Scott, Do you mean a return pump? My overflow is rated at 2000l per hour max, my return pump is rated at 3000l per hour at 3 metres (which is what it does, if less). I wouldn't imagine that to be the problem.

Cheers for the advice on the durso standpipe, will try it.

[The R/C Man]

Hi Samsreef!

Do you have a link to or a picture of the overflow you purchased? I would like to get a better idea of the set up. We may be able to give some more help based on its design.

If the siphon tube has a small crack it can be sucking air and causing your problem.... Just a thought....

[The R/C Man]

Well I went and did some web surfing and found a picture of the overflow box you are reffering to. They seem to be very similar in design to a CPR overflow. I have one on my small tank and had the same problem. Once I added a vacuum pump the problem stopped. I bought mine for about $12....... Good luck....

[samsreef]

Cheers for your responses, it doesn't use a tube its all one thing.

I have added a pump to suck the air out and its fine but another problem arose while I was at work, a divider in the sump cracked, I think the return pump was rattling on it.

I think the setup still works though, its not the main divider that separates the refugium and the return, it was the last one on the bubble trap. Guess I'm just going to have to make do without the bubble trap...

Will get there in the end.

(P.S US prices are well cheaper than UK, my pump for the overflow cost £25 + £4 for the venturi valve)