Sump and salinity

114148 · Feb 23, 2019

MaddyP said:
Hmm, this could be the issue. If the water is flowing as slow as it sounds, as the ATO adds water to the tank it’s not fully mixed when the ATO comes on again, causing low SG water to build up in the upper part of the sump.

I would recommend either a more powerful pump or re-plumb the tank with larger diameter plumbing. Both would be ideal.

What return pump would you recommend?

114148 · Feb 23, 2019

MaddyP said:
Hmm, this could be the issue. If the water is flowing as slow as it sounds, as the ATO adds water to the tank it’s not fully mixed when the ATO comes on again, causing low SG water to build up in the upper part of the sump.

I would recommend either a more powerful pump or re-plumb the tank with larger diameter plumbing. Both would be ideal.

What return pump would you recommend? My tank is a 42 gallon with a 16 gallon sump.

114148 · Feb 23, 2019

FlowGod said:
What return pump would you recommend?

FlowGod said:
What return pump would you recommend? My tank is a 42 gallon with a 16 gallon sump.

Sorry, didn't mean to send that a thousand times

DavidMiller · Feb 23, 2019

I always set up my ATO line as far up stream in the sump as possible and just after the skimmer. Just to get the water to mix as much as possible before entering the return chamber and going into the display.
It probably isn't necessary, but it sure doesn't hurt.

I've just set my latest one all the way forward into the sock area (before the skimmer). I've had no issues with my skimmer, but others my have issues with pulsing from the change of water.

DavidMiller · Feb 23, 2019

The newer Jebao sinewave DC pumps are VERY affordable. I have used one for about 18 months no real big issues. I have had to reset the controller (unplug, then replug from the wall's AC power) twice, but in a year and a half, I don't really see that all too much of a deal.

Also, I chose one bigger than my application. DC pumps can be adjusted, which is a very sweet feature. Then I run it at 30% normally and 40 % if I'm cleaning algae or doing something where I want a higher turn over rate.
Also has feed mode so you never have to remember to turn your pumps on after feeding again.

Here's a link to a 6500. I have one of these on a 55g. You can easily get away with 5000.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2018-New-J...6:g:rKsAAOSwa~BYQMRO:rk:3:pf:1&frcectupt=true

https://www.ebay.com/itm/All-New-Je...=item1c76c1f015:g:F20AAOSwux5YQMY5:rk:14:pf:0

114148 · Feb 23, 2019

DavidMiller said:
The newer Jebao sinewave DC pumps are VERY affordable. I have used one for about 18 months no real big issues. I have had to reset the controller (unplug, then replug from the wall's AC power) twice, but in a year and a half, I don't really see that all too much of a deal.

Also, I chose one bigger than my application. DC pumps can be adjusted, which is a very sweet feature. Then I run it at 30% normally and 40 % if I'm cleaning algae or doing something where I want a higher turn over rate.
Also has feed mode so you never have to remember to turn your pumps on after feeding again.

Here's a link to a 6500. I have one of these on a 55g. You can easily get away with 5000.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2018-New-J...6:g:rKsAAOSwa~BYQMRO:rk:3:pf:1&frcectupt=true

https://www.ebay.com/itm/All-New-Je...=item1c76c1f015:g:F20AAOSwux5YQMY5:rk:14:pf:0

Thanks!! I will definitely look into those

MaddyP · Feb 23, 2019

FlowGod said:
What return pump would you recommend? My tank is a 42 gallon with a 16 gallon sump.

I prefer controllable pumps as they are much easier to adjust. The Reef Octopus VarioS line is rock solid and affordable. Maybe the VarioS 4 or VarioS 6 for your tank. I like to go a little bigger and then tube the pump down so I have the power if I need it.

lapin · Feb 23, 2019

FlowGod said:
Im using a Sicce 2.0

That pump has a head height of 6 feet. It with each foot the water pumping volume decreases. If you are over 4 feet in height with any 90 degree elbow you have lost about all your flow. Measure your head height (distance from sump bottom to tank top). Look for a pump that can pump 2x higher than that and 1000 gph.(based on your 65g system) This should give you somewhere between 5x to 10x turn over rate. If you think that is to much flow, you can put a ball or gate valve on the pumps exit to slow down the flow. Or like said above get an adjustable flow dc pump.

ryeguyy84 · Feb 23, 2019

I have the Dcp 6500 on my 90 gallon at like 40% and it's perfect. Had it for a year so far only issue I had was one day it wouldn't turn on because the impeller was jammed with calcium deposits. I cleaned it out and it's back in business. Solid pump for the price.