Sump Noise!!

[Djplus1]

OK, slowly but surely getting my 72 gallon reef set up to my liking. Problem is, I still have what I feel is an extraordinary amount of noise in the sump. I have a drilled tank, with bulkheads leading to vinyl tubing which is connected to my Eshopps 75 reef sump. I was able to get rid of the gurgling by putting some pvs elbows at an angle in the display, but the crashing water in the sump is unbearable. For those not familiar with the sump, the vinyl tubing (2x) from the display in my case runs into a T and then is connected to the sump. The water flows into a filter sock, but "falls" about 4-6" inside the sock to the water level.

 

How can I muffle the splashing in the sump? Can I somehow attach some vinyl tubing connected to the sump "inside" the sock and run it into the water directly so it won't splash? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[STEVE]

Can you make the hose inside the filter sock longer, so the water is just about even with the water level in the sump?

 

 

[Djplus1]

Can you make the hose inside the filter sock longer, so the water is just about even with the water level in the sump?

 

 

 

That's kind of what I was asking. Eshopps designed this thing to have a huge drop for some reason, I'm guessing. I can't permanently affix some pvc because I would never be able to remove/change the filter sock. I would need to have a way of firmly, but temporarily joining straight PVC and some sort of flexible tubing and be able to take it off so I can still change the filter sock.

 

I have thought about going sockless, but I would rather not.

[STEVE]

I took the flex hose they supplied and instead of using thier bulkheads, I just stuck the hose thru the hold and down into the sock below the water line.

 

 

[Djplus1]

I took the flex hose they supplied and instead of using thier bulkheads, I just stuck the hose thru the hold and down into the sock below the water line.

 

 

 

Hmm, that wouldv'e probably been a good idea, but I got the sump used and had this setup rigged as a package deal from my LFS. Aside from tearing the bulkhead out, is there a good way to attach flex tubing to the bulhead as it sits?

[STEVE]

1" PVC should slide right up inside of the bulkhead if it is the standard size that came with the Eshopps sump....IF.

[trockafella]

Do yourself a favor and just get rid of the filter sock. IMO theyre more trouble than theyre worth, constant changing and cleaning, detritus traps..

 

 

[Djplus1]

1" PVC should slide right up inside of the bulkhead if it is the standard size that came with the Eshopps sump....IF.

 

So, In theory I would put the 1" PVC inside the sock and slide the PVC into the bulhead and reattach sock? Would the PVC and bulkhead stay attached, or would I need to clamp it somehow? I'm just worried the fitting would be too loose and just fall out.

 

 

I'm assuming that you're thinking that this will indeed decrease or eliminate all of the sound from the splashing right?

[STEVE]

x5 on the filter sock

[STEVE]

It should take care of the splashing sound. I had the same problem. Do all the above and get rid of the sock as mentioned above.

[Djplus1]

It should take care of the splashing sound. I had the same problem. Do all the above and get rid of the sock as mentioned above.

 

Do you think that not running the sock would be a problem? Figures, I just bought 2 extra ones this weekend.

[STEVE]

NOPE ! The sock is a pain ! You have to keep them clean, which means cleaning them every 2-3 days. The detritus will settle in the sump. I just pump mine out when I do a water change and I even go as far as using my shop vac once most of the water is gone to really get it clean down there!

[STEVE]

Speaking of that...I will be cleaning mine tonight !

[trockafella]

Speaking of that...I will be cleaning mine tonight !

 

 

Your welcome for the reminder.!

[STEVE]

lol... Have you ever cleaned your sump with a shop vac? Works perfectly !!! I use a pump and pump all the water out, cleaning it as I go, then I just suck out the detritus, rinse somemore and DONE !

[STEVE]

.....oh yea, add newly mixed water!

[Djplus1]

.....oh yea, add newly mixed water!

 

I just use a small return pump and suck all of the stuff out. It's not perfect, but good enough. I personally wouldn't trust my shop vac in my aquarium. I have sucked up alot of nasty things, that I'm sure are not too good for aquarium water.

[STEVE]

Your sucking up junk and throwing it out...so it doent matter what you've sucked up in the past, it's not like your reusing the water.

[Marc Weaver]

I also use the shop-vac, Steve. Works like a charm. I have one of the 5 gallon-bucket ones I bought for $20 that I only use for the tank.

 

I also use a 100 micron filter sock I change every day. I have 10 of them. My water is a LOT clearer with the sock than without. I remove it for vacations and when I get back the water looks hazy until a few hours with the sock installed. So if you keep up with it, they definitely make a difference.

[Jesse]

After getting my sump and overflow as quiet as possible, I lined the inside of my stand and canopy (except for some ventilation holes) with this: http://www.acoustiblok.com/. It made it even quieter and my wife was very thankful.

[swffan]

darn - never thought about the Shop Vac method. Buying one tomorrow.....

[STEVE]

Done !!! I used a pump and pumped all the water out, the got the ole shop vac working and done.