System too loud. Solutions?

SullyPride · May 31, 2016

Hey folks,
My tank is a little too loud for my liking. So I'm wondering what I can do in order to quiet it down. I was thinking I could throw a gate valve on my overflow to create a siphon. The problem is I wouldn't have an emergency line. My system is set up as 2 bulkheads. One 1/2 inch overflow (no box) and One 1/2 inch return.
I'd really appreciate any advice or solutions. Thanks!

dochow · May 31, 2016

My overflow is extremely loud as well, following

MOPAR · May 31, 2016

I have a similar setup one hole for drain and one for the return. I decided to run a herbie style overflow and run the return over the back. The line intended as the drain is my emergency as it is larger. It is dead silent and with the proper plumbing the over the back return is not an eye sore. Here is what mine looks like sorry this is the only pic i have. It would look better if I used black or grey pvc. The white pipe you can see is the return line.

You could also run a durso but I like the emergency back up.

PJS · May 31, 2016

I could be wrong but I believe that you shouldn't put a restriction on your overflow, it could cause your sump to overflow. I use PolyFilters cut into strips and put them inside the overflow weir, it helped immensely. Not only did it quiet my overflows it added a step in my tanks filtration. I also use a PolyFilter in my sump between the fuge and return section, which really helped reducing noise.

kateater · May 31, 2016

I drilled a hole in my overflow and run and airline with a T on it to adjust the airflow. Mine is dead silent!

keithp · Jun 1, 2016

I agree. Don't restrict the overflow unless you have a backup overflow. Herbie or Bean style overflows are fantastic if you do have the extra pipe(s) and running the return over the top like MOPAR is a good way to get one with little effort. If you don't have the extra pipe and can't add one, you should consider Stockman or Durso silencers like KATEATER but with the air tube end extended and anchored low above the water level so it will become a full siphon if the water level ever goes too high. Stockman and Durso will become noisy if there is too much flow so you may need to get a variable speed pump or install a valve next to your existing pump to find the quiet flow rate. I have seen some tables with maximum flow rates for siphons and for Durso silencers of different sizes but I don't have the links.