Is my sump missing something? Baffle?

[Skinner'sReef]

I just installed a sump into my system today. I have a HOB overflow box siphoning into the sump through the sock then straight into the return pump back into the tank. I plan on adding a Skimmer next weekend or the one after depending on when it arrives as I ordered it today. Before I try to get this thing going am I missing anything? something doesn't seem right with the water levels and where exactly should my water level in the sump be? I could never really understand that when I read about it on the forums.

 

[Juslen]

How do you mean? From my understanding, the right water level (for at least one compartment of the sump) should be the ideal height for skimming (usually 7"-9"). Otherwise, if you're using an internal return pump, that compartment should be whatever keeps it submerged plus some extra space for the water in the overflow and pipes if they back up. Tuning the overflow and or pump might help if your levels too.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hello

Nice looking tank.

Wondering where you picked up the sump or the name on it. Usually there are baffles to separate sections. Some sumps baffles are adjustable, some are not. There’s usually at least a baffles between the center chamber and the end where the return should sit.

A few things I noticed about the tank. Does your return pump have a brass fitting, if so may want to remove it. The return hose looks plastic, want to use vinyl so it doesn’t kink like yours and will handle the pressure. I would move the return to the other side of the tank away from the skimmer box, and maybe some wavemakers or powerheads if you don’t have one.

Edit, I would also put a plastic hose clamp around where the return is inserted into the hose. Last thang you would want is that hose popping off

 

[Skinner'sReef]

It just seems weird to me that the whole sump has the same water level. Since im not currently running a skimmer I guess im good then? thanks

 

[Skinner'sReef]

Hello

Nice looking tank.

Wondering where you picked up the sump or the name on it. Usually there are baffles to separate sections. Some sumps baffles are adjustable, some are not. There’s usually at least a baffles between the center chamber and the end where the return should sit.

A few things I noticed about the tank. Does your return pump have a brass fitting, if so may want to remove it. The return hose looks plastic, want to use vinyl so it doesn’t kink like yours and will handle the pressure. I would move the return to the other side of the tank away from the skimmer box, and maybe some wavemakers or powerheads if you don’t have one.

Thanks for the response, I do have a powerhead in the tank, I bought the sump today used from somebody for $100 I got that sump and also an Aqua-mag 700gph pump. Return pump does have a brass fitting on it is that bad? I can definantly move the return and get some vinyl tubing.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Yes, sump is fine as it is if you don’t want to run a skimmer or other equipment.

I would test your water levels in the tank and sump though. Turn off the pump to ensure there is enough room in the sump to hold whatever tank water backdrains until siphon is broken, and conversely the tank has enough room if the drain clogs up to hold the sump water.

 

[Skinner'sReef]

A

Yes, sump is fine as it is if you don’t want to run a skimmer or other equipment.

I would test your water levels in the tank and sump though. Turn off the pump to ensure there is enough room in the sump to hold whatever tank water backdrains until siphon is broken, and conversely the tank has enough room if the drain clogs up to hold the sump water.

And if the tank doesn't have enough room I have to take some water out of the sump correct?

 

[Mastiffsrule]

coral and inverts are very sensitive to copper and other metals. General rule is not have any metal in or near the water due to corrosion that can harm coral or inverts.

 

[Skinner'sReef]

coral and inverts are very sensitive to copper and other metals. General rule is not have any metal in or near the water due to corrosion that can harm coral or inverts.

oh duh I should have known that.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

A

And if the tank doesn't have enough room I have to take some water out of the sump correct?

You’re doing fine. The sump you have is fairly big volume wise, so we would want to be sure waterver water is in the sump can be held by the tank in case of drain blockage, or more important if the siphons breaks on the utube. You should be able to adjust the skimmer box in the tank up and down to adjust the water level in the tank. And adjust the amount in the sump. Once you checked no floods both ways mark a line on the sump so you know the correct water level

 

[Skinner'sReef]

A

And if the tank doesn't have enough room I have to take some water out of the sump correct?

You’re doing fine. The sump you have is fairly big volume wise, so we would want to be sure waterver water is in the sump can be held by the tank in case of drain blockage, or more important if the siphons breaks on the utube. You should be able to adjust the skimmer box in the tank up and down to adjust the water level in the tank. And adjust the amount in the sump. Once you checked no floods both ways mark a line on the sump so you know the correct water level

Okay got her cycling water everything is keeping up just fine nothing is flooding. Thanks for the tips and reassurance. Man this thing is loud though I gotta find a way to quiet this down a bit

 

[Kyuss414]

Putting something like a filter pad, or even a sponge, under the return pump should help quiet it down. Just be sure to rinse it well before putting it in there.

 

[BeejReef]

That is kind of a wierd looking sump.. lol. "Unique"

with no skimmer, should work fine. You may love it. Lots of room for rubble rock, macro algae, reactors... u name it. I honestly can't tell exactly how it works from the picture. One note of caution would be to be certain to put your heater(s) somewhere in the sump where the level doesn't get drawn down by the return pump. In your case, I'm guessing that's in with the socks. U don't want your heater on and dry EVER.

 

[Skinner'sReef]

Hello all,
This is just an update I just wanted to give you guys on the sump/aquarium I recently started.
I'm no longer using the brass fixture I had on the return pump, I quickly changed that out for a PVC fitting. I added baffles into the sump for my skimmer and a small refugium I built. The water level is 8 1/4' in the sump.. after the refugium section the water goes through a thin section down underneath a baffle (bubble trap) and into the return pump section. Does anybody have any advice on what I should have or what I can add besides a sponge between my fuge and return pump in that thin section?
I turned the heater horizontal near the bottom of the sump where the sock is.
Still need to buy a "fuge light" looking at one from AI prime line I have a mount that holds that current light over the fuge right now.
I still need to replace that hose on the return pump with vinyl but the same size vinyl hose I bought wouldn't streach around the outlet that goes into the tank (not sure what thats called) maybe ill need a different one of those then hmm..
Took me a few days to get that dang skimmer dialed in SCA-301 maybe its me but I honestly think that thing was built pretty cheap I bought it used on here for $65 can't really complain I guess, great price.
Anyways, sorry for the scattered post haha just wanted to touch base on this thing and maybe get some advice for some media in there.