Water level in return pump chamber falling

[rudi 51]

Hi, I am new to reed keeping and have TMC first wave that has an inbuilt filter with 4 comartments. The first is for the heater, then a small protein skimmer, then filter foam, carbon and live rock rubble, then a chamber only containing the return pump.

This is probably really obvious but when I turn the return pump on the water level in that chamber falls to just over half full. Cleaned the media, checked the pump. All appears well and still pumping lots of water but I just can’t figure it out.

Thanks you in advance for any help.

 

[14 foot reef]

In the pump off state the display tank is drained into the sump, when you power on the pump the display tank fills to the overflow and starts draining it will settle out at certain level called the running level. This level will change with evaporation slightly each day depending on evaporation. Replenish the "Evaporated"
amount daily with RODI water to not effect salinity.

 

[Mark Goode]

Yep, most sump tanks are supposed to do that. That's the part of the sump where you put your ATO sensors.

Your sump has a weir between each section. When the level drops below the weirs, the water can't move between sections, so the return chamber empties - because of the pump.

 

[rudi 51]

Thanks. Makes sense.

Will it cause any harm or how do I fix it.

 

[RocketEngineer]

Thanks. Makes sense.

Will it cause any harm or how do I fix it.

It’s working as it’s supposed to but you will need to add FRESH water in to replace evaporation. The amount of evaporation will be measurable in that chamber. When the pump is running, put a mark where the water level is then top off with fresh water back to that line.

 

[rudi 51]

Thanks everyone

 

[14 foot reef]

Thanks everyone

rudi 51 - Please don't take this wrong, but make sure you understand what we are stating. You said said "Will it cause any harm or how do I fix it." I truly feel you don't understand the basic physics of the process. Don't start adding water.

 

[rudi 51]

rudi 51 - Please don't take this wrong, but make sure you understand what we are stating. You said said "Will it cause any harm or how do I fix it." I truly feel you don't understand the basic physics of the process. Don't start adding water.

Thanks for the concern and for questioning me. It’s exactly what I need. Why I was confused was the tank has been running for about 5-6 weeks now and the level in return pump section is lower now than what it was. It was a couple of inches off the top to begin with and now it’s more. I noticed it after water change so just wanted to check.

I have a freshwater tank with a similar built in filter and its return pump chamber has always been about level with the other chambers which is why I was surprised by the difference in levels.

I won’t just start adding water and have already been topping off with RODI since setting up tank to keep the salinity at 1.025.