How full is you're sump?
- Thread starter danrw84
- Start date
hairtrigger
Active Member
Dan... depends on what you have. My sump is a 55 gallon tank. I keep the water about 5 inches from the top in case of power outtage. That way the overflow water has a safe place to go without floodng the place. 
hairtrigger
Active Member
You could put a small hole above the waterline on the fuges return. That way the back pressure won't make it syphon backwards. You might want to send it back if it's faulty.
My return pump sits on the bottom of the 55 on some rubber feet. it is an 1800 gallon per hour mag drive so I don't worry about it having problems pumping pressure wise.
My overflow line is right below the rim of my display tank. If a power outtage happens, I have about a half inch of water that goes into my 55 sump no problem.
My return pump sits on the bottom of the 55 on some rubber feet. it is an 1800 gallon per hour mag drive so I don't worry about it having problems pumping pressure wise.
My overflow line is right below the rim of my display tank. If a power outtage happens, I have about a half inch of water that goes into my 55 sump no problem.
richard rendos
Active Member
All my sumps are only about 1/3 full of water. I can't think of why I would need more water in them.
hairtrigger
Active Member
Yeah, I just fill mine as much as possible because I figure the more clean water, the better. Less chance of contaminants polluting, less waste build up, etc. I dunno though. Call me crazy.
ophiura
Active Member
A tip I always gave people who were setting up any sort of sump system (usually when setting up the tank) was to add water to the tank (with the pumps off) until the water line is about an inch from the top of the sump, then turn on the pump, and mark the running water level in the sump. This way, you know how much water you can have in that sump so that if the power goes off, it won't overflow. As top off water is needed, you have a line to fill to, without worrying about putting too much in. It is really important to know these levels pretty well, unless you like wet floors.
The other is always to make sure there is a hole to prevent back siphoning!
The other is always to make sure there is a hole to prevent back siphoning!
broomer5
Active Member
I shut off my return pumps - let the tank drain down until all siphons breaks - and the 18 gallon refugium drains down to it's lowest point.
I fill the sump totally full with saltwater - up to 1 inch from the top.
I turn on return pumps and skimmer - and after the fuge fills up a half inch or so, and the display tank's full and overflowing again - the 14 gallon sump runs half way full.
This is enough to keep my return pump intakes submerged and gives me a little more head pressure for the suction sides of the pumps to take advantage of.
Mark this point as normal operating level - and maintain the sump water level at this mark.
Top off twice each day.
I fill the sump totally full with saltwater - up to 1 inch from the top.
I turn on return pumps and skimmer - and after the fuge fills up a half inch or so, and the display tank's full and overflowing again - the 14 gallon sump runs half way full.
This is enough to keep my return pump intakes submerged and gives me a little more head pressure for the suction sides of the pumps to take advantage of.
Mark this point as normal operating level - and maintain the sump water level at this mark.
Top off twice each day.
X
xxchris060
Guest
1/3 just about all the time. It keeps the bioballs out out ot the water.