Power outtage

[andrewey]

I recently plumbed on solana, but rather than putting the sump directly below the tank, I have it on the ground, and approximately 2-3 feet from the tank (due to space). I'm running 5.5' of flexible pvc to connect the overflow and return with the sump.

Here's the problem- in the event of a power outage, the water does not fall down the overflow automatically (usually I have to prime it by closing a gate valve below the surface and opening it). It usually will after a minute or two, but by that point the tank will overflow. Obviously this is a huge safety concern, so any ideas. In the past all my plumbing was straight down to the sump without any horizontal component. I've tried leaving the end of the line below and above the water, but to no avail. I've tried searching the forum, and tried different things, but couldn't find the answer. Any suggestions?

[Sidewaze67]

Just new myself but isn't this where you should use the aqua lifter. I would also consider a ups look at what you have to absolutely need to unlike aqua lifter, return, powerhead and heater. Add up total watts and size ups to the time you think you need. I have very few outages and sizing for 45-90 minutes

[Sidewaze67]

To add ups also great for brown out issues

[andrewey]

Sorry just to specify- this is a drilled tank, with an internal overflow. I'm looking into a UPS, but I would rather rely on gravity as a proper overflow does. Just to add- it seems that there is air in the line, as when the overflow starts up, I can see bubbles just sitting in the tube, and after a couple minutes, there is a giant purge and the water starts flowing. Any suggestions?

[Sidewaze67]

I read in another thread about inserting an airline to remove air. Look at recent posts its explained there

[rbirling]

Does the tubing slope downward the entire way or are there flat or uphill sections?

[andrewey]

There are some flat sections, should I eliminate them? I had assumed the water would have gained momentum from dropping three feet, and they only lasted 6-9", but I'll see about rigging something to rid the flat sections out. However, in the past I've used 1' flat sections of hard pvc after and elbow to bring the pipe under the stand, so I thought it was ok...

[rbirling]

There are some flat sections, should I eliminate them? I had assumed the water would have gained momentum from dropping three feet, and they only lasted 6-9", but I'll see about rigging something to rid the flat sections out. However, in the past I've used 1' flat sections of hard pvc after and elbow to bring the pipe under the stand, so I thought it was ok...

Not sure but I think it would be worth trying. I'd think a gentle slope the whole way would help keep it from getting "stuck". Good luck :)

[freeswimmingfis]

Can we see a pic of this setup, to get a better idea of what you are talking about

[klwheat]

Can we see a pic of this setup, to get a better idea of what you are talking about

+1 I'm trying to figure out how you're setup that it won't automatically start overflowing if its drilled.

[andrewey]

Here are some pictures I snapped with my iphone:

http://i.imgur.com/zJS0E.jpg"]http://i.imgur.com/zJS0E.jpg
Here is the overflow. The white pvc t, with drilled cap was to cut down on noise. Removing this piece doesn't change the function of the overflow at all



http://i.imgur.com/bnuCZ.jpg"]http://i.imgur.com/bnuCZ.jpg
Here is the back of the tank where it is drilled and has a 90 degree elbow

http://i.imgur.com/tFhSD.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/tFhSD.jpg"]http://i.imgur.com/tFhSD.jpg
Don't mind the wires, I haven't organized anything until after I fix this problem. It drops down about 7" over 22 inches in this section.

http://i.imgur.com/Bt3WK.jpg"]http://i.imgur.com/Bt3WK.jpg



http://i.imgur.com/el5ik.jpg"]http://i.imgur.com/el5ik.jpg
Finally enters the sump here- the head is underwater, but I was doing that to cut down on the noise. It doesn't seem to help it even if the nozzle is above the level of the water.

[andrewey]

Unless I close the gate valve underwater and turn it, the overflow doesn't start for quite some time, in which case the pump usually runs dry and the tank has already spilled a few gallons.

[andrewey]

bump?

[bdr]

add a second open drain to use until the first builds its siphon? not nice on a tank that is up and running but good peace of mind