Can't keep level in return chamber.

[fishkeeprian]

Hello,

I'm struggling to keep the level in my return chamber. It's around 1/2" lower than the other two chambers. When I adjust the full syphon to allow more water into the sump it pulls to much water from the overflow box and it just gargle's.

Any ideas please.

Thank you.

[nereefpat]

The return chamber fluctuates with evaporation. The rest of the sump will stay constant. To have a higher level in the return chamber, add more water to the system. To drop it, let the tank evaporate or take water out.

[JUNBUG361]

You have ATO?

[fishkeeprian]

Originally Posted by JUNBUG361

You have ATO?

Yes got an Ato but it goes off every few mins because the water level flucuates. I know it will go off when there is evaporation but this was every few minutes.

[oldhead]

Since this is your second post about your return chamber I'm guessing you are having flow issues through your sump. If you draw a line on the outside of your sump with everything but the ato running, does the water level fluctuate as you watch it, or does it stay steady?

[five.five-six]

I’ve always kept my return section a few inches lower than the other sections. ATO goes in the return pump section or you will forever have problems.

[mcgyvr]

Lower or fluctuating? 2 totally different things..

One normal/not an issue.. one not..

It should take a few minutes after startup to get to its level then it should stay consistent and not fluctuate other than evaporation which shouldn't be every few minutes..
And you set the level in the return by simply adding more or less water to the system.. Then it should remain at that height and then you setup your ato to maintain that..

[fishkeeprian]

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

Lower or fluctuating? 2 totally different things..

One normal/not an issue.. one not..

It should take a few minutes after startup to get to its level then it should stay consistent and not fluctuate other than evaporation which shouldn't be every few minutes..
And you set the level in the return by simply adding more or less water to the system.. Then it should remain at that height and then you setup your ato to maintain that..

I think I need to add some more water to the system. I did take some out when I put my rock in.

I am going to top it up buy for now it's running fine even if it's a little low in the return. It's not fluctuating now because the ato isn't going off all the time.

Will the ato register evaporation if the centre chamber is pouring into the return chamber?

See attached video showing return chamber level.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ggak42a3vx...45230.mp4?dl=0

[Vinny Kreyling]

Very small chamber, this is where you will have all your fluctuation.
Add more water, set the top off in this chamber & keep an eye on it.

[jacksonpt]

Originally Posted by fishkeeprian

I think I need to add some more water to the system. I did take some out when I put my rock in.

I am going to top it up buy for now it's running fine even if it's a little low in the return. It's not fluctuating now because the ato isn't going off all the time.

Will the ato register evaporation if the centre chamber is pouring into the return chamber?

See attached video showing return chamber level.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ggak42a3vx...45230.mp4?dl=0

Looks to be running fine, though it does appear to be a really small return chamber.

I assume your ATO uses some type of a float switch or other sensor to detect changing water levels? Make sure that sensor is in the return chamber. The center chamber will stay at a constant water level... your return chamber is where you'll see the water level change based on evaporation/top-off, so make sure the sensor is in that chamber.