Some questions about level of sump

csarkar001 · 08/31/2010, 07:20 AM

been out of the hobby for a few years. wondering if this is the right level at which to run my sump?

also, when i add a protein skimmer (it will sit in the sump), should i increase, decrease, or keep the sump level the same?

thanks,
chandan

demonnite57 · 08/31/2010, 07:23 AM

Skimmers generally have a max water level and also for the sump you have to worry about how much water will go into your sump when you lose power, so it somewhat varies.

csarkar001 · 08/31/2010, 07:28 AM

i guess my question really is: should i run the sump at the max level such that if i lose power, the overflow from the tank just barely fits in the sump?

Beaun · 08/31/2010, 07:49 AM

Correct, turn the tank off and fill it till it overflows into the sump; keep filling it till you get a few inches from the top, then start the return pump and mark your level. Turn off the pump to make sure you dont overflow incase you have a syphon. This is your water level.

Palting · 08/31/2010, 07:58 AM

To be more precise, that would be the MAXIMUM water level in your sump. It may or may not be the OPERATING level, or the level you want it at, depending on your needs.

csarkar001 · 08/31/2010, 08:15 AM

so what should be my operating level?

what are the factors?

i have a 125 gal fish-only tank. will eventually add a Tunze skimmer.

Palting · 08/31/2010, 08:24 AM

The biggest factor to me is the optimum level for your skimmer. It varies depending on your skimmer, but it usually is 6-9 inches. Skimmers are usually very sensitive to water levels. I can't tell from your pic, but the skimmer section in the sump should stay at a constant level, contolled by the baffle height. It is the pump section that fluctuates with evap and ATO. If you have a refugium in your sump, this too should stay at a constant level, and this level can be anything you want.

csarkar001 · 08/31/2010, 08:27 AM

thanks. that was the info i was looking for.

RocketSurgeon · 08/31/2010, 08:31 AM

The factors include (but not limited to):
- making sure you have enough water to run everything and there is no chance of running a pump dry (remembering to include any evaporation if you don't have auto top off).
- making sure you have enough space left over for drainage from lines and equipment during power failure (so you don't overflow sump).
- leave enough space if your auto top off empties completely into your sump due to a faulty switch.

After adding your skimmer, your water level (or volume) may change.

If you have those things covered, it is a mater of preference after that. the more water volume, the more stable your parameters.

csarkar001 · 08/31/2010, 10:42 AM

that list is helpful. thanks.

08/31/2010, 07:20 AM	#1
csarkar001 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: stamford, ct Posts: 345	Some questions about level of sump been out of the hobby for a few years. wondering if this is the right level at which to run my sump? also, when i add a protein skimmer (it will sit in the sump), should i increase, decrease, or keep the sump level the same? thanks, chandan

08/31/2010, 07:28 AM	#3
csarkar001 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: stamford, ct Posts: 345	sump level i guess my question really is: should i run the sump at the max level such that if i lose power, the overflow from the tank just barely fits in the sump?

08/31/2010, 07:49 AM	#4
Beaun It's pronounced Bone Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Hampton, NY Posts: 1,967	Correct, turn the tank off and fill it till it overflows into the sump; keep filling it till you get a few inches from the top, then start the return pump and mark your level. Turn off the pump to make sure you dont overflow incase you have a syphon. This is your water level. __________________ -Tyler "The only legitimate use of a computer is to play games." -Eugene Jarvis Current Tank Info: None

08/31/2010, 07:58 AM	#5
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	To be more precise, that would be the MAXIMUM water level in your sump. It may or may not be the OPERATING level, or the level you want it at, depending on your needs. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

08/31/2010, 08:15 AM	#6
csarkar001 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: stamford, ct Posts: 345	what should be the operating level for the sump? so what should be my operating level? what are the factors? i have a 125 gal fish-only tank. will eventually add a Tunze skimmer.

08/31/2010, 07:23 AM	#2
demonnite57 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Hampton, VA Posts: 253	Skimmers generally have a max water level and also for the sump you have to worry about how much water will go into your sump when you lose power, so it somewhat varies.

08/31/2010, 08:24 AM	#7
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	The biggest factor to me is the optimum level for your skimmer. It varies depending on your skimmer, but it usually is 6-9 inches. Skimmers are usually very sensitive to water levels. I can't tell from your pic, but the skimmer section in the sump should stay at a constant level, contolled by the baffle height. It is the pump section that fluctuates with evap and ATO. If you have a refugium in your sump, this too should stay at a constant level, and this level can be anything you want. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

08/31/2010, 08:27 AM	#8
csarkar001 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: stamford, ct Posts: 345	so the skimmer is key thanks. that was the info i was looking for.

08/31/2010, 08:31 AM	#9
RocketSurgeon Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 653	The factors include (but not limited to): - making sure you have enough water to run everything and there is no chance of running a pump dry (remembering to include any evaporation if you don't have auto top off). - making sure you have enough space left over for drainage from lines and equipment during power failure (so you don't overflow sump). - leave enough space if your auto top off empties completely into your sump due to a faulty switch. After adding your skimmer, your water level (or volume) may change. If you have those things covered, it is a mater of preference after that. the more water volume, the more stable your parameters.

08/31/2010, 10:42 AM	#10
csarkar001 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: stamford, ct Posts: 345	thanks for this list that list is helpful. thanks.

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