How Do I get water level correct in the initial fill for my tank?

[anthony1222]

I just set up a red sea reefer 350 g2 and am confused about how I'm supposed to get my sump and tank to the correct water level. I am not adding a protein skimmer yet as I am cycling and want to get one later down the road.

 

[blaxsun]

Is this the G2 or G2+ with the new ATO? So it's filled with water and you're trying to fine-tune the overflow/sump water levels, or...?

 

[anthony1222]

Is this the G2 or G2+ with the new ATO? So it's filled with water and you're trying to fine-tune the overflow/sump water levels, or...?

This is the g2 with the float ato. It's already filled with water but the return pump chamber is draining completely and the tank is too full.

 

[legionofdoon]

Get more water than you think you'll need. Go by the total water volume and add a couple of gallons. Yes the rock and equipment will displace some water but erring on the side of caution will keep you sane when your return pump starts sucking air. 20 years ago I nearly lost my mind when that happened to me.

 

[anthony1222]

This is the g2 with the float ato

Get more water than you think you'll need. Go by the total water volume and add a couple of gallons. Yes the rock and equipment will displace some water but erring on the side of caution will keep you sane when your return pump starts sucking air. 20 years ago I nearly lost my mind when that happened to me.

 

[anthony1222]

How would the water level itself?

 

[legionofdoon]

As long as your drain or overflow is matched to your return pump and volume you should be good. If you are using a sump fill both tank and sump and add water until your return section is at a stable level.

 

[legionofdoon]

After you turn it on.

 

[legionofdoon]

This is the g2 with the float ato. It's already filled with water but the return pump chamber is draining completely and the tank is too full.

Add more water

 

[legionofdoon]

Do. Not let your ato fill in the deficit you'll dilute your salinity

 

[anthony1222]

Add more water

Do I add more water in the sump or in the display tank?

 

[legionofdoon]

Either but sump will be easier

 

[New&no clue]

Late to the game, but it sounds like your drain line might not be open all the way. If your return chamber is dry and your DT is too full. Make sure your gate valve is all the way open

 

[Rabidbeast666]

Your pump could be too strong. I had the same problem and had to add a ball valve to slow the flow a hair. The other option is get a slightly smaller pump gph wise.

 

[littlefoxx]

Here is my sump water level for reference. It’s a ruby sump but same kind of idea with yours.

Late to the game, but it sounds like your drain line might not be open all the way. If your return chamber is dry and your DT is too full. Make sure your gate valve is all the way open

 

[blaxsun]

1. Do not fill/connect your ATO at this time.
2. Open your gate valve all the way and set your desired pump speed.
3. If your return chamber starts to run dry, add more saltwatern to your sump as needed.
4. Slowly begin closing the gate valve (by slowly, I mean 1/4" increments and wait several minutes between changes) until the water height in the overflow is at or just below the emergency pipe.
5. Add additional saltwater to your sump until you have the desired level in your return chamber.
6. Connect your float and adjust to the current water level, then connect and fill your ATO.

 

[New&no clue]

Here is my sump water level for reference. It’s a ruby sump but same kind of idea with yours.

What does your DT look like?

 

[TheBear78]

1. Do not fill/connect your ATO at this time.
2. Open your gate valve all the way and set your desired pump speed.
3. If your return chamber starts to run dry, add more saltwatern to your sump as needed.
4. Slowly begin closing the gate valve (by slowly, I mean 1/4" increments and wait several minutes between changes) until the water height in the overflow is at or just below the emergency pipe.
5. Add additional saltwater to your sump until you have the desired level in your return chamber.
6. Connect your float and adjust to the current water level, then connect and fill your ATO.

Exactly that. Once everything is set the "desired level" is with the float valve just on the cusp of opening.

 

[dmsc2fs]

Do. Not let your ato fill in the deficit you'll dilute your salinity

For the initial fill, or after a water change you can fill your ATO with tank matched salinity water. Once the ATO sets your water level you can replace the ATO water with RODI water.

 

[RocketEngineer]

My method:
1) Fill the display until the overflow barely starts draining into the sump.
2) With the return pump OFF, fill the sump to within 1-2 inches of the top.
3) Turn on return pump and adjust returns and drains as needed per your setup.