I just can't get it right..

[Sistawolf]

I have been meaning to start a build thread but in the meantime.. I need help.. I have a brand new 100 long tank.. deminisions are 72x18x16 rimless
I have a eshopps 300 refugium style sump, a Omega Vertex 180i skimmer and a Sicce 5.0 return pump that is T'ed off going to 2 return bulkheads and a synergy reef overflow, I have my skimmer sitting in the large part of my sump.. then you have the refugium compartment, in front is the compartment for the return pump and far right is the socks and such.. when I put my pump where it's supposed to go.. I'm sucking all the water to all the other parts of the sump.. put it in the refugium compartment and same thing.. sucks water to all the other compartments.. the only way so far I have found that it works at all by returning water to my tank is placing it in the large compartment with the skimmer.. I need to move it to the part of the sump it's supposed to go. Because I don't think it's doing my skimmer much good.. and my heater and other items like atk and probes go in the large compartment.. what am I doing wrong.. is the return pump to big for this sump.. please see pics so you will have my demensions as well.. any help will be much appreciated

 

[sbash]

I am not sure I follow... I do not understand what you mean by "sucks water to all the other compartments" ...

Is the pump draining the compartment it is in? If so, are you adding more water until the water level stabilizes? Your total water volume must also include the water in the pipes while the system is running...

 

[tdileo]

^
Your tank is completely plumbed right? The return goes to the main tank and then an overflow drains the water down into your sump as it goes up?

 

[Sistawolf]

@sbash I'm sorry.. yes it drains the compartment it's in unless i put it in the large compartment and I have tried adding water.. maybe I haven't added enough

 

[Sistawolf]

^
Your tank is completely plumbed right? The return goes to the main tank and then an overflow drains the water down into your sump as it goes up?

Yes that's correct.. it's all hard plumbing except for the hose to the return pump and it's 3/4 hose

 

[tdileo]

That's weird.. The only thing I could think of is the overflow not being able to handle the return? You could try turning down the flow on the Syncra, if you take off the cover piece theres a little thing that controls the flow. I've never used a fancy sump, I just buy an aquarium that fits and then silicone off a section for my return and skimmer, one for my heater and one for my refugium

 

[Fin]

Do you have it configured like this picture? Return pump in behind the refugium?

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

It sounds like you don't have enough water. I'm honestly at a loss for what else it could be.

Unless tdileo is correct in guessing that the overflow can't drain enough water in relation to the output from the pump.

I would try adding water, but take some precaution that you don't over fill and cause a flood.

 

[Fin]

After looking at it more, it isn't set up like a regular sump. All of the compartments are connected (flows under the refugium), so no matter where you put the pump, it looks like it will pull water from all compartments. Just need to get the right mount of water in it to start with and make sure you use an auto top off to keep the water level in the sump at a constant height. Your skimmer won't work well if the water level keeps fluctuating.

 

[tdileo]

After looking at it more, it isn't set up like a regular sump. All of the compartments are connected (flows under the refugium), so no matter where you put the pump, it looks like it will pull water from all compartments. Just need to get the right mount of water in it to start with and make sure you use an auto top off to keep the water level in the sump at a constant height. Your skimmer won't work well if the water level keeps fluctuating.

Yeah, I have a DIY sump and don't have a constant level skimmer so I have to readjust mine every 2 days and constantly top off or it does nothing

 

[Sistawolf]

Do you have it configured like this picture? Return pump in behind the refugium?

Yes and the return pump is where the white tube is coming out In this pic or where it should be.. but now it's where the skimmer is with the skimmer in this picture

 

[Sistawolf]

It sounds like you don't have enough water. I'm honestly at a loss for what else it could be.

Unless tdileo is correct in guessing that the overflow can't drain enough water in relation to the output from the pump.

I would try adding water, but take some precaution that you don't over fill and cause a flood.

I will try that when I get back home and let you guys know how it works.. it's just every other compartment will be at or above where the water should be.. except for my return pump compartment

 

[Sistawolf]

After looking at it more, it isn't set up like a regular sump. All of the compartments are connected (flows under the refugium), so no matter where you put the pump, it looks like it will pull water from all compartments. Just need to get the right mount of water in it to start with and make sure you use an auto top off to keep the water level in the sump at a constant height. Your skimmer won't work well if the water level keeps fluctuating.

Exactly.. I haven't even connected my Atk back up because I can't get the dang water correct

 

[Maacc]

I agree with the folks above, sounds like too little water. If the other water levels get too high or the tsnk looks like it is going to overflow, then you have an issue with the return line plumbing.

 

[TangingOut]

Put the return pump back into the correct compartment(behind the fuge). Now with the pump off and display drained until syphon break, fill the sump to within 1" of the brim. Turn the pump back on, let levels settle and remove water from the sump if necessary to desired level(it's going to be in your return section).

 

[Donovan Joannes]

Trying to help... I feel dizzy

 

[Sistawolf]

Put the return pump back into the correct compartment(behind the fuge). Now with the pump off and display drained until syphon break, fill the sump to within 1" of the brim. Turn the pump back on, let levels settle and remove water from the sump if necessary to desired level(it's going to be in your return section).

Will do.. on my way home now..

 

[Sistawolf]

Trying to help... I feel dizzy

haha imagine being me

 

[Donovan Joannes]

haha imagine being me

I believe your pump is too big. The return chamber weir comb is kind of small for the water to fill back that compartment. If the skimmer compartment water level goes beyond the comb weir and return chamber is drying, for sure the issue is pump rate (pump too big).

 

[Angel125]

Don`t downgrade on that good pump, just add a valve to slow down the flow