Have you noticed this on your RSM?(pics)

[bekindtoyurbuds]

I was messing with my Red Sea Max the other day and I noticed that If I shut off one of the return pumps (in the back wall), the water in the sump (after the skimmer) would rise at least a half inch, when I shut off the other return pump (both off) the water would rise another 1/2 inch.

1 inch difference!!

When both were off and the water was high the skimmer would start to work as it should (I think, or would at least would like) It started skimming like it never skimmed before.

I was wondering if anyone else noticed this on their RSM?

Wow if this is how it should normally be skimming, I've been missing out, BIG Time.




Just some background info on my setup: Everything i have on it is stock, return pumps, cyramic media bag, skimmer/skimmer pump, black sponge (4 inches tall, stock size, never cut in half) and some 1/2 inch white floss media (not stock but gives better flow and lasts longer)



Notice left, blueish sylicone line that runs vertical for reference on water level

both return pumps on
<a href="http://s177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/bekindtoyurbuds/?action=view&current=DSCN3514.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/bekindtoyurbuds/DSCN3514.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


1 return pump off
<a href="http://s177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/bekindtoyurbuds/?action=view&current=DSCN3515.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/bekindtoyurbuds/DSCN3515.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

both return pumps off
<a href="http://s177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/bekindtoyurbuds/?action=view&current=DSCN3516.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/bekindtoyurbuds/DSCN3516.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

This is how I took the next two pics, I used a flashlight to light up the skimmer collection cup
<a href="http://s177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/bekindtoyurbuds/?action=view&current=DSCN3523.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/bekindtoyurbuds/DSCN3523.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


Skimmer production with both return pumps ON
<a href="http://s177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/bekindtoyurbuds/?action=view&current=DSCN3525.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/bekindtoyurbuds/DSCN3525.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


Video of skimmer production after both return pumps are OFF
Produces way more skim ( i didn't video it long enough to show the full extent of skimmer production, but it eventually starts to fill cup with gunk)
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/bekindtoyurbuds/th_DSCN3521.jpg (http://s177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/bekindtoyurbuds/?action=view&current=DSCN3521.flv)

I was trying to think what I could do to raise the sump level (after the skimmer) permanently, One of the things I can think of would be to put something like a balloon or a small ball held under water (some how) to offset the water level.
Could possibly lower return pump output, by replacing or some other mod to slow down return..........

haven't Tryed it yet
but will in the next coming days

Wanted to see if you noticed this also?