Newbie DISASTER

[Stackbundles]

So today I wanted to start the cycle on my 75 gallon salt water tank. I woke up this morning and bought 50 pounds of LV. Everything was going smooth until I turned on my return pump in my sump. At first it was fine, then all of sudden my sump was flooding. The return pipe was sucking all the water in the tank back into the sump. Before I knew it there was about 20 gallons of water on the floor. I?m pretty sure the reason why, is because I didn?t have the Air hole in the pipe on the return. Can someone HELP? This is much appreciated.
Stack

 

[beerfish]

Sounds like you started a siphon. If you drill a small hole in the return pipe right below the normal water line, this won't happen again.

As far as the flood goes, the only help I can provide is the suggestion to go buy a shop vac.

 

[mellow1959]

you don't have an overflow kit?

 

[Stackbundles]

Yes I have a overflow.

So the small hole should be below the water line? I thought above the water line so air can escape. Please advise.

 

[bigdog1428]

Pics will help ur problem ,,to explain better


Sent from my iPhone using Reefs

 

[dacaptain78]

Drill the hole below the water line to avoid a jet of water shooting out of it when your return pump is on. Also, I would drill two or even three holes in the pipe in case one gets clogged.

 

[qy7400]

Something has me confused here....

Everything was going smooth until I turned on my return pump in my sump.

The siphon holes are for when the pumps shut off to prevent back filling the sump like you described. What pump are you running?

 

[Reefs Creation]

I think he meant "off". But what is strange is that he just let 20 gallon of water flooded his sump in front of him without trying to turn the return pump back "on" when that was originally working for him. Maybe he panicked.

 

[Reefs Creation]

drill the hole below the water line to avoid a jet of water shooting out of it when your return pump is on. Also, i would drill two or even three holes in the pipe in case one gets clogged.

+1

 

[Stackbundles]

I'm using a Mag7 pump. Yes the problem started when I turned off the pump. Thanks for the help.

 

[rkaragozler]

pics would help, do you have nozzles for your return, If so how far down are the nozzles of your return in the tank. It sounds like they do not have a hole drilled just below running water level. The hole will create a syphon break, without the hole the water in the DT will keep darining till the nozzles create the syphon break.

 

[reefjunkie09]

Drill hole just below water line in the return pipe and I also like to put a check valve in the return for a back up. Oh and def buy a shop vac.

 

[Stackbundles]

Thanks. I drilled the holes and also installed a check valve. I will buy a shop vac this week.

 

[qy7400]

The siphon break will be the best bet, just remember to clean it during water changes.
I know many may disagree with this but the check valve is a false security blanket, you will need to clean it as well and check for debris like baby snail shells. They work great for the first few months but as the tank establishes you will need to clean or it will fail.

Shop Vac....priceless.

 

[beerfish]

I agree, check valves are usually more trouble than they're worth. Also, make sure if you do use one that it doesn't have a metal spring. They will corrode in saltwater over time and cause rust to enter the tank.