Trouble with siphon overflow using Tunze's to make waves

[jharding08]

I just set up my two Tunze 6105 and am achieving 1-2" waves in my 120 gallon glass mixed reef tank. These waves are causing issues with my CSR CS100 overflow, which is a siphon variety. I have a aqualifter running 24/7 to keep the air out of the siphon, but with the waves, there is constant air bubbles in the siphon area. Also, the durso stand pipe in the bulkhead of the overflow isnt able to consistently get water through the tube. The water will rise up and down the stand pipe througout the day, with erratic flow.

Can I build some kind of wave break in front of the overflow receiver? Kind of like in marinas, where the water is turbulent out side, but calm inside? If I turn the Tunze's off but leave the return on, the water flows smoothly, so thats what I'm looking for

 

[rvitko]

The main options that come to mind-

1) Move the overflow to the center of the tank or as close to the center as possible, if you have the wave timed properly, there should be very little surface change in the center.

2) Use another brand of overflow that is better able to cope with the bubbles or try adjusting the flow rate to make sure the bubbles stay purged from the siphon.

3) Turn down the wave amplitude by lowering the voltage of the pumps.

4) I don't think baffling will make a significant difference without being so extensive it mostly eliminates the effect.