BeanAnimal and evaporation

dmolavi · 12/02/2015, 02:14 PM

I'm using the BeanAnimal overflow system on my tank. I'm seeing what appears to be evaporation losses in both the return section of my sump, as well as in the overflow box itself (the box is not coast to coast). My ATO is in the return section of the sump and keeps that water level constant, but in the overflow box, I'll see the level dropping off until it's down to the mouth of the downturned elbows.

Does this mean my overflow/return rates aren't high enough? Or is there something else weird going on?

dmolavi · 12/02/2015, 02:23 PM

Also, my sump is only a 2 chamber, no fuge. I have 2 baffles separating the chambers. The first is approx. 1 inch off the bottom of the sump, the second is sitting on the bottom, and an inch or so lower than the first...

toothybugs · 12/02/2015, 02:32 PM

Sounds like your flow out of the box is a little fast (siphon is pulling a little hard). No reason that you should see evaporative effects in the overflow box.

dmolavi · 12/02/2015, 02:35 PM

I've dialed it down, and will see what happens. This tank (a new 40B) has only been up for 5 days after moving everything in from my old tank (a 20). I'm sure there will be some tweaking required to dial in.

Do you use the BA overflow on your 40B?

Indymann99 · 12/02/2015, 04:22 PM

Evap (water level lowering) showing in your sump "return section" is perfectly normal. An ATO system will take care of that.

You will also see some water level height fluctuation in the overflow box from changes in barometric pressure (ie changes in weather). I run a Herbie drain system and see a 1/4in water level fluctuation in my overflow with changes in the weather.

toothybugs · 12/02/2015, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmolavi

I've dialed it down, and will see what happens. This tank (a new 40B) has only been up for 5 days after moving everything in from my old tank (a 20). I'm sure there will be some tweaking required to dial in.

Do you use the BA overflow on your 40B?

Nope, I sorta screwed the pooch on setting up my 40. I did put one on the 75 I am upgrading to, however, and let it run for a week not long ago. I experienced a drop in my box like you describe after about day 2. I noticed I had quit flowing over in to my open line; the water level shouldn't drop if you are having a slight overflow in to your open standpipe, since that will act as your stop for any increasing water level (sorta like a baffle in a sense).

dmolavi · 12/03/2015, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indymann99

Evap (water level lowering) showing in your sump "return section" is perfectly normal. An ATO system will take care of that.

You will also see some water level height fluctuation in the overflow box from changes in barometric pressure (ie changes in weather). I run a Herbie drain system and see a 1/4in water level fluctuation in my overflow with changes in the weather.

Yeah the ATO takes care of the sump evap. This drop in the overflow box itself was on the order of an inch or more though. However, that being said, it's stabilized since Tuesday. We'll see what happens tonight when I shut off the return for feeding.

fishgate · 12/03/2015, 12:41 PM

As others have said, the water level in your overflow box has nothing to do with evaporation.

eb2292 · 12/03/2015, 02:10 PM

The only water level that should not be constant (minus small fluctuations as stated above) is your return section of your sump.

dmolavi · 12/03/2015, 02:51 PM

The DT and main section of the sump are constant, the return fluctuates from evap. I think that I just had to dial in the BA...but like I said, we'll see how it does when I turn off the return tonight for feeding.

12/02/2015, 02:14 PM	#1
dmolavi Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Sewell, NJ Posts: 22	BeanAnimal and evaporation I'm using the BeanAnimal overflow system on my tank. I'm seeing what appears to be evaporation losses in both the return section of my sump, as well as in the overflow box itself (the box is not coast to coast). My ATO is in the return section of the sump and keeps that water level constant, but in the overflow box, I'll see the level dropping off until it's down to the mouth of the downturned elbows. Does this mean my overflow/return rates aren't high enough? Or is there something else weird going on?

12/02/2015, 04:22 PM	#5
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	Evap (water level lowering) showing in your sump "return section" is perfectly normal. An ATO system will take care of that. You will also see some water level height fluctuation in the overflow box from changes in barometric pressure (ie changes in weather). I run a Herbie drain system and see a 1/4in water level fluctuation in my overflow with changes in the weather. __________________ 120g DT 100lbs LR / 200 lbs LS, 45g fuge, VectraM1 Return, Herbie drain, 4x RW-8, 2x AI Hydra 26 w AWM, ASM G2, Apex controller, Apex BoB w floats ATO

12/03/2015, 12:41 PM	#8
fishgate Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Damascus, MD Posts: 3,340	As others have said, the water level in your overflow box has nothing to do with evaporation. __________________ 125RR in-wall, 40B Sump, CS180 BM Skimmer, ATI 4x80 watt, eheim 1262, custom wrap around rock wall, ReefKeeper Elite 120g in-wall, 40B Sump, PC 54wx4, Jabao DC-6000 (full siphon), future seahorse t Current Tank Info: 125g, 120g, 2x40b sumps, ATI 4x80 T5HO

12/02/2015, 02:23 PM	#2
dmolavi Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Sewell, NJ Posts: 22	Also, my sump is only a 2 chamber, no fuge. I have 2 baffles separating the chambers. The first is approx. 1 inch off the bottom of the sump, the second is sitting on the bottom, and an inch or so lower than the first...

12/02/2015, 02:32 PM	#3
toothybugs In Memoriam Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: The smallest county in Illinois Posts: 1,986	Sounds like your flow out of the box is a little fast (siphon is pulling a little hard). No reason that you should see evaporative effects in the overflow box.

12/02/2015, 02:35 PM	#4
dmolavi Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Sewell, NJ Posts: 22	I've dialed it down, and will see what happens. This tank (a new 40B) has only been up for 5 days after moving everything in from my old tank (a 20). I'm sure there will be some tweaking required to dial in. Do you use the BA overflow on your 40B?

12/03/2015, 02:10 PM	#9
eb2292 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Westchester, NY Posts: 295	The only water level that should not be constant (minus small fluctuations as stated above) is your return section of your sump.

12/03/2015, 02:51 PM	#10
dmolavi Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Sewell, NJ Posts: 22	The DT and main section of the sump are constant, the return fluctuates from evap. I think that I just had to dial in the BA...but like I said, we'll see how it does when I turn off the return tonight for feeding.