Sump and salinity

[114148]

I have had this tank running for a week or so and the first time I have used a sump. When ever I check my salinity it's high in the display, around 1.026 in the first two chambers and super low in the last chamber ( where the return pump is, also ato). I think it's the ato, but my display is high. I don't know what to do.....

 

[114148]

I have had this tank running for a week or so and the first time I have used a sump. When ever I check my salinity it's high in the display, around 1.026 in the first two chambers and super low in the last chamber ( where the return pump is, also ato). I think it's the ato, but my display is high. I don't know what to do.....

 

[ryeguyy84]

What are you checking Salinity with?

That water is always mixing so it should be the same throughout

 

[Mastiffsrule]

I never test my sump. It is alway changing depending on amount of top off. As long as you get you DT in line the auto top off will keep it stable.

I am sure you know if the water evaporates salt goes high , too much water dilutes salt. As long as you get your tank set the ATO will do the rest. Goal is to keep a constant water level and all should be good.

 

[pga7602]

This doesn't sound possible unless u are testing while the ato is on?

 

[114148]

This doesn't sound possible unless u are testing while the ato is on?

Nope. I thought maybe I had faulty testing equipment but I have used both a refractometer and a electronic device for testing.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

I would ask why are we testing the SG in the sump anyway. I would just test main tank, make sure it is stable, make sure the ATO is replacing the amount that is evaporating and it should be fine.

keep watch on your DT for a few days. As long as no major leak or dump of fresh water you should be consistent

;Smuggrin

 

[NaH20nerd]

Do you have your return pump in the section with the ATO? If not, that would be the only way I could see salinity variances between sections of the sump and DT.

 

[114148]

Do you have your return pump in the section with the ATO? If not, that would be the only way I could see salinity variances between sections of the sump and DT.

My ato is in the same chamber as the return pump

 

[114148]

What is DT? I'm kinda bad at remember in acronyms

 

[sandswhitson]

DT = Display tank.

 

[114148]

DT = Display tank.

Thanks. lol

 

[114148]

What is DT? I'm kinda bad at remember in acronyms

Man i am illiterate....

 

[ryeguyy84]

Blame spell check [emoji16]

 

[MaddyP]

How much flow is going through the sump? Could be lower SG water floating on top of higher SG water in the sump, not mixing fully due to low flow?

 

[114148]

How much flow is going through the sump? Could be lower SG water floating on top of higher SG water in the sump, not mixing fully due to low flow?

There is almost no flow. How would I increase the flow in there?

 

[ryeguyy84]

What return pump are you using?

 

[lapin]

Is your return pump working? How much water is it returning to the display tank?
Sounds like your pump is not working. Maybe the head pressure is too great for your return pump.

If you have let say a 200 gph pump . I dont they they make smaller ones. And with head pressure the pump is putting out 100 gph. That means 100 gallons are moving thru your return chamber every hour. If that chamber is 20 gallons it will turn over 5 times every hour.

 

[114148]

What return pump are you using?

Sicce 2.0

 

[MaddyP]

There is almost no flow. How would I increase the flow in there?

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.