Display tank water level issue

[ocd_mariner]

For some reason, the water level in my display has risen a half inch or so. It worries me because of the wavebox splashes dangerously close, and, well, its not supposed to be that high

The other day I took the dremel to the acrylic overflow to make some extra gaps. This had the effect of allowing more water through and lowering the water line in the display. Good. The wavebox has plenty of room now. Mission accomplished. This was about a week ago.

I come home this afternoon and the water level is right back up where it was a week ago. I have no clue why, and it worries me. I thought maybe the filter sock was super clogged. Nope. I stuck my fingers into the durso pipe, found a snail, wiggled it loose. Thats not the problem either.

Does anybody have any clue?

It worries me when my tank just decides to do things on its own.

The wavebox splashing water over the side is also an issue as well


Oh, it also seems that the water level in the overflow is unusually high as well, which what made me think something was clogged. All the areas between the teeth of the overflow are clear of algae.

Please help.

/whimper

 

[TitansFan]

When was the last time you cleaned your return pump?

 

[asm481]

has to be a restriction in the drain somewhere.

 

[TitansFan]

not necessarily. If the return has diminished in performance this would add to his higher than usual level of water in the sump. If his output is under water in the sump the higher level of water in the sump would increase back pressure not allowing the water to flow from this overflow as easily. More water would have to build up in the plumbing to push its way out.

 

[jdieck]

Also check that the air hole in your durso has not plugged.

 

[ocd_mariner]

Air flow in the durso is definitely not plugged. Tomorrow I'll clean the return pump. It's been a while since I have. I was messing with it earlier, opening and closing the valve, and thought it seemed like it was not working like it has previously.

At the very least, I'll come away with a clean return pump

 

[waynesworld]

Do you have a valve to slow the return down you can do that to help lower the water level.

 

[ocd_mariner]

Cleaning the pump seemed to clear up the issue.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[TitansFan]

No problem glad i could help

 

[jdieck]

Lear something new every day. First time I have seen a pump having higher flow because it was dirty.

 

[crumbletop]

I don't think it could have been the return pump. If I have read things right, the water build up was in the display, not the sump. My bet is turning off the return to clean it, cleared whatever was blocking the drain. I would really double check the drain plumbing to make sure everything is clear, and put some kind of straining device on the opening of the durso to keep snails from getting in there.

 

[jdieck]

:thumbsup:

 

[gflat65]

Check the drainage lines for a constant drop in elevation, too. I've fought air bubbles in lines because something I've retro fitted in place (hence, couldn't do it right-had to BFI it), esp. where there might be elbows turning into the tank. I drain a 22 into the sump of my 125 and where it turns to go under the tank, the elbow tends to slowly rise, allowing air bubbles, which reduce flow. Yours probably drain pretty much straight down, but wanted to mention that.

 

[RUPE]

The last time I had that happen to me, a couple of snales worked there way into the overflow line. when they were by them selves there was no problem, but they met up, there was a problem.