Need sump help

[Nickfishman]

Can any one help me? My sump is sucking my water levelof my tank down to about an inch and a half under the rim and then keeps the water level there no matter what i do. Can any one help me with this?

[Nickfishman]

I tried adding more salt water and it just goes to the sump.

[Nickfishman]

This is my first time using a sump so i am kindof a newbie

[RobZilla04]

That is because the water level will only go as high as the overflow. Are you using a reef tank with an internal overflow or an external with an box on each side?

[Nickfishman]

I am on a tight budget and am using it like a canister filter with an input and output pipe, with no box or overflow. I know that has a likely hood of causing problems but i have flow regulated so it wont over flow.

[Nickfishman]

Its a small tank, just 20 gallons, but it has internal skimmer and big power filter.

[RobZilla04]

The DT water level will only rise to the height of the outlet pipe. Can you raise it?

[nereefpat]

Originally Posted by Nickfishman

I am on a tight budget and am using it like a canister filter with an input and output pipe, with no box or overflow. I know that has a likely hood of causing problems but i have flow regulated so it wont over flow.

I don't understand. But this sounds unsafe.

[LeJeune981]

Or increase the flow to the DT?

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[LeJeune981]

Could you post a picture or pictures of your set up?
The drain on your DT
Plumbing to the sump
And pictures of your sump?

That will help us see what you are seeing and help us in helping you out

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[Nickfishman]

Yes. I tried and it didnt work.

[sde1500]

Originally Posted by Nickfishman

I am on a tight budget and am using it like a canister filter with an input and output pipe, with no box or overflow. I know that has a likely hood of causing problems but i have flow regulated so it wont over flow.

As long as that pipe clogs it won't overflow. To be more safe, make sure that in case of a restricted out pipe, the section of your sump holding your return pump runs dry prior to overflowing.

Originally Posted by LeJeune981

Or increase the flow to the DT?

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This would just risk overflowing the tank, you can't have more flow going from sump to tank than you can from tank to sump.



To raise the height of your tank water level it sounds like you need less pipe draining from the tank. Raise it, and the height of the water should raise as well. Your chances of flooding the tank increase then as well.

[Nickfishman]

My sump is a small 2 gal aquarium that has been converted into a small sump, it is gravity feed through a 3/8 inch pipe with a shutoff valve that is being reulated, and the output is a small pump attached to an out put pipe. The sump is sitting at the same level as the bortom of the tank.

[mcgyvr]

Nick can you please post pictures or at least a clear diagram/drawing showing what you have..
Its hard to understand what you are doing but so far it sounds like a disaster waiting to happen...

We need pictures before any real/proper help can be given..
Then be clear and concise about what the actual problem is..

[Nickfishman]

This is my layout

[Nickfishman]

It is a drawing

[Nickfishman]

Its kind of crude but hope fully works

[Rover88]

An actual picture of the tank plumbing would help.

If anything ever happens to cause loss of siphon in your return, you will have a disaster.

[mcgyvr]

nevermind..

[Nickfishman]

i realize that and that is one of the first things i will fix when i can afford it.

[nereefpat]

So the drain works by a syphon from the display tank to the sump?

What happens if the syphon breaks or is plugged? Will your display tank overflow from water being pumped from the sump?

I suppose I would go sumpless in your case, until you can buy or design a better drain system. A design could be as easy as drilling one hole, then adding some pvc pipe and fittings (really cheap).

[Nickfishman]

ok thanks
is there a filter i can replace it with in the mean time?

[RobZilla04]

You need to use an overflow box. This will prevent the sump from overflowing in the event of a power loss. Look them up, should be around $50.

Edit: here I did it for you.

https://www.amazon.com/Aqueon-Hang-O...s=Overflow+box

[LeJeune981]

I have a few spare overflow boxes if you need one

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[Jon0807]

Personally I would not use this layout, you are just asking for water on your floor. I would disconnect it ASAP and get a HOB filter until you can properly plumb the sump. This will not go well.