Log in

View Full Version : Loud noises!!!


J31lyb34n
03/10/2010, 11:47 AM
Okay, so I got my 40gallon breeder tank set up with just tap water to make sure everything was working right and after I sealed all the pipes this tank is louder than an old washing machine! I know where all the sound is coming from and I was hoping for some input on how to alleviate some of this horrid noise.

Here are some pics.

Above the water line.
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q190/j31lyb34n/DSCF2161.jpg

The drainpipe under the water
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q190/j31lyb34n/DSCF2162.jpg

Behind the tank
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q190/j31lyb34n/DSCF2163.jpg

Plumbing in the Sump
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q190/j31lyb34n/DSCF2164.jpg

Sump again
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q190/j31lyb34n/DSCF2165.jpg

Okay now the noise is coming from three spots.
1st is the drain pipe, it is making a gurgling/sucking noise like when you drain a bathtub.
2nd is the actual outflow in the sump. The pipe is under the water line but it still makes some noise
3rd is the pump which I know is just making the humming noise that pumps make but is there a way to quite the hum?

So if anyone has any advice on these noises please let me know!

Fizz71
03/10/2010, 12:27 PM
1st...Don't let your drain suck air. Air only needs to chase water if it's not 100% full 100% of the time. So either make it so it can't suck air, or setup a "Durso" type setup to control the air from a different spot besides the water line.

2nd...If there is any air in the drain, you're going to get a splash. If the pipe is always filled with water it will probably stop, if you have to have both air and water you'll have to get creative to make the water flow in, not drop in.

3rd..Play with different ways to control pump vibrations like some sort of shock absorbers under the pump. Also make sure the flex tubing coming out isn't being vibrated into something by the pump.

Fizz71
03/10/2010, 12:29 PM
BTW..your gurgling noises are part of the reason we use drilled overflows instead of just pulling it off the surface like you did. You'll also have problems with things clogging it, or getting sucked down. No to mention issues with a LOT of water draining out in a power failure....I hope you planned for that!

Mad_Reefer
03/10/2010, 12:30 PM
This is a simple way to do overflows.
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn278/blazingreptile/simpleoverflow.jpg