Few questions on initial fill and leak testing

NakiFantaki · Jul 2, 2017

Hey guys - I have a few questions on how I should go about filling my tank.

I want to fill the tank with tap water first and and leak test my system. What is the best way to do that? I have a 60 gallon display with a corner overflow and a 29 gallon sump.
Basically I want to run the system with just water for about 24-48 hours to check for leaks and have a better understand of how my flow and water level will be in this tank and where I should set my DC return pump. Do I fill the sump first and turn the pump on or do I fill the display first?

Also when I go to the the initial fill - can I fill the tank with the rock and sand and RODI water and THEN add the salt? Or should I pre mix the salt in buckets and fill that way?

One more question- my standpipe into the drain is not glued yet. It is one inch pvc. I was waiting to glue it in once I knew where my water level was going to be in my sump. Once I know that I will glue it in and cut it to size. My question is - how far underwater do I want my standpipe to be? Or do I want it at the water level?

Thanks!

clsanchez77 · Jul 2, 2017

I always fill the tank first and let it overflow into the sump. Good test for the drain before you turn on the big switch.

If you have rock and sand, premix the salt. If the tank is empty, then you can mix in the tank. I prefer to mix the first batch in the tank with everything running. If you are precise in tracking your measurements, its a great way to measure your system volume. Then just log how much water you remove as you add rock and sand.

On the stand pipe, Im not sure, mine discharges into my sock filter assembly.

reefbeard1 · Jul 2, 2017

clsanchez77 said:
If you have rock and sand, premix the salt. If the tank is empty, then you can mix in the tank. I prefer to mix the first batch in the tank with everything running. If you are precise in tracking your measurements, its a great way to measure your system volume. Then just log how much water you remove as you add rock and sand.

Good call on that! I wish I woulda done that when I filled my tank to have a better idea of water volume. Right now I have to guesstimate.

NakiFantaki · Jul 2, 2017

clsanchez77 said:
I always fill the tank first and let it overflow into the sump. Good test for the drain before you turn on the big switch.

If you have rock and sand, premix the salt. If the tank is empty, then you can mix in the tank. I prefer to mix the first batch in the tank with everything running. If you are precise in tracking your measurements, its a great way to measure your system volume. Then just log how much water you remove as you add rock and sand.

On the stand pipe, Im not sure, mine discharges into my sock filter assembly.

Thanks!!!

I will have rock and sand so I think you are right about pre mixing the salt. Lol. Looks like it's gunna be an all day project for that! My plan is the place the rocks then the sand and then pour in buckets of pre made salt water.

As far as the pre fill I think I'll take your advice as well... fill the display and let it over flow into the sump that way I should be able to look at the sump and know when the water level is where it should be.

My standpipe will have a sock attached too it I guess I don't know where the end of the pipe and sock should sit in the sump. Should the sock be completely submerged in water? Or should it be be above the water line? I worry if it is too far above there will be lots of loud water falling sound. Lol

clsanchez77 · Jul 2, 2017

reefbeard1 said:
Good call on that! I wish I woulda done that when I filled my tank to have a better idea of water volume. Right now I have to guesstimate.

There are other ways. For example, if you use 2 part for your Calcium and Alkalinity, let your calcium slip 100 mg/l (keep alkalinity stable), then see how much product you need to add to get back +100 mg/l. Based on the amount needed and volume required, you can determine how many liters you have in your system. Magnesium might be easier to do because Magnesium products are generally very dilute...but most of us do calcium most regular and will go through 100 mg/l in only a few days time.

clsanchez77 · Jul 2, 2017

NakiFantaki said:
Thanks!!!

I will have rock and sand so I think you are right about pre mixing the salt. Lol. Looks like it's gunna be an all day project for that! My plan is the place the rocks then the sand and then pour in buckets of pre made salt water.

As far as the pre fill I think I'll take your advice as well... fill the display and let it over flow into the sump that way I should be able to look at the sump and know when the water level is where it should be.

My standpipe will have a sock attached too it I guess I don't know where the end of the pipe and sock should sit in the sump. Should the sock be completely submerged in water? Or should it be be above the water line? I worry if it is too far above there will be lots of loud water falling sound. Lol

Just do like me, I fell asleep while actually filling the tank and 70 too many gallons later had one ticked off wife and a new $4,000 Lowe's credit card...on the bright side, we have new laminate in the living room

On the sump, new designs have the discharge in a submerged box adjacent to the socks and then we overflow into the socks, its much quieter this way. If you are using the ones with 1" drain directly above the sock, stock about an inch above the sock and put in this new device called a sock muffler...or what I would call an Oatley 3" shower drain

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Oatey-PVC-Snap-in-Drain/50315097

Turboreefer · Jul 2, 2017

Just fill and roll the dice you will be fine

NakiFantaki · Jul 2, 2017

clsanchez77 said:
Just do like me, I fell asleep while actually filling the tank and 70 too many gallons later had one ****** off wife and a new $4,000 Lowe's credit card...on the bright side, we have new laminate in the living room

On the sump, new designs have the discharge in a submerged box adjacent to the socks and then we overflow into the socks, its much quieter this way. If you are using the ones with 1" drain directly above the sock, stock about an inch above the sock and put in this new device called a sock muffler...or what I would call an Oatley 3" shower drain
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Oatey-PVC-Snap-in-Drain/50315097

So just snap that piece on the bottom of the drain pipe? Then put it in the sock?

Sorry I'm so confused. Lol

clsanchez77 · Jul 2, 2017

NakiFantaki said:
So just snap that piece on the bottom of the drain pipe? Then put it in the sock?

Sorry I'm so confused. Lol

No, they fit on the inside of the sock, in the plastic rim. It helps break up the water before it splashes in. I don't use them myself, this is just what I have read. My socks are in a covered baffle so I don't hear them.

NakiFantaki · Jul 3, 2017

clsanchez77 said:
No, they fit on the inside of the sock, in the plastic rim. It helps break up the water before it splashes in. I don't use them myself, this is just what I have read. My socks are in a covered baffle so I don't hear them.

Very interesting. I'll have to look into it. I was just thinking of getting a sock holder but I'm unsure of how far from the water level it needs to be.

clsanchez77 · Jul 3, 2017

NakiFantaki said:
Very interesting. I'll have to look into it. I was just thinking of getting a sock holder but I'm unsure of how far from the water level it needs to be.

Usually, the sock sits about an inch or two below the water line so that it can still overflow into your tank. The placement of the drain coupling varies. Unfortunately you are just going to have to play with and tweak it when you start the tank up. There really is not a magic answer here.