Any Eshopps r300 users ?

[Vsrt17]

Hello,

I am in the process of setting the sump for my frag tank, It's an Eshopps r300. I
noticed that the return chamber on this sump is hidden towards the back. Is this just a bad design ? How am I supposed to keep an eye on the water level, and setting up an ATO looks to be a hassle. Can the ATO be installed in a different chamber ?

I got it from a tank break down so it was a good price just doesn't seem to be convenient. Also return and drain next to each other makes it crowded.

Any input appreciated,
Alex

 

[LuisPerez711]

Hello,

I am in the process of setting the sump for my frag tank, It's an Eshopps r300. I
noticed that the return chamber on this sump is hidden towards the back. Is this just a bad design ? How am I supposed to keep an eye on the water level, and setting up an ATO looks to be a hassle. Can the ATO be installed in a different chamber ?

I got it from a tank break down so it was a good price just doesn't seem to be convenient. Also return and drain next to each other makes it crowded.

Any input appreciated,
Alex

I've been running mine for over a year with no issues. I really like the fact that the drain and return lines are right next to each other. Seeing that my tank has a center overflow it keeps all the pipes together and tidy.

I've never had to worry about my water level because I've always used an ATO. If my ATO reservoir ever empties, my ATO makes an annoying alarm sound that will let me know it needs more. You could also add a float switch that turns off the pump when the water level gets too low.

I have my reservoir right behind my sump so it worked out perfectly for my setup but you may just have to run longer lines if yours ends up on the side of the sump.

All in all, I really like the design and have never had any issues. I know some who don't like the channel beneath the refugium due to detritus build up, but in my experience it doesnt make much of a difference. Plus I tend to clean my sump once every 6 months so that helps too.

 

[Pistondog]

I have r200, same layout, smaller size. I have the tunze ato sensors on the right side, in the skimmer chamber. For 4 years now.

 

[Vsrt17]

I have r200, same layout, smaller size. I have the tunze ato sensors on the right side, in the skimmer chamber. For 4 years now.

Would it be ok to do the same on the r300 seeing as how the skimmer chamber is big. Would the water evap be larger to trigger the ATO? vs the return chamber

 

[Vsrt17]

I've been running mine for over a year with no issues. I really like the fact that the drain and return lines are right next to each other. Seeing that my tank has a center overflow it keeps all the pipes together and tidy.

I've never had to worry about my water level because I've always used an ATO. If my ATO reservoir ever empties, my ATO makes an annoying alarm sound that will let me know it needs more. You could also add a float switch that turns off the pump when the water level gets too low.

I have my reservoir right behind my sump so it worked out perfectly for my setup but you may just have to run longer lines if yours ends up on the side of the sump.

All in all, I really like the design and have never had any issues. I know some who don't like the channel beneath the refugium due to detritus build up, but in my experience it doesnt make much of a difference. Plus I tend to clean my sump once every 6 months so that helps too.

Yeah your setup looks clean with those straight pipes. Unfortunately I'm limited in space behind and above the sump. Looks like you have some nice headspace on yours.

 

[LuisPerez711]

Yeah your setup looks clean with those straight pipes. Unfortunately I'm limited in space behind and above the sump. Looks like you have some nice headspace on yours.

Ah, yes. My last stand on my 150 had no space. Always had to break my neck and back trying to work under the tank. When I got this one I made sure to build the stand with enough height so it wouldn't be a hassle.

 

[Pistondog]

Would it be ok to do the same on the r300 seeing as how the skimmer chamber is big. Would the water evap be larger to trigger the ATO? vs the return chamber

The return chamber is too small, and as the filter feeding it gets clogged the return chamber level would drop. Prompting the ato to overfill.
Put the ato level sensors in the skimmer compartment.