Building my Dream: It's a Miracles!

[SPotter]

good luck!

[BigOldReef]

Is it possible that you are looking at the wrong end of the sump. Perhaps the overflows from the tank are surging and that is pushing the water into the sump at a variable flow rate, so it goes over the baffles as the water pressure changes causing a wave ?

[jt48]

Originally Posted by BigOldReef

Is it possible that you are looking at the wrong end of the sump. Perhaps the overflows from the tank are surging and that is pushing the water into the sump at a variable flow rate, so it goes over the baffles as the water pressure changes causing a wave ?

Yes it is possible and likely. Talked to Dolphin again and that is what I need to figure out. Will be posting longer video shortly that may help.

[SPotter]

Can you make the drain pipes into the sump shorter? that might be causing some bsck pressure.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2

[jt48]

Longer video explaining sump design. Hopefully you can point out the flaw that creates wave. My next course of action is attaching 90 degree elbows to the bulkheads in sump either with or without a section of PVC. Other possible idea is placing a baffle to separate the drain section from skimmer section.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=D-LzRJMWctA

[jt48]

Originally Posted by SPotter

Can you make the drain pipes into the sump shorter? that might be causing some bsck pressure.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2

If u are referring to the four 15 " PVC pipes connected to the bulkheads, I thought about that also. Wave action is same with or without them. Thanks though for the idea.

[Newbie Aquarist]

Just a thought but what if you lowered the water about 3 -5 inches? You think it will be the same?

[dave.m]

What if you added a fourth vertical baffle? This might be enough to throw off whatever is aligning so well to create the wave. I don't know how you could set one up temporarily to test it, though.

Dave.M

[Jasanden]

Edit

[Jasanden]

Hey Osprey, do you think you have air in the line? Have you tried just turning it off and starting it back up after a minute?

[jt48]

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

Just a thought but what if you lowered the water about 3 -5 inches? You think it will be the same?

Will try that!

[jt48]

Originally Posted by dave.m

What if you added a fourth vertical baffle? This might be enough to throw off whatever is aligning so well to create the wave. I don't know how you could set one up temporarily to test it, though.

Dave.M

That is an idea but I take credit of thinking about it first. Going to try that if lowering level doesn't work. Thanks

[jt48]

Originally Posted by Jasanden

Hey Osprey, do you think you have air in the line? Have you tried just turning it off and starting it back up after a minute?

Already tried that twice. Thanks

[jt48]

Newbie Aquarist wins the prize but I thank everyone for their input.
The more I lowered the water level in the return section, the less wave action I had. I still don't understand how the wave was being created though. I did notice that the wave was so strong that it was bending the acryllic baffles back and forth which in turn helped create more wave. I have two different types of acryllic in the sump-thick new stuff from lowes and thinner, older, more brittle stuff I had lying around. I used the new stuff for the two sides of the refugium section. The last baffle, closest to the return bulkhead is sagging a bit now that the water level in that section is low. Easily corrected though by securing it more with more acryllic or if I can find a piece of glass thick enough.
Thanks again

[BigOldReef]

I think the problem comes from the fact that the 2 last "over" baffles are both at 16". The second one should be lower so the water flows/ falls over. You are forcing the water up and over the second baffle. My guess this is what is creating the wave.

Not sure the quickest way to test this theory.

Dave

[jt48]

Originally Posted by BigOldReef

I think the problem comes from the fact that the 2 last "over" baffles are both at 16". The second one should be lower so the water flows/ falls over. You are forcing the water up and over the second baffle. My guess this is what is creating the wave.

Not sure the quickest way to test this theory.

Dave

Interesting thought. I want to confirm with Dolphin as to what is the minimum (if there is any) water level. How many inches of water should there be above the Dolphin to operate properly. The directions talked about water cavitations and some stuff I did not completely understand. To test your theory I think I would need to remove the baffle, clean off all the silicone, cut and reattach. Not the easiest job but doable. Other possible method would be to sand it down while still attached.

[BigOldReef]

The minimum water level is usually at the point where the pump intake create a whirlpool and starts sucking air.

I have an idea to test my theory. Cut a piece of old scrap acrylic that is the same width as your baffles and only about 3 in tall.

Then use a clamp and clamp it to the first 'Over' baffle so that is raises that baffle by 1/2 and inch to an inch.

You should notice the surging stopping right away.

If this is the case then there are several methods for lowering the second 'Over' baffle without having to tear it out.

[jt48]

Originally Posted by BigOldReef

The minimum water level is usually at the point where the pump intake create a whirlpool and starts sucking air.

I have an idea to test my theory. Cut a piece of old scrap acrylic that is the same width as your baffles and only about 3 in tall.

Then use a clamp and clamp it to the first 'Over' baffle so that is raises that baffle by 1/2 and inch to an inch.

You should notice the surging stopping right away.

If this is the case then there are several methods for lowering the second 'Over' baffle without having to tear it out.

Cool thanks. I'll try to do that tomorrow.

[jt48]

Originally Posted by BigOldReef

The minimum water level is usually at the point where the pump intake create a whirlpool and starts sucking air.

I have an idea to test my theory. Cut a piece of old scrap acrylic that is the same width as your baffles and only about 3 in tall.

Then use a clamp and clamp it to the first 'Over' baffle so that is raises that baffle by 1/2 and inch to an inch.

You should notice the surging stopping right away.

If this is the case then there are several methods for lowering the second 'Over' baffle without having to tear it out.

I actually had a piece of leftover acryllic lying around that didn't need to be cut in order to try this out. I followed your directions and i increased the water level. Keep in mind I only did this as a learning factor, it didn't need to be done as my problem was solved by lowering the water level. Anyway, the increased height of that baffle made even more of a wave- actually alot worse and had to shut system down as it was getting dangerous.
Here's a pic of the wave.

[BigOldReef]

I think you have the reason for the waves. All the baffles are the same height across the length of the sump. Raising the over baffle on the left side causes more water on the right side of the sump to have to push up and over creating the wave.

Each sequential 'over' baffle should be lower than the prior one.

Now change this sump design to be located over your tank and you might be able to build a cool and unique surge system

[WEBBERIII]

I wonder what it would do if you put a 90 or a 45 degree fitting on it. Would it stop the waves ?

[jt48]

Originally Posted by BigOldReef

I think you have the reason for the waves. All the baffles are the same height across the length of the sump. Raising the over baffle on the left side causes more water on the right side of the sump to have to push up and over creating the wave.

Each sequential 'over' baffle should be lower than the prior one.

Now change this sump design to be located over your tank and you might be able to build a cool and unique surge system

I agree but in my research of DIY sump designs I never heard that each subsequent baffle should be lower. If so , it's an easy although not be a pretty fix. All I have to do is add a two inch lip on first baffle and a one inch lip on second baffle.

I believe there's another underlying cause, possibly the way water is entering sump.

Either way I don't need to do anything as long as water level in last return section is set at a lower level.

It was a good learning experience and the koi pond enjoyed the water change since I just emptied tank and sump using a new garden hose and mag 18.

[WEBBERIII]

That's what I just said lol...

[jt48]

Originally Posted by WEBBERIII

That's what I just said lol...

Gotcha like texting before someone else replies lol

[jt48]

Worked on the aquascaping today. Originally wanted to go more minimalistic but I over bought from BRS (200 lbs Pukani and 100 pounds Branch). About 40 pounds not being used. Tried to leave clearance on left, center and right for MP40's to be placed on back wall.

Opinions welcome and open to suggestions.

FTS


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