Bubble surge in drain Lines - how to remove?

[n2everythg]

How can I make my drain lines not surge with bubbles and burp huge bubbles into my sump? Its like a volcano erupting sporadically in my skimmer compartment of my sump.

I have (2) 3/4" bulkheads drilled maybe 3" down on my tank. On the outside of the tank I have a 3/4" T PVC piece. Up goes to cap drilled with (2) 1/16" holes and one 3/16" hole. Down leads to sump using 3/4" flex tube. Each drain is independent and has its own flex line running to the sump.

Inside the tank I have a drilled piece of PVC maybe 4" long one for each bulkhead. I have tried just sticking it into the bulkhead but that leaves the water level in the tank low but probably works the best and gives the least bubble burping.

I have tried using one 90 degree to angle the drilled pvc. I have tried 2. I have tried one 45 degree and 2. I have tried lots of different angles for the 'strainer'. I have tied poking 1/4" tubes into the drain. but nothing works very well.

I have an eheim 1260 return pump and have it throttled down to probably only 50% or so. Can I get more flow out of (2) 3/4" lines or am i screwed?

Any suggestions?
thanks in advance.
N2

 

[MrSquid]

I've got the same issue and haven't been able to fix it. The only thing I can think of (and haven't tried yet - with my sump it'll be a big project) would be to make the water enter the sump RIGHT at the sump's water level - so then bubbles would just ride the surface and pop - not gurgle up from the bottom and burst through the surface.

 

[rick12]

i use a two Litre juice jug. i cut two one inch holes on the bottom sides, placed it in my sump, put the hose from the overflow into the jug. i keep the top of the jug above the water line and the bubbles stay in the jug and the water exits through the holes at the bottom.

 

[n2everythg]

hummm. well at least I know I'm not the only one frustrated and having issues.

Actually, I cut a acrylic top for the skimmer compartment and that holds in the bubble splash. I have more of a problem with noise. every time the drain burps it is really loud. The tank is right next to my desk and I work out of the house and am on the phone a lot. worried that I'm gonna get fired or the folks I work with will think I'm in the john or something.

I was just sitting here thinking about how I could run bigger drain lines. Maybe go with (2) one inch drains in hopes that might cut down on the drain sucking down bubbles. The hardest thing will be to enlarge the 3/4" drilled bulkheads. Especially since the tank is now full. Thinking I could mist the glass while using a diamond dremmel bit. Wouldnt need to enlarge them much. Plus there isnt much working room behind the tank. Maybe 6 inches or so.

Think (2) 1" drain lines would cut down on the bubble volcanos and allow me to increase my return to the tank? I wouldnt want to attempt this change unless I was sure this would Help.... a lot.

thanks
N2

 

[bertoni]

There's various DIY plans available. Most involve running the drain line into a larger-diameter PVC tube, and having an outlet for the water, and a small pipe extending up above waterline to release the air.

 

[bertoni]

This idea might help, too:

http://home.everestkc.net/jrobertson57268/HGB/

It's for the other end of the drain lines, though.

 

[n2everythg]

thanks for the link. I think I will try that HGB on my fuge tank overflow. dont like the way i get a bubble film on top and maybe that will correct it.

I am going to go with 2 1" drain lines. thinking about it because I used sched 80 heavy duty bulkheads I had to drill bigger holes in the tank. I know for a fact that the lighter duty 1" bulkhead will fit in the holes I drilled so I wont have to mod that.

I ordered a couple wye fittings for outside the tank from marine depot as I couldnt find any local. So going for the 3rd replumb of the system... hopefully 3 is the charm.

I just know (2) 1" drains gotta be better than (2) 3/4" drains. So probably worth the effort.
N2