Complicated Pre-plumbed Wet/dry Issue

[pkillur]

Howdy all you smart guys (and gals) out there. I have a 72 gallon All-Glass bowfront that comes preplumbed with [http/www.all-glass.com/products/aquariums/pdf/megaflow_sheet.pdf]this overflow[/url]. It goes down into some type of sumpy wet/dry system. Over at wet web media they told me that I might have a plumbing problem. Basically I plug the pump in and I get things running correctly for a little while then all of a sudden I hear a huge rush of water followed by a hideous sucking noise. Bob Fenner (ala WWM) said that I most likely have a problem with a siphon starting and then disestablishing. My thoughts are the following:

1: Bob said I might have a problem with the plumbing (AKA my tubes). I'm running spaflex 1 inch down overflow tubing into the dispersal area. On the way up I have a couple of feet of 3/4 inch vinyl return tubing.

2: Could my pump just be surging? It had seized up at one point, but I let it dry out and chipped some fishpoop cicles out of the inside of it and it seems to run now. The only reason I think it might be surging is that sometime it seems like there are a lot (a lot a lot, like a bathtub downspout) of white air bubbles in the return water stream. Is my pump possibly dying?

 

[dylema]

I am not an expert but it sounds like the outlet from the tank it getting filled making a full siphon and sucking water very quickly out until the water drops and a bit of air gets in the pipe and then air gets sucked in and makes the horrible noise and the flow slows and the tank fills up a bit and the cycle repeats. If this is the problem there is an easy fix. if you get a T piece pipe and have it outside the aquarium with one end facing up with a cap on it that has a little hole drilled in it, and one end down with the pipe to the sump. the sideways bit goes onto the tank outlet and have a 90 degree angle on the inside of the tank facing down. This allows a partial siphon so enough air gets through but the little hole stops a full siphon and the sucking noise. Do a search for durso stand pipe and this will show you the kind of thing I am talking about. I hope this helps. (sorry about the poor drawing skills. I like my fish though )

 

[andywg]

Definately a water drainage issue. google durso standpipe and go to the first hit. This will solve all your problems. The diagram above is a modded durso standpipe to operate in a mini weir conditions (thought he mini weir is missing from the pic).

 

[pkillur]

Definately a water drainage issue. google durso standpipe and go to the first hit. This will solve all your problems. The diagram above is a modded durso standpipe to operate in a mini weir conditions (thought he mini weir is missing from the pic).

Well, here's the weird thing. Here is the direct quote from the all glass site about the overflow:

"The MegaFlow™ Overflow System by All-Glass Aquarium is engineered to allow maximum water flow to the main filter system, while greatly reducing the cascading water sound. The MegaFlow™ Overflow System design draws water from the surface, mid-range, and bottom levels of your aquarium. This provides more effective circulation and filtration, which in turn helps eliminate dead water zones in your aquarium. The MegaFlow™ allows more water flow than the previous All-Glass overflow design and significantly outperforms the competitors tube design. The new design can handle an actual maximum flow through rate of 600 G.P.H. per overflow. The MegaFlow™ Overflow is securely bonded and sealed to the back wall of the aquarium with silicone. The overflow construction makes it rugged and durable and allows the user to stack rock or other decorating materials right up against it…no unprotected flimsy clear plastic tubes to worry about. This new back wall mounted design also keeps unsightly plumbing from being seen. Aquariums up to 110 gallons are fitted with one MegaFlow™ Overflow and are rated for a maximum flow through of 600 G.P.H. (Using a rated 2,400 G.P.H. pump at a 5 foot head)."

Also, I have the overflow kit that has the following equipment (as ripped from the all glass site)

Designed for efficient water collection and replenishment for all All-Glass Overflow Aquariums. This simple to install kit contains bulkhead fittings, drainpipe, return pipe with flexible nozzle, straight barb fittings, which is enough to outfit one overflow. Designed to fit in MegaFlow™ & Corner Overflow Aquariums.
PART#29251

So what you are suggesting is replacing the overflow skimmer deal with the one from Durso, correct?
Here is a picture of said item in a corner overflow (although mine is in the left hand side not the corner.) It appears that I basically have a durso

 

[dylema]

Yes that looks like you do have a durso already. You could check that the hole in the top is not blocked. I am now not sure how else to help sorry.

 

[pkillur]

Yes that looks like you do have a durso already. You could check that the hole in the top is not blocked. I am now not sure how else to help sorry.

Well, I'm wondering if it's leaking more air in it than it needs or if the pump is actually surging. I think I may take your suggestion and replace it with a "real" durso standpipe because their air "thingies" are purportedly better. And, at 20 bucks it's worth a shot. Besides, I need a way to get the wetdry working since the sand I'm wanting to put into my tank will kill my fluval probably

><Preston>

All this work for a friggen' purple goby. I must love my kid or something...