Sump levels

[BIGTEXT]

How exactly does everyone mange their sump levels? I have a line marked on the main and return chambers and try to keep the levels at that point. However the levels in the 2 chambers vary. Sometimes I will add water to the lines then 20 minutes later the level in the return chamber is a lot lower than the line but its right where I left it in the main chamber? I don't understand how anyone ever manages to keep a consistent SG with a sump?

[sdc19982002]

auto top off and proper sump design

[BIGTEXT]

I don't have the room for an auto top off and the sump is made by eshopps.

[spleify]

Can you post a pic of the sump, so we can see what you are looking at.

The only chamber of the sump that should lose water is the return chamber, where you keep your return pump. That is where your evaporation will be seen.

[Fizz71]

Like spleify said, only the final chamber that feeds the pump changes it's height with the EXECPTION of changing you pump speed which once we're setup we don't do anymore.

If you've got an eshopps and you're running a reef, ditch the bioballs.

As for my personal sump levels...well...my sump isn't normal since I only have one chamber (100g chamber, but one chamber. :)). I use the eshopp float to drip RO from a reserve tank to keep my sump level the same 24/7.

[BIGTEXT]

Picture at http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m77/boby46140/IMG_1021.jpg

I added water to the lines this morning and that's where the levels are at now.

Thanks!

[spleify]

Ok, thanks for the pic, that helps to answer your question.

If you look at the last baffle it doen not go all the way down, the second to last baffle(the one to the left) it does go all the way down. You are going to show evap in both those chambers until it gets past the second to last baffle, then the level will only change in the last chamber. Unfortunately this is something that is going to continue to plague you unless you continue that last baffle all the way down.

IMO I would lose that sponge filter too.

HTH and makes sense.

[spleify]

With constant changing water levels, it will be almost impossible to adjust your skimmer properly to get consistant results out of it.

[BIGTEXT]

Ok, thanks for the pic, that helps to answer your question.

If you look at the last baffle it doen not go all the way down, the second to last baffle(the one to the left) it does go all the way down. You are going to show evap in both those chambers until it gets past the second to last baffle, then the level will only change in the last chamber. Unfortunately this is something that is going to continue to plague you unless you continue that last baffle all the way down.

IMO I would lose that sponge filter too.

HTH and makes sense.

Sigh, some days I wish I never would have installed a sump. I wish I would of at least just made my own. Not really a lot of room down there however.

I was actually planning on taking that sponge out since my filter sock and power head for the sump should be arriving tomorrow. I only left it in because I thought it would cut down on the detritus that collects on the bottom of the sump.

Thanks spleify!

[BIGTEXT]

Anyone know of a good guide to help me make my own sump? I know very little about plumbing. A 20 gallon tank should fit down there. Would be nice to have a proper sump and refuge.

[spleify]

No problem and your welcome.

DOn't get discouraged, having a sump is a great idea, once setup properly.

I would poke around the DIY forum and see what you can find.

Here is a link to my build thread, my sump build is on page 2

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1343381

[brycerb]

Do a search on yahoo/google, plenty of info out their.

[Pufferpunk]

I figure the more water in my sump, the more dilution in the tank. I used to fill it 1/2 way but not it's at the top of the last baffle (4/5 full). As long as when the pump is off, it doesn't overflow.

For sump building info: www.melevsreef.com

[reice05]

Just curious whats wrong with leaving that sponge filter in there?

[Pufferpunk]

Collects nitrate, unless you want to rinse it out every few days.