Yet another sump level question - first time reefer!

[DiscoStuart]

I've read a bunch of the threads on sump levels - but see conflicting info / answers that aren't quite a fit for my question. So here goes - thanks for your patience!

My sump flow is:

• Hard plumbed filter roller which flows into the main section
• Main section also has skimmer
• Exit out of main section via an 'under' low hole
• Then flows over a baffle (8" high) into the return section
• The height of the internal main section wall between it and the return is 10"

So - seems my operating level of the sump will be 8-10". So far, so good. And the external walls on the sump are about 13" deep - so plenty of room for flow back (return nozzle in main tank is sitting right at the level before water starts going into the overflow - so back siphon is minimal if the return is off).

The question is really how do I target an operating level in the sump between the 8-10" range? Obviously, I'm going to have to start above 8", so the return section won't run dry. Is the right strategy to just have 1/2" or so of water height above the last baffle when things are running well? Or do I want to maximize height over the last baffle? Or am I thinking about it completely incorrectly?!

Thanks!

 

[Hockeypunk1]

It's been a while since I've had a traditional style sump. I would say that you want as much water as possible to run smoothly while leaving plenty of room for any back siphon. You also want to have enough water for your top off to operate properly without dropping too far down on your return pump.
You could try getting the water above your return pump, then set up the bottom of your top off to that level, then fill the rest to the top of your top off. Once you have that set then you can check for any back siphon and adjust accordingly

 

[RocketEngineer]

Tank fill protocol (RE method):

1. Fill the display until water begins entering the sump, then stop.
2. Fill the sump until you are within 1-2” of the top of the sump.

This is the max volume the system can accept.

3. Turn on the returns. Ideally you should be able to run like this without adjustments but watch for too much flow into the display. If need be reduce the pump speed or close down the valve on the outlet of the return pump.
4. Let the system run for a few minutes before making any more adjustments.
5. Once the water levels are relatively stable, you can begin adjusting any drains if using a Herbie or BeanAnimal configuration.
6. Once you’re close to done adjusting, let the system run long and longer.
7. Once all adjustments are done, mark the water line on the side of the return section of the sump. This is where you should be topping off to.
8. Turn off the pumps and mark that level as well. This is the level you refill to after a water change.


HTH

 

[DiscoStuart]

1. Fill the sump until you are within 1-2” of the top of the sump.

Closest I can get is 3" - at that point the main section skips a baffle and goes into the return section. Would you fill nearly to the top of that baffle then?

 

[DiscoStuart]

Closest I can get is 3" - at that point the main section skips a baffle and goes into the return section. Would you fill nearly to the top of that baffle then?

Or actually - should I not be worried about the baffles when the return pump is off - at that point, I'm just worried about water overflowing the sump completely?

As I just tried with the system 3" below the top of the sump, when off (so it didn't go over internal baffles) and still had a lot of air in the system. Guessing that gives me the answer on the above and I need more water.

 

[DiscoStuart]

Went ahead and gave that a shot with more water - 1.5" below top of sump when return off.

That + fine tuning the pump speed and return valve have got me close. I'm see-sawing between too much water down the emergency overflow and none - so will have to leave it and see if I can get it to settle. But getting close.

 

[BryanM]

Obviously you don't want the return pump to somehow run dry.

After that you just want enough room left in the sump that you will not flood your house during a power outage when water drains back in to the sump.

 

[DiscoStuart]

Rather than start another thread, will ask here:

This is the return pipe connection coming from the pump below and going up to the tank. One thing is I’ve noticed a bit of water seeping through.

The clamp is as tight as I could get it. Suggestions? Add a second clamp? Something else?

 

[RocketEngineer]

Went ahead and gave that a shot with more water - 1.5" below top of sump when return off.

That + fine tuning the pump speed and return valve have got me close. I'm see-sawing between too much water down the emergency overflow and none - so will have to leave it and see if I can get it to settle. But getting close.

When the pumps are off, going above the baffles isn’t a concern. Small adjustments and letting it go a while before reacting are key to balancing it all out.

 

[RocketEngineer]

Rather than start another thread, will ask here:

This is the return pipe connection coming from the pump below and going up to the tank. One thing is I’ve noticed a bit of water seeping through.

The clamp is as tight as I could get it. Suggestions? Add a second clamp? Something else?

I would check the fitting. You may have a ridge where it was molded causing the issue. Smooth it down and reassemble.