Sump help needed

[saltyHG]

I have a Pro clear 200 red flex sump under a Waterbox 110.4. My question is regarding the water level in the sump. I'm not sure where to set the water levels in order to keep enough water flowing to the pump. Can someone tell me how much water should be in the sump chamber or a guideline where to set the adjustable weir? The tank also came with a Tunze brand, refugium red light, and I'm not sure whether that should be submerged in the section where the Chaeto or pompom algae will grow or it should it should be attached to the outside. The magnet can be set up either way, and it appears that the light is submergible from their website. I have a sponge on order for the section just prior to the sump. (There had been some Aiptasia in the pump section so I chose to replace the sponge it just isn't here yet). I'm grateful for any insight. This is my first sump and I'm trying not to let it beat me.

 

[Reef Jedi]

Personally I would raise the water level in the last chamber at least 4-6” higher. Then set your ato to keep it at that level. As far as the light I personally don’t like them to be submerged and I would stick it straight out and just above the water level.

 

[Reo2140]

I have bout the same sump I have 6in-8in. Of water above the pump and a ato for fresh water so I all have a sponge with corse media and also carbon

 

[saltyHG]

Personally I would raise the water level in the last chamber at least 4-6” higher. Then set your ato to keep it at that level. As far as the light I personally don’t like them to be submerged and I would stick it straight out and just above the water level.

Thank you so much! I've ordered an ATO as well, so I have just been eyeballing it until it arrives.

 

[saltyHG]

I have bout the same sump I have 6in-8in. Of water above the pump and a ato for fresh water so I all have a sponge with corse media and also carbon

thank you! looks like I could get a skimmer in there, too! thank you for sharing!

 

[Reo2140]

I have bout the same sump I have 6in-8in. Of water above the pump and a ato for fresh water so I all have a sponge with corse media and also carbon

thank you! looks like I could get a skimmer in there, too! thank you for sharing!

Yes you can do a lot you can put skimmer and a refruguim also but I would go easy and slow every time you add something see how your tank react . And check water chemistry always but this just me.

 

[exnisstech]

I didn't see it mentioned but what ever level you decide to run it you want to leave room for the water that will back flow when the return pump is off.

 

[saltyHG]

I didn't see it mentioned but what ever level you decide to run it you want to leave room for the water that will back flow when the return pump is off.

Yes! This is something I didn't initially understand! It's a lot to get used to! I'm checking chemistry weekly with a set of Hanna testers and some from Aquaforest for calcium and magnesium.

 

[Idech]

I didn't see it mentioned but what ever level you decide to run it you want to leave room for the water that will back flow when the return pump is off.

Yes, and you might also want to account for your ATO reservoir dumping entirely into the sump, just in case it happens.