New 125 up and running, but sump is so loud! Help!

[Caryliss]

Despite my many years in the hobby I've never had a tank with a sump until now. One of my concerns would be the noise, and I'm finding that to be true.

One of the drains is very loud and frequently "burps" air. I've done some searching on RC and found this to be a common problem. My drains are 1 1/4 flex PVC, no 90 degree angles (it just slopes to the sump with just two minor kinks that narrow the diameter slightly). Drains enter just below the sump water line. Standpipes are durso style.

What have you guys done to quiet the drains, or do you just get used to the noise?

 

[deepbluesc]

Make a shroud to place over the drains. Put it on 1/2" to 3/4" legs at the 4 corners to allow free flow underneath it. Depending on how visible they are, you could modify a plastic cup or other item as long as it's bigger than the drain, yet fits in the area. The noise will be reduced significantly. I couldn't really figure out how to draw it on here, but if I do, I'll post it.

 

[Akronviper]

Try making the hole on top of your durso a little bigger. That will help break the siphon your drain below the water line in your sump creates.

 

[Rhodophyta]

Avoid any perfectly vertical pipes. It just takes the slightest angle to greatly reduce the burping and gurgling since the water flows mostly down one side then in a more laminar flow.

 

[itZme]

The loudest thing in my 92g tank is the SeaSwirl motor humming. Check out This thread for details on how to make it totally silent.

Here is another one but it is not an option for most people that aren't designing their tank from scratch.

HTH
-- Kevin