Tank water height higher than usual

[Cliving1]

So I am a little confused, I turned off power to my return earlier today because I was trying to spot feed a coral I just got, and when I turned it back on, the level in the tank and the sump is high. This confuses me because the water height is typically an inch below the glass (and is now 1/2"), and the sump doesn't change very often. I didn't add any water either. Could this be a problem with the pump? Or is it possibly a problem with the drain back into the sump? Thoughts?

 

[Dkuhlmann]

One of the drain pipes probably are air locked. Try turning off the pump again and letting the water finish leveling off. When it's stopped then turn the pump back on. It should clear itself.

 

[Cliving1]

The water would have went out of the sump if I didnt take some out after turning the pump off...Idk maybe I should just take some water out of the tank? Or could there be too much in the overflow area? Would that cause this issue?

 

[Dkuhlmann]

You said it all of a sudden was higher than normal, there are only two ways for that to happen. Either you topped it off too high or like I said when you shut the pump down you got an air lock in one of the pipes and its not filling up with water like it is supposed to. It can happen as they are gravity drain. Either that or a snail or something is plugging up one of them.

 

[Cliving1]

No not all the sudden, after I turned the pump back on from the spot feed, the water level is now higher than previously. Hm, that would suck if there is a snail in there... I think it may be air locked like you said since I have not added any water.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

So restart it like I said in my first answer and see if it clears out.

 

[Cliving1]

I did-sorry wasnt clear in my second response, when I turned it off it almost overflowed, I had to take a cup or two out. Seems to have returned to the high level again. Might have to try it again

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Your sump is either too small or not setup properly. Can you take a picture of your sump please so we can look at it and help you get it adjusted properly as long as it's large enough

 

[Cliving1]

Ok here is pic, its a 20gallon eshopps for my 80 gallon. I wanted a bigger one but it came with the purchase so I didnt complain. It has been working for months now. These are the best pics I can get with the stupid lighting in my house and my crappy cell phone lol. Can get better ones tomorrow when I get off work.

 

[m1k3]

What's your return line configuration? Is it loc-line, do you have a siphon break, or have you bumped the line lower?

 

[gone fishin]

Sounds like a pump issue to me. you may have some air somewhere or the pump may need cleaned.

 

[Drewl117]

+1... Try taking the return pump out and cleaning the internals and try it again

 

[A1t2o]

Is it because your skimmer is off? That can hold a lot of water. Also check the level of your overflow. See if it is running at a typical level.

 

[Cliving1]

No the skimmer is on. I do have loc line on the return. I just cleaned out the pump, reattached the hose, and now the water level is even higher, almost 1/4" from the top of the tank. Its like the pump is returning more than can drain. The overflow is definitely higher than usual. How can I remove water from it without it just returning? Is there possibly a setting that I am not seeing..

 

[davocean]

My guess is your pump may have been blocked by macro or some crud that came loose when you unplugged it, and it may be pushing better now.
I notice my water level will drop in display, telling me my return may need to be cleared or cleaned.
A good cleaning and it's back to normal.

 

[Cliving1]

Well the tank is only 5 months in, I couldnt see there being huge blockage. Although that is a good point, my issue is my overflow/plumbing is in a corner making it very difficult to get to. If I start taking it all apart- I may not be able to secure it again without draining it completely and pulling it away from the wall.

 

[davocean]

My tank is only 4mo old and I've already had my water level drop 1/2" once, a cleaning put it back to normal just like that, pump had a clump of chaeto blocking it, slowing the flow, so it was barely pushing over overflow.

 

[Cliving1]

Haha, even better point. When everything was brand new your level was that high correct? Mine has always been stable at the same height. After turning it off to do that spotfeeding, the level is almost 1/2" higher. I guess its just more water in the display and not in the sump. Perhaps this really isnt a huge issue?

 

[davocean]

For me it was only an issue because I don't like seeing water level below canopy, other than that not a big deal.

 

[Cliving1]

My true concern is that I am leaving for a cruise next week. I have a local business coming to check in on the tank, top it off, and feed the fish. I am afraid to pay someone to stop in every day in case it decides to overflow since its so high now.

I guess when I look at it, my overflow has a lot more water than I am used to seeing. How can I adjust the water height back there, and if I do, would that bring the display tank water level down?