ready to start my sump!

[Neptune 555]

Thanks for answers re: sump leaking.. Using a wrench I was able to tighten bolt so that sump does not leak. I have filled tank and overflow with water. NOW do I fill the sump directly and turn on my return pump? Total newbie to the sump... How do I start it...

Neptune

[Victorg1001]

Yes you will need to fill pump. Fill just enough so that when to pump is turned on it doesn't run dry after a few mins. Once it's running for a bit you can add additional water to the sump

[Neptune 555]

OK so the sump return I start when the water covers the pump... at the same rate the pump return the water it refills via the overflow? I ask b/c my pumps are super fast and the overflow seems to drain slowly? I think this would cause the water to be pumped out faster then it fills?

Is there a FAQ on this I should have read? I bought this tank used.. and am pretty confused about how a sump works.. I get the purpose and after it is running I will add heater / turn skimmer on and build refugium for pods...

Neptune

[Victorg1001]

If your pump is faster than your overflow you will notice almost right away. Basically the water level will overwhelm your overflow box.

If this is the case you have a few options.

1) bigger overflow box
2) return pump with a gph rated closer to what the overflow can handle
3) restrict the flow of your return pump

[Mrramsey]

I would add a ball or hate valve to your return line before starting it up.

Fill your sump with enough water to film the return chamber as well as the other chambers just to the top of the lowest baffels as those set the water level in the sump. Once the water is flowing adjust the valve to control the level in the overflow. Once set add additional water to the sump to where the return pump chamber is full or just a little below the baffle.