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belzebuth
11-24-2009, 07:55 PM
My reef tank has been setup for about a year now. Recently, I have been noticing not as much flow coming from the drain pipes(2) to the sump .

I am assuming there is probably debris stuck in there. What is the best way to clean these pipes?

Thank you

lastlight
11-24-2009, 07:56 PM
Lance can you help out here?

I'll warn you now...the solution involves an air compressor and a payoff in the face if you're not careful.

belzebuth
11-24-2009, 08:01 PM
Great, I might have to get the hubby to help:biggrin:

muck
11-24-2009, 08:01 PM
Lets not forget a tropical vacation to smooth things over...

muck
11-24-2009, 08:05 PM
Did you install unions on any of your piping for easy access to clean them?
Have you cleaned the return pump yet?

belzebuth
11-24-2009, 08:21 PM
No I have not cleaned the return pump yet. No unions on the pipes either, this setup was already established when I purchased it. I kept the plumbing as is. Should probably have redone it...Unions sound like a great idea.

Any idea how to clean this...Or should I just redo the entire plumbing under the tank?

Lance
11-24-2009, 08:26 PM
My reef tank has been setup for about a year now. Recently, I have been noticing not as much flow coming from the drain pipes(2) to the sump .

I am assuming there is probably debris stuck in there. What is the best way to clean these pipes?

Thank you


belzebuth: there are 4 simple steps to this procedure:

1. connect air compressor to return line at tank
2. turn on compressor
3. have spouse open return line at sump
4. run like HELL

untamed
11-24-2009, 08:28 PM
Well...service the pump before you assume it is blockage in the pipes. It is much more likely to be related to the pump, IMO.

belzebuth
11-24-2009, 08:34 PM
belzebuth: there are 4 simple steps to this procedure:

1. connect air compressor to return line at tank
2. turn on compressor
3. have spouse open return line at sump
4. run like HELL

lol...unfortunately he runs faster. So If I understand your instructions:
- I need to keep the return line valve close
- then blow the air in the line to build a little bit of pressure.
-ask him to open the valve and start running like hell.

Sounds like fun. Thanks for the information.

belzebuth
11-24-2009, 08:35 PM
Well...service the pump before you assume it is blockage in the pipes. It is much more likely to be related to the pump, IMO.


Of course, I will service the pump tonight. Hopefully that is where the debris is.

muck
11-24-2009, 09:42 PM
belzebuth: there are 4 simple steps to this procedure:

1. connect air compressor to return line at tank
2. turn on compressor
3. have spouse open return line at sump
4. run like HELL

Do you think you could make an instructional video Lance?

lastlight
11-24-2009, 09:44 PM
If there is footage...right about when we the viewer are starting to realize his wife is faster than he is it abruptly cuts out.

Lance
11-24-2009, 10:33 PM
Hey, this is already costing me a trip to the Caribbean. A video would surely put me in the poor house. :nono:

muck
11-24-2009, 10:46 PM
Im sure you aren't complaining about the trip... :lol:

banditpowdercoat
11-24-2009, 11:27 PM
Hey, this is already costing me a trip to the Caribbean. A video would surely put me in the poor house. :nono:


Come on Lance, You could CHARGE for the vid and make the trip and have $ left over We'd all pay handsomly I'm sure LOL Atleast untill it was leaked to Youtube....

lastlight
11-25-2009, 12:04 AM
might take some re-enacting but I'm thinking of a camera mounted in the end of the pipe facing her. then we see it go black as the sludge exits the pipe and when the image re-appears the view is of the happy wife with sludge-stucko applied.

banditpowdercoat
11-25-2009, 12:56 AM
might take some re-enacting but I'm thinking of a camera mounted in the end of the pipe facing her. then we see it go black as the sludge exits the pipe and when the image re-appears the view is of the happy wife with sludge-stucko applied.

CUT, and print it, That's a wrap people!!! :razz:

Lance
11-25-2009, 01:30 AM
Come on Lance, You could CHARGE for the vid and make the trip and have $ left over We'd all pay handsomly I'm sure LOL Atleast untill it was leaked to Youtube....



Cool! I could give Pam & Tommy Lee a run for their money!

banditpowdercoat
11-25-2009, 01:56 AM
Come on now, lets be realistic here LOL

Lance
11-25-2009, 02:22 AM
Come on now, lets be realistic here LOL


Yeah, well, wishful thinking.

lastlight
11-25-2009, 02:25 AM
Lance wants a shot at the drum stick.

Lance
11-25-2009, 03:21 AM
Lance wants a shot at the drum stick.


No thanks. I can beat my own drum.

Lance
11-25-2009, 03:26 AM
Or, "I move to the beat of a different drum".



Ok ok enough hijacking!