Water Everywhere!!!

[The R/C Man]

Today started out on the rough side..... I was awaken by a beep beep sound coming from the living room. Oh no I thought as I made my way toward the sound. It was my temp alert. I looked around the corner to see my floor covered with water and the main pump not working. After calmly looking over the situation I realized that the overflow had failed. The sides of the tank where all wet as well as the power strip on the floor which is why the pumps where off. After removing the canopy I checking the siphon. Hmmmm still good... Oh, a very large hermit crab crawled up to the top of the box. So that is why the tank overflowed. I checked the salinity. 1.020. Uh oh. Luckly my top off container was running low on RO/DI or the tank might have been a fresh water system by the time I found it....... I had planned on doing a water change today so I had a fresh batch of salt water pre mixed. After lots of cleaning and drying off electrical components (which are now mounted to the wall) the tank seems to be running well. It will take the rest of the day to bring the salinity back up to normal.

Preventions taken to keep this from occuring again.
1. installed a piece of plastic gutter gaurd to keep critters out of the overflow
2. moved the power strips to the wall to prevent shorts
3. going to purchase a CPR overflow... hopefully the wide slot will prevent clogs and flooding

 

[mojoreef]

tough luck greg. I would make sure you raise that salinity slowly over at least two or three days


good luck


MIke

 

[fishgills]

Oh man sorry to hear that, i have some sleepless nights thinking about my overflow box, i have to make something to cover it like eggcrate.

 

[CarlaW]

Greg,
Just make sure that when you get the CPR overflow, you get the Aqualifter pump that is recommended for it. I have 2 CPR overflows, one on my 80 and one on the refuge for the 300. Both of them have the Aqualifter pumps, and I'll swear by them, not at them . They have kept the siphon going, even after a power outtage. I'm not sure, but Kevin may have one or two of them at his store.
Sorry to hear about the water problem, but it sounds like you have got that handled. You were pretty lucky with the powerstrips tho!!!!!

 

[The R/C Man]

Actually it was a good thing the power strip shorted. That was what turned off the pump. I think I may invest in a water alert. You set the probe on the floor near the tank and if the probes have a conducter (water on the floor) it sounds an alarm. It may have saved some of the mess and kept my salinity up.....

 

[The R/C Man]

Mojo,

Thanks!
I over serviced the sump with salt water so as it evaporates the salininty will go up......

Fishgills,

Thanks!
Yeah fix it before it is to late. It is not a matter of if but when....

 

[TonyMc]

Like Fishgills said I too have many sleepless nights due to my overflow. I had an air bubble slowly build up mine. It didn't break the sipon, but slowed flow enough that my tank almost overflowed. Luckily I cought it in time.
My next tank will be drilled at the bottom and setup with a durso.
Charlie. Does the Weir style overflow like CPR seem to work better than the U-tube style?

 

[The R/C Man]

Hey Guys!

Well I think the plan will be to get rid if the top off tank in favor of a solenoid on my RO/DI unit. It would take an awefully long time to overflow the tank with that. I am also considering having a new tank built. It will have slots (the overflow) cut into the back of the tank and the outside box will be attached to the outside of the tank. This is how my 375 is being built. No siphons to break and no internal obstructions.... Most of this will be set up this week with the exception of the new tank. I will let you all know how it goes..... I really need to be spending the money on the 375....

 

[j.stagner]

Sorry to hear about the flood, but I feel strangely relieved that I have company....

I also woke up to a flood, as my CPR overflow broke siphon and the tank overflowed. The CPR overflows are great if you keep the air removal nipple clear, and use a good pump to remove the air that inevitably builds up. If you are like me and have neglected it for the last two or three months, well, you can still have problems.

Again, my condolences (sp?)

 

[The R/C Man]

j.stagner,

Thanks!
I am happy to say that the tank looks fine.... The Xenia which are a tell tail sign of water quality issues have already perked back up a bit. I am sure by tomorrow when the salinity is back to normal they will be back to there normal fuzzy apperance....

Neglect? No I am pretty meticulous when it comes to the tank. I only disturb the inhabitants by moving things around when needed though. Most of my time is spent keeping everything running correctly. I have seen people spend to much time putting there hands in there tank to move things around or just to tinker. They seem to have the most problems so I avoid it........ Just off on a tangent... LOL

 

[Angelscrx]

The best part about your post is the what you are going to do differently! This helps and teaches folks what things they can do to prevent this from happening to them. I am sorry it happened in the first place though. I am happy that it turned out fine.

 

[The R/C Man]

Thanks Dude!

What's the story with your 150?

 

[j.stagner]

Just to be clear, wasn't suggesting you would neglect it, just pointing out that my incident was caused by neglect.

Glad to hear the xenia are perking up, they do seem to tell you pretty well what's up in the tank.

 

[CarlaW]

Tony,
I have never used the U-tube style of overflow. I have had to go thru the same problems as everybody with the CPR type, but like I said before, that Aqualifter pump has made my life a whole bunch easier. I don't worry about the siphon being broken.

 

[wrightme43]

I have the aqualifter as well, I am really happy with it. Steve

 

[Angelscrx]

Thanks Dude!

What's the story with your 150?

If you are referring to me I am looking for some volunteers to move it next Thursday or Friday. I want to take my time and do it right. First will be a nice stand.

 

[The R/C Man]

I know a guy that will weld you one if you don't aready have one. He does a great job and is very well priced. The stand for my 375 gallon was only $225.....

 

[Ed Hahn]

Greg,
I was concerned about you guys going home Friday. I guess it was a good thing. I am sorry about your accident. I hope you had minimal damage hopefully none.

Angel,
If we can do it early before 7pm on Thursday. I would love to help you. It would be a pleasure. Friday I am suppose to go North. I may be able to help you on Friday as long as its before 530pm. Give me a call. I am looking to pay back a favor you gave me,
Your friend
Ed

 

[TonyMc]

Tony,
I have never used the U-tube style of overflow. I have had to go thru the same problems as everybody with the CPR type, but like I said before, that Aqualifter pump has made my life a whole bunch easier. I don't worry about the siphon being broken.

Thanks for the info charlie. I may switch over to the CPR. I'm not getting the flow I want from my U-tube overflow.

 

[Angelscrx]

I know a guy that will weld you one if you don't aready have one. He does a great job and is very well priced. The stand for my 375 gallon was only $225.....

I don't think I want a metal stand. I really liked how Mikeydog's on Midcolumbia stand is built out of wood. I like the strength of a metal stand though. Can you skin a metal stand with wood? I think Nikki's is that way I have to look. Thanks