BLANKENSHIP76
In Memoriam
I just installed a squid and everytime it switches between returns it releases a flow of bubbles from the return is there anyway to prevent this??????
Help w/SCWD!!! Answers Please!!!
- Thread starter BLANKENSHIP76
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BLANKENSHIP76
In Memoriam
I have a small hole in returns to keep them from creating a vacuum, do you think that is what it is. The hole is drilled in the elbow right before the loc-line???
Ebmorri
New member
Need to know how it's install, CL or from Sump? If it's on a CL you don't need the holes on the return. The air is most likely coming from a poor connection before the pump, causing microbubbles. If it's from the sump and it's microbubbles your pulling in air before the pump. If you are geting larger bubbles from a CL or sump then it's the holes in the return line and you need to make sure its below water a bit.
BLANKENSHIP76
In Memoriam
Yeah the bubbles are big and it is fromt he sump. I am thinking it has to be the holes in the elbows before the locline comes out the overflows. It would be impossible to gets these underwater, so I guess the solution would be to replace the elbows, and leave the returns barely underwater so if they create a vacuum the can pull minimal water out.
I am thinking this has to the problem.
I am thinking this has to the problem.
AZDesertRat
In Memoriam
If you have drilled holes for a siphon break but they are above the waterline that is your problem, you have created a venturi and it is pulling air into the line. They need to be just below the surface. As long as you keep one locline just below the surface it will break suction with a minimal amount of back siphonage and should not be a problem as long as you provide room for that amount of water plus a fudge factor in your sump. I would much rather rely on the locline than the siphon break hole anytime.
AZDesertRat
In Memoriam
True but there is always a slight opening on both sides at once so your pump never actually deadheads. I have one on the workbench cut apart and it shows there is always flow out both sides even though one is greater than the other.
BLANKENSHIP76
In Memoriam
Yeah these are the AGA overflow kits they come pre-drilled on the elbows before the locline, so I guess I will just change them out and put the locline just below the surface!!
AZDesertRat
In Memoriam
Make sure and test the backflow amounts at several different locline positions so you are doubly sure you have room for a worst case backflow in the sump. My returns and my overflow fingers are both 1" below the surface and I keep 3.5" minimum in my sump at all times for worst case backflow containment, that still gives me almost an inch freeboard in case a return gets bumped down accidentally or whatever.
BLANKENSHIP76
In Memoriam
AZ Desert rat had a vacuum incident a couple years ago not pretty,
80 gallons on the floor when i went to the garage for some top off water.
A mistake that will not be made again.
80 gallons on the floor when i went to the garage for some top off water.
A mistake that will not be made again.
AZDesertRat
In Memoriam
We definitely learn from our mistakes! I shudder when I think about some of my mistakes today. Fortunately I never had a backflow as I use an internal overflow with proper air gap and sump capacity but I have made tons of other mistakes.
BLANKENSHIP76
In Memoriam
Oh, I have an internal overflow, I had can filter hooked into the main tank with the return part in the display tank an the other part in the sump, some how it reversed and boom flooded the sump.
