Sump Questions - help please

Neurotech · 03/29/2007, 07:18 AM

First sump - three sections - skimmer, refugium and return.

1) The level in the return varies quite a bit, often going down.

2) I used the ball valve I installed to limit the return pump output, and the return section level rises, but temporarily it seems, and I am not getting as much flow then as I could.

3) How can you tell when you need to top off? Is the water in the return area the indicator?

I tried topping off in return, and that may be working. Any and all help appreciated.

andyjd · 03/29/2007, 07:33 AM

Keep the ball valve fully open & top off to maintain a level, I have always used the center section of my sump for level. An ATO is a fantastic idea, if you have room.

Andy

1F2FRFBF · 03/29/2007, 07:34 AM

I'm having a similar issue & questions, so I'll tag along if you don't mind...

Neurotech · 03/29/2007, 07:41 AM

Thanks Andy - so I can use my return section as the indicator for when I need to top off , and top off in that section?

andyjd · 03/29/2007, 07:45 AM

Yes i think so

jmait769 · 03/29/2007, 07:45 AM

Quote:

1) The level in the return varies quite a bit, often going down.

After you have the pump and the overflow rate matched then you should see the level go down as the water evaporates

Quote:

2) I used the ball valve I installed to limit the return pump output, and the return section level rises, but temporarily it seems, and I am not getting as much flow then as I could.

It sounds like you have the pump matched with the overflow by choking it with the ballvalve. Really this is the only option but you could add a T above the pump and divert the excess water back into the sump. I Tâ€™d mine off to a phosban reactor and was then able to open my ballvalve all the way.

Quote:

3) How can you tell when you need to top off? Is the water in the return area the indicator?

I added a piece of blue tape where I wanted the water level to stay in the return section. This is where I have the topoff sensor located and mine will topoff when the level drops about Â¼â€. Iâ€™m using a Tunze Osmolator.

HTH

Jay

chinaman4u · 03/29/2007, 08:00 AM

Watch your tanks water level, as it will drop slightly when you reduce your return pump flow. This is because, less flow into tank = less flow over the overflow = lower water level = higher sump levels. A 1/4" difference in your tank could mean several inches difference in your sump. Increasing your flow raises the water level in your main tank as it takes more water flows over your water flow, this drops your sumps water level.

My sump water level drops about 2" a day, about 2 gallons.

Use tape marks! I use tape marks to indicate a low point and high point in my sump. I have also calculated the the change in gallons represented by the tape marks.

My auto top off is RO/DI water thats drips water continuously into sump, using a valve, kinda like a leaking faucet. I tape marks help me to adjust my drip rate.

When you do 'top off' you should add slowly, dripping, is best. You can top off with Kalk water by dripping at night to increase ph.

03/29/2007, 07:18 AM	#1
Neurotech Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 870	Sump Questions - help please First sump - three sections - skimmer, refugium and return. 1) The level in the return varies quite a bit, often going down. 2) I used the ball valve I installed to limit the return pump output, and the return section level rises, but temporarily it seems, and I am not getting as much flow then as I could. 3) How can you tell when you need to top off? Is the water in the return area the indicator? I tried topping off in return, and that may be working. Any and all help appreciated. __________________ Boneh Current Tank Info: 2 54 corner tanks. 1 2X65 PC and 1 250 watt 20K MH.

03/29/2007, 07:41 AM	#4
Neurotech Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 870	Thanks Andy - so I can use my return section as the indicator for when I need to top off , and top off in that section? __________________ Boneh Current Tank Info: 2 54 corner tanks. 1 2X65 PC and 1 250 watt 20K MH.

03/29/2007, 07:33 AM	#2
andyjd International Nomad Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Dunedin, NZ Posts: 1,147	Keep the ball valve fully open & top off to maintain a level, I have always used the center section of my sump for level. An ATO is a fantastic idea, if you have room. Andy

03/29/2007, 07:34 AM	#3
1F2FRFBF Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Jersey Shore Posts: 456	I'm having a similar issue & questions, so I'll tag along if you don't mind...

03/29/2007, 07:45 AM	#5
andyjd International Nomad Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Dunedin, NZ Posts: 1,147	Yes i think so

03/29/2007, 08:00 AM	#7
chinaman4u Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: PennStatePA Posts: 600	Watch your tanks water level, as it will drop slightly when you reduce your return pump flow. This is because, less flow into tank = less flow over the overflow = lower water level = higher sump levels. A 1/4" difference in your tank could mean several inches difference in your sump. Increasing your flow raises the water level in your main tank as it takes more water flows over your water flow, this drops your sumps water level. My sump water level drops about 2" a day, about 2 gallons. Use tape marks! I use tape marks to indicate a low point and high point in my sump. I have also calculated the the change in gallons represented by the tape marks. My auto top off is RO/DI water thats drips water continuously into sump, using a valve, kinda like a leaking faucet. I tape marks help me to adjust my drip rate. When you do 'top off' you should add slowly, dripping, is best. You can top off with Kalk water by dripping at night to increase ph.