noisy overflow

[abozoki]

We've just begun setting up our new 46 gallon reef aquarium, and have gotten as far as putting in the live rock and starting water circulation going with a hang-on-the-back overflow system that goes to a sump (skimmer in the sump), with a pump that returns the water to the main tank. My problem is that the setup is really noisy. It was actually even worse, but my husband put a straw into the water vortex that flows down to the hose, getting rid of the awful "blurping" noise from air getting sucked in along with the water. However, it is still quite loud (like running the faucet to fill your tub). The major sources of noise are
1. the water splashing from the siphon into the big water reservoir of the overflow that sits behind the tank, right before it flows down into the hose and
2. the water splashing into the sump from the end of the hose, which is about 1 -2 inches above water surface level (we were told it is a bad idea to have the hose go to the bottom of the sump, though I don't know why).

Any idea what I can do about either/both of these problems? I have been around other aquariums, and have never heard one NEARLY as loud as ours, so I feel certain that we've set up something not quite right.

Thanks for your help,
Andrea

 

[Reefman150]

Install a ball valve on the hose between the skimmer and the sump and close it partially so the water backs up a bit in the hose. You'll know when it's just the right amount when the noise goes away. :lol: This should quiet the noise at the overflow skimmer. My set up also has this hose beneath the water surface in the sump which keeps things quiet there. Just make sure it's not too close to the bottom of your sump and you'll be okay. This should solve your problem. I use this method on a 150 gal. with a siphon overflow and a 58 gal. with built in overflow and it's been fine on both going on two years now.[/u]