Completely lost.

[VdubbChubb]

So I just set up my 90 gallon 2 days ago with Greg water n vinegar to flush the system. This mining everything still looked great and there was no leaks in the system. I come home from work to this. No livestock or rock just water and vinegar.

 

[VdubbChubb]

What could cause this???

 

[ReeferKimberly]

Bacterial bloom due to the carbon source (vinegar). Turn up the skimmer if you have one, if not then lots of water changes.

 

[VdubbChubb]

We'll all this water is coming out I was just flushing the system should I flush it again now or will it be safe to empty a leave alone. It will probably sit dry for about another 2 to 3 weeks then live sand LR and salt water will go in

 

[ReeferKimberly]

Should be fine to leave dry. Just bacteria in the water. If you had livestock they would be dead due to lack of oxygen, but just to flush, will be fine.

 

[aguila88psi]

Yep, nothing to worry about

 

[ChadRaay86]

Make sure to flush it out with just fresh water afterwords. Vinegar can leave a residue...

 

[Ted_C]

I had something similar happen - however - mine actually started to grow a type of water mold - Oomycota after 4 days. It was a pain to clean that up. When dry it forms the consistency of cardboard.

When using a flush or a plumbing test - it's best just to use plain water. Then dont let it run for long - maybe only for a couple of hours.

Sorry this happened to you. Hope this provides a lesson learned to others.

 

[ichthyman]

I would remove the big "U" dip you've got in the drain hose. It certainly won't help the overflow keep up with returning water nor help with noise. Drains should be on a gradual downward slope not up & down "hills".

 

[Ali :D]

I would remove the big "U" dip you've got in the drain hose. It certainly won't help the overflow keep up with returning water nor help with noise. Drains should be on a gradual downward slope not up & down "hills".

For years a buddy of mine ran a 90 with a bend like that in the plumbing, the tank would fill up then it would come gushing down the pipe like every couple minutes. I couldn't stand watching it, it was like about to flood then it would drain!

On the bacterial issue, like Ted said, get it cleaned out asap cos it becomes pretty tough to remove.

 

[VdubbChubb]

Thx guys yea I drained it today before work I'm gonna flush it again for an hour or two. Should I just use plain water this time and I noticed the tank felt pretty warm and so did my return pump. Are they supposed to get warm??? This is my first drilled tank

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Thx guys yea I drained it today before work I'm gonna flush it again for an hour or two. Should I just use plain water this time and I noticed the tank felt pretty warm and so did my return pump. Are they supposed to get warm??? This is my first drilled tank

Plain water should be fine.

 

[ichthyman]

I noticed the tank felt pretty warm and so did my return pump. Are they supposed to get warm??? This is my first drilled tank

The pump you installed, although very quiet, are known for adding 2-5 degrees F per 100 gallons of water.

 

[Herman G]

Wipe it out with clean rag and fresh water. I have had this happen on several new to
me used tanks. Your pump will generate some heat but not much, take the impeller out
and check for wear.

 

[VdubbChubb]

I got the pump with the tank when I purchased it same with flex line but I def gonna change it because yea it's way too long. What is considered too hot for FOLR setup? Is there a better option for return pump or do all external return pumps run warm?

 

[Herman G]

Depends on speicies and bioload. I have run 80 to 82 but was lightly populated
and had tropical region fish and softies.

 

[CrazyEyes]

What temp is the tank currently running at?

 

[VdubbChubb]

When I actually set it up ill monitor the temp and post it with a list of what I plan to do to get a heads up. Are all ext pumps known to run warmer tho???

 

[CrazyEyes]

Traditionally an external pump will heat the water less than a submersible pump, this is due to most external pumps having fans on them to cool them whereas an insump pump relies on water passing through it to cool it, therefore heating up the water.

 

[ichthyman]

The pump you're using is quiet because it has no fan to keep the motor cool. Instead has a deeply socketed titanium housing and impeller design which utilizes the flow-trough water as coolant. The motor is nearly silent but it does transfer more heat than a "normal" external motor. There are also maintenance considerations with these pumps as they tend to cause carbonate precipitation more rapidly within the motor because of increased heat.