Water level for a 4 chamber salt water sump

[Flaxxy]

Hi - I have a

4 baffle sump system (2 adjacent drain baffles, center baffle is for filter media, and the last is where I have the return pump). I was hoping someone could explain to me the proper water level for the sump drain and filter baffles. For example, I want to add more water to the "drain" and "filter" baffles to avoid running low on water in the "return baffle". Also, I need a higher water levels in the return baffle for my SCA-302 skimmer 8.5 inches of water.

What are the Pros and Cons of setting the water higher than the top of the baffle? When I raise the water level above the baffle (over the top spill over), it doesn't seem to impact my water flow or create more bubbles. I've read that the water to be no higher the top of the baffle spill over ledge. I am trying to understand why this matters and if there are negative effect from raising the water level above the baffle spill over ledge.

Thank you!

 

[blaxsun]

There's not really any downside to raising it. Usually your skimmer goes in the middle chamber, so the adjustment is there to ensure you obtain the right water level for it, ie: 8" or so.

I'm not sure if you have or are planning an ATO, but the float is typically placed in the return chamber to regulate the water level.

 

[Snoopy 67]

The ATO really should go in the pump chamber because that is where any fluctuation will show up.

 

[Flaxxy]

There's not really any downside to raising it. Usually your skimmer goes in the middle chamber, so the adjustment is there to ensure you obtain the right water level for it, ie: 8" or so.

I'm not sure if you have or are planning an ATO, but the float is typically placed in the return chamber to regulate the water level.

Thank you. I am very new to this so you validation is really appreciated.

 

[Flaxxy]

f

Thank you. I am very new to this so your validation is really appreciated. Is the 8" water lever for the protein skimmer measured from the bottom of the sump/skimmer to the top of the water line?

 

[blaxsun]

The ATO really should go in the pump chamber because that is where any fluctuation will show up.

Sorry, I should have been clearer - return chamber (as in return pump) as opposed to return (overflow) chamber.