New 90g tank - question about overflow to wet/dry filter (1 Viewer)

[BonzerB]

We've just started our salt water aquarium (a 90g bow front, internal overflow, wet/dry filtration, quite one 4000 pump, with live sand only for now). Everything is up and running now for about 7 days. I have cleaned out the filter once and replaced about 20 gal worth of water (mainly to get rid of the fine sand powder residue in the bottom of the filter that ended up in the pump sump).

It seems to be going fine now, but I am surprised that water from the tank to the filter is surging (liek a big burp of flow). Meaning, it does not have a steady flow to the filter - making it fairly noisy! I noticed that in the overflow compartment, the water changes elevation in the downlfow pipe. Once it builds up hieght, it surges the flow of water to the filter. I confirmed there is a constant flow into the overlow compartment (indicating a steady pump discharge).

The hook part of the downflow pipe was set according to the instructions (which was extremely lacking, so I am unsure about this). The minimum liquid level in the overflow compartment is within the hook of the downflow pipe. When the water level rises, it goes to almost the top of the hook before it surges.

Okay, does that make senses to anyone and can I get any help or advice to obtain a steady operation?

Thanks in advance!

 

[angel4]

I think you have a Durso stand pipe.
Look it up on the net, links such as this:

http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/diy/579-durso-standpipe-loud.html

 

[BonzerB]

yes that is it - a durso pipe.
Now after reading some info on the web (http://www.dursostandpipes.com/faq/45-flushing-effect-why-does-the-water-level-go-up-and-down), I am thinking I have a common problem, but not sure best solution. First I will play with the flexible tubing that connects the downflow stabdpipe to the slotted distributor in into the filter chamber. Currently there is a dip in the tube - so I guess it may have to overcome that pressure drop to push the water throught he tubing.
Any other thoughts?

 

[BonzerB]

I have adjusted the flexible tube from the downpipe to the slotted distributor in the filter and it has reduced the toilet flushing affect!!! Great!

Now my next question is the powder residue from the sand that is collecting in the pump sump - is that acceptable?

okay - here's my attempt at posting pictures:

my tank with water and live sand on Day 7

flexible downflow pipe to wet/dry filter - adjusted for no low point before slotted dristributor to prevent flushing affect

pump sump with sand dust at bottom

 

[BonzerB]

 

[RR-MAN]

Don't worry about the sand in the sump. Get some LR and you should be good to go.

Is this going to be a reef tank or a fish only tank.

 

[Guest]

As RR-MAN mentioned, there's no need to worry about that much sand in the sump. Perfectly normal for sand to move around a little especially in the first two weeks.

 

[BonzerB]

Thanks for the help.

We are trying to create a reef tank.

We purchased 3 big rocks this weekend (one of them is live - 22#). They look great! The store confirmed our water test results that showed the cycle had begun with a little increase in ammonia. They said it was fine to get a couple of damsels (a black and white striped one, a 3 spotted one, and a yellow tail blue damsel). I questioned that it was too early, but they said it was fine. hmm. I'm testing again today to make sure about the ammonia.

Any other advice right now. When should do a water change? I don't want to disrupt thecycle beginnings.

 

[BonzerB]

Picture with new rocks (06-28-09)

 

[cstewart79]

Is that texas holy rock on the bottom , has anyone else ever had issues trying to use this as base rock??

 

[Guest]

I would not add any damsels to the tank. They will limit any other kinds of small fish you may want to add to the tank later, they are quite aggressive.

There's no real need to perform a water change at this point. Your rock looks pretty clean; heavy water changes during cycling is for rocks that have a lot of dead organisms on them (sponges, tunicates, worms, etc).

I think you need more rock though. It doesn't have to be live rock either.

 

[angel4]

You don't have to add live rocks but you need the rocks that came from the ocean.

The holey rocks are not going to do any good.