How do you start an overflow flowing?

[mfp4073]

I picked up an HOB refugium, the water returns to the tank via an overflow style "U" tube (this is a CPR unit). I have been using a piece of airtubing to "suck" the air out of the top of the "U" by inserting it in the return. But this is kinda a pain to do every time I do a water change.

 

[skinnyjoe1976]

can you post a pick? normaly the cpr require a aqua lift pump.

 

[TheGrog]

Mine always overflowed back to the tank after restarting the pump. No need for an aqualifter on the HOT refugiums.

I did occasionally get an air bubble that reduced flow but just insert an airline tube and it will come out.

If it is not coming out, there may be something blocking it.

A pic may be helpful in diagnosing your problem.

 

[mfp4073]

Cant do any pics for a few days (working). It does not have a normal overflow like what I have seen with the cpr backpak skimmers. The "pickup" to return back to the tank comes from the bottom of the refugiums 3rd chamber. I looked online, but could not find anywhere that sells one.

 

[mfp4073]

Its not exactly the same setup on the inside, but the return "U" is.

front (tank side)

rear

 

[flfirefighter13]

I never had to worry about it looseing siphon, I just let the pump fill it, then sit back and watch, it always looked like it was going to overflow but then balanced out after a few minutes

 

[mfp4073]

Maybe I need to wait and let it go then. I have watched it get real full and then decided to take a proactive route!

 

[flfirefighter13]

yeah im not promising anything but Ive never had an issue with just walking away from it.

 

[Don Lino]

Nevermind, just re-read....

 

[TheGrog]

Yea, just let it run. It will look like it will overflow, then the siphon starts and the level drops to functional level. nothing to worry about.

Keep an eye on it the first time just in case though!