[jones2270]

Ok, I bought a complete second hand system form a friend of a friend. Its a 30 gallon oceanic cube with stand, wet dry filter, power compact lighting and 3 powerheads, protein skimmer and heater. I made sure everything worked before I bought it and only paid $200. I ordered 45 lbs of live rock that came in today and set everything up. Of course something goes wrong and I cant get the return pump to work, just as well because I can't figure out how to get the siphon (u tube) on the overflow to work.
I guess my question is how do I get the overflow to work, and should I buy another pump for the wet dry or just scrap it and get something else like a refugium?

[demonsquirt]

Use some air tubing. Place it up the thats in the tank water and blow through the tube. Im not sure the distance but i think halfway is fine. This will get the overflow working.

As for the return pump , did you clean it good.All the way down to the magnet propeller.

[jones2270]

Put it where?

[unclejed]

Don't feel bad, I couldn't figure out what he said either! What type return pump is it? Some are real difficult to restart. I had one that (RIO 2500) every time I tried to restart after cleaning tank or what ever I had to bang it on the sump until I heard the impeller start "clicking" and then submerge in the sump and hope. It got so frustrating I put out the bucks and got a Mag 7. You don't need that size but a Mag drive is a good investment.
I have a sump and my tank has a built in corner overflow so I don't know about hang on types.

[jones2270]

This is a rio 1700, do you know what the equevilant of it would be in a mag?

[jones2270]

and lance could you go into more detail on the overflow.

[unclejed]

From this site;Mag Drive Pumps
Looks like a Mag 5 is good. You may only need one power head if you get enough flow from the pump which I think you will.

[Proud Texan]

you take airline tubing up in the middle of u tube and suck all the air out... When the siphon is going quikly put your thumb over the end of the tubing you sucked on and pull the tubing out. If you dont put your thumb over the tubing air will get in in the u tube and kill the siphon have a cup to spit in ready because you will get saltwater in your mouth.... It takes a few tries to get it to go.... I hade to get my dad to help me. Good luck!

[demonsquirt]

LOL i dont understand it either. I missed one word.

Put an air hose up the tube that draws water from the tank into the overflow box. Insert the tube up from the tank side. Im not sure how far but whene you blow air it should prime the overflow box and start the continued suction.
Dont know how to explaine any better.

[jones2270]

I understand what your saying now. I have been trying the old suck to get the siphon technique, but everytime I removed the hose once it got started I would loose the siphon. I'm going to try your way tonight, if I have any more problems, I'm going to buy a automatic self primeing one.