Help with SUMP

RMAS0934 · Feb 10, 2016

Hey All,

New to the forum and my first saltwater tank! I have a 75 gallon aquarium with a RS-100 Sump, an ESHOPPS 800 overflow box, and an EHEIM Compact Pump 2000 (528 gal per hour). I have everything working properly with no leaks. However, every day my sump loses about 2-3 inches water minimum, while my main tank water level remains the same. I will go to bed having marked the water level in the sump, and when I wake up it's a minimum of an inch lower. I'll mark that and go to work, then when i get home or at bedtime it's another 1 to 1.5 inches lower than that morning, making the day total 2-3 inches, sometimes more. If my main tank water level is consistent, or even losing a very small amount of water from evap, where is the water from the sump going? No leaks anywhere, and seems way to much water loss for evaporation in one day. I am worried that if I ever go on vacation , or travel for work, the sump level will get too low and the pump will burn out, or worse a flood. There is also zero air in the U-tube. Any help would be very appreciated as this is my first saltwater tank. I have attached some pics as well, and the top of the blue tape is where i mark the water previously. Thanks guys!!!

jadwv2210 · Feb 10, 2016

I think what you're seeing is the evaporation of the water from your system. My system loses about a gallon or so a day and I have about 50 gallons total volume.

lyrical · Feb 10, 2016

I agree ^. Installing an auto top off with a freshwater reserve will keep your levels stable which will help keep everything happier and easier on you.

StoneFlyTyer · Feb 10, 2016

How many gallons is your sump? I may be thinking wrong but if your sump is a small tank the the water from evaporation may look like a lot when compared to a bigger sump or even a oddly shaped sump might look like it's more than it is. I could be wrong but it sounds good

discus727 · Feb 10, 2016

My system loses 10 gallons per week. What you are seeing is normal. It is also normal to see all evaporation changes in the sump. The tank stays the same. An auto top-off is a great addition. That way you only have to pay attention to your evaporation once a week or so.

Diesel · Feb 10, 2016

Perfectly normal.
Top off daily with RODI water or do a ATO with 5 gallon bucket, simple.

RMAS0934 · Feb 10, 2016

Thanks for all the quick responses! The only logical explanation seemed to be evaporation, but I was worried the amount per was too much. I feel a little better now. So if I was to get an ATO, which does seem like a much easier way to manage this, I would freshwater correct? Then once/if my salinity gets too low add saltwater to the sump? Sorry for all the questions guys and thank you.

Diesel · Feb 10, 2016

RMAS0934 said:
Thanks for all the quick responses! The only logical explanation seemed to be evaporation, but I was worried the amount per was too much. I feel a little better now. So if I was to get an ATO, which does seem like a much easier way to manage this, I would freshwater correct? Then once/if my salinity gets too low add saltwater to the sump? Sorry for all the questions guys and thank you.

Yes RODI water only.
You test your tank water weekly with a refracto meter if you stil, on line with the 1.026

clownfish chris · Feb 11, 2016

Salt doesn't evaporate with the water. You should not ever have to add salt water unless you remove saltwater or are increasing the salinity for some other reason.

Diesel · Feb 11, 2016

clownfish chris said:
Salt doesn't evaporate with the water. You should not ever have to add salt water unless you remove saltwater or are increasing the salinity for some other reason.

That's almost spot on.
You have always salt-creep and then your skimmer is pulling out with the crud also some saltwater, all of this is just minor but it can add up.
That's why when do a weekly WC I advise just check your salt level if you still good at 1.026 give and take.

clownfish chris · Feb 11, 2016

Thanks. I never really thought about that. I have an ato that was sticky and would have fluctuations so I was always making minor corrections. I have replaced that valve and no longer have that problem. I haven't seen any fluctuation since.

RMAS0934 · Feb 11, 2016

Thanks for all the info guys, this makes perfect sense! I am trying to decide between an ATO from Hydor (smart level) or JBJ, or at least something in that price range. Any suggestions on either those two or something else?

RMAS0934 · Feb 11, 2016

Also saw a forum member selling a model from ATO.com...

discus727 · Feb 13, 2016

I have the JBJ and it works great in my discus tank. Be especially careful with the mechanical float systems in a marine environment though. Salt creep can cause them to stick in not periodically cleaned.

chris31759 · Feb 13, 2016

Just to let you know, your R-100 has a built in float in the return pump compartment. If you have an RO/DI unit you can tee a line directly to it to act as an ATO for no cost. I still like a seperate ATO with a 5 gallon reserve since it cant run forever like the RO unit can if the R-100 float switch gets stuck. If you use the float in the sump, the murlock connection is a bit of a pain to connect. You have to push real hard or you will have leakage.