All of a Sudden???

[RBU1]

OK so my 300 has been running for a couple years....I know I have an algae buildup in my overflows, so I have been cleaning it out the best I can every so often. Now for some reason the opening in the top of the drain tube keeps getting clogged with salt creep. I have to jab a stick in there every other day to clear it out or the overflow sounds like a flushing toilet.....Is it just a coincidence or can something be going on causing that....I don't feel comfortable pulling the drain tube out because my luck it will cause the bulkhead to leak.....I stick my hand in the overflow and clean it out the best I can.....Not sure what could be going on.....Any ideas...

 

[TripleT]

What are your nitrate and phosphate levels? These are likely causing your algae problem. Water changes, Phoslock, and adding some chaeto to your sump could help.

Verify your temp and salinity. Buy a second thermometer if you need to, and bring your water to the LFS to verify salinity.

Are you having to top off your tank more frequently? More evaporation could be contributing to additional salt creep.

 

[RBU1]

My levels are all good. I have feather caulerpa in my sump...I run GFO 24/7 and change it out every other month. Its bubble algae and it has taken over the overflow box. I manually remove it every so often but it comes right back. "knock on wood" it has been staying in the overflow boxes so I have no problem with it. I was thinking about putting something dark over the overflow to starve it of light.

 

[billsreef]

It's not unusual for drain tubes to get a build up of stuff (biofilms, tube worms, sponges, etc.) over time. This would lead to an increased frequency of stuff getting caught and clogging. Best bet is a good cleaning by removing the pipe and using some vinegar and a brush. Second best, just give it a good reaming with a foxtail brush every so often with it in place.

 

[Floowid]

I keep a 1/8th drill bit handy in my stand, every so often I just run that (by hand) through the 1/8th vent hole in the top of my drainpipe. I gets clogged with a combination of salt creep and dust and lint looking stuff.

 

[JeF4y]

I was thinking about putting something dark over the overflow to starve it of light.

I did this about 6 months ago and it was the biggest "DUH! Why didn't you think of that before!!" moment ever...

Do it... Today... You won't be disappointed.

Ideas. Pick up black plastic clip-boards from staples or office depot and cut to size. Or go super cheap (if you have a top) and use a piece of cardboard to filter out the light over the overflow(s)

 

[Palting]

I did this about 6 months ago and it was the biggest "DUH! Why didn't you think of that before!!" moment ever...

Do it... Today... You won't be disappointed.

Ideas. Pick up black plastic clip-boards from staples or office depot and cut to size. Or go super cheap (if you have a top) and use a piece of cardboard to filter out the light over the overflow(s)

HAH! DUH! Why didn't I think of that before. Have been religiously cleaning the overflow of algae with a toothbrush weekly. Glad I read this thread. Thanks!

 

[zachfishman]

Possible that a gradual decrease in the turnover of your sump (dirtying return lines and return pump), which decreases the flow rate through your overflow, could allow for a faster rate of buildup than when the system was new?

 

[DEXNC]

i use a tooth pick weekly to clean mines out

 

[Jaycen B.]

Possible that a gradual decrease in the turnover of your sump (dirtying return lines and return pump), which decreases the flow rate through your overflow, could allow for a faster rate of buildup than when the system was new?

Yep. I am at the same point.