Sump water level help

Detroit_aqua

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Hello! I'm new to saltwater, first aquarium with a sump. Im curious as to which chamber I am supposed to be measuring my water level? Its the waterbox 220.6 and their recommended water level is 10". Idk if I should be measuring 10" in the skimmer chamber? The return pump chamber? The refugium chamber? I'm lost, please help!

Thanks!
 

PedroYoung

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Hello! I'm new to saltwater, first aquarium with a sump. Im curious as to which chamber I am supposed to be measuring my water level? Its the waterbox 220.6 and their recommended water level is 10". Idk if I should be measuring 10" in the skimmer chamber? The return pump chamber? The refugium chamber? I'm lost, please help!

Thanks!
I'm not sure about the waterbox, but generally the return pump chamber will level will change with evaporation (it's where you normally put the Auto Top Off level controller). I'd guess it's the skimmer chamber, but normally the skimmer manufacturer will have a range (like 8-10") where the skimmer is happiest.
 

S2G

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Skimmer sets your water levels. Your evap will happen in your return chamber
 
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Detroit_aqua

Detroit_aqua

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Skimmer sets your water levels. Your evap will happen in your return chamber
So you guys are saying that if my skimmer prefers an 8" water level, then I should adjust the sump water level to that which accommodates that?
 

rusty hannon

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Hello! I'm new to saltwater, first aquarium with a sump. Im curious as to which chamber I am supposed to be measuring my water level? Its the waterbox 220.6 and their recommended water level is 10". Idk if I should be measuring 10" in the skimmer chamber? The return pump chamber? The refugium chamber? I'm lost, please help!

Thanks!
well to help what i can im thinking return chamber as your skimmer will have to find its level n you may need a stand for it n once your return chamber is 10 in. it should b that across the board.R
 

S2G

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Skimmer sets your water levels. Your evap will happen in your return chamber

Well that was crappy answer I gave. You should have baffles which will set your water levels in each chamber. The return pump section will be where your water level fluctuates & where evap will happen. Your skimmer has it's own water level requirement so you'll have to build a stand if it's too deep. I'd follow the water box instructions.

Sorry I glanced over the question & misunderstood. Here's a pic I found

IMG_1240.jpg
 
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Detroit_aqua

Detroit_aqua

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Well that was crappy answer I gave. You should have baffles which will set your water levels in each chamber. The return pump section will be where your water level fluctuates & where evap will happen. Your skimmer has it's own water level requirement so you'll have to build a stand if it's too deep. I'd follow the water box instructions.

Sorry I glanced over the question & misunderstood. Here's a pic I found

IMG_1240.jpg
So my 10" water level should be in the return pump chamber then. Any idea what happens if i run the water level lower than recommended? If the system is running fine, whats the downside between less system volume. Thanks!!
 

S2G

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So my 10" water level should be in the return pump chamber then. Any idea what happens if i run the water level lower than recommended? If the system is running fine, whats the downside between less system volume. Thanks!!

Yeah that should be the only area where it will change. I would imagine running it lower would cause a vortex going into your pump suction, but if it doesn't I dont see the harm. Usually you want to maximize your water volume.
 

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So my 10" water level should be in the return pump chamber then. Any idea what happens if i run the water level lower than recommended? If the system is running fine, whats the downside between less system volume. Thanks!!
Nope, Nope, Nope... The 10" should be in the skimmer chamber!! As was stated the return pump chamber will change due to evap and that's where your ATO sensor and hose should be. If you do 10" in return pump water will be too deep for skimmer.
 

rusty hannon

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Well that was crappy answer I gave. You should have baffles which will set your water levels in each chamber. The return pump section will be where your water level fluctuates & where evap will happen. Your skimmer has it's own water level requirement so you'll have to build a stand if it's too deep. I'd follow the water box instructions.

Sorry I glanced over the question & misunderstood. Here's a pic I found

IMG_1240.jpg
awesome reply n thank you for correcting my misleading answer.last sump i really had i adjusted by adding ir subtracting waterlolR
 

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