Is the only way..

[akabryanhall]

To get a reliable level on your skimmer is to have an auto top off? I fill my tank with fresh every morning and evening, and still can't get a consistant level on my skimmer.

 

[sts04c]

Yes, some skimmers need the set level to perform best all of the time. ATO is what I did for a Tunze 9002.

 

[Paul_N]

It depends where your skimmer is. If it is in the last compartment with the return pump then yes you need an ATO. IF you have it in the first compartment or a middle compartment with a baffle on each side then you might be able to get away without one.

 

[twinspots_goby]

Paul is absolutely right. since you are mentioning about the auto topoff, I assume you are using the internal skimmer. people usually place their skimmer in their sumps with baffles to maintain the constant water level. If you are in the market for a new skimmer, you can try the external skimmer, you won't have this problem if you are running a circulation pump just for the skimmer.

 

[akabryanhall]

Thanks guys, I only have 1 baffle so the water level is constantly fluctuating.

 

[dougers31]

Thanks guys, I only have 1 baffle so the water level is constantly fluctuating.

If you have enough room for it you could build an acrylic box that(make it as deep as the deepest setting for your skimmer) you could set in your sump, your input could feed the box or you could have a pump do it. To adjust the height of the skimmer just shim it with eggcrate or similar material. Best part is the box would be easily removable if needed.

 

[Troylee]

You got 2 choices Bryan either feed the skimmer with a separate pump like a recirc style or external or add baffles to your sump.. Regardless you need a constant level or it will never skim...

 

[youngtimothy]

paul is right! but if you put an auto top off on you'll wonder why you didn't long ago! one of the best additions! IMO

 

[akabryanhall]

I guess I just get more nervous the more automated my tank becomes. For this reason I have not added a dosing pump yet.

 

[skinz78]

I have mine in my first compartment up on a eggcrate stand so my water level is constant.

 

[BlazinNano]

Bryan I am having the same problem. So I am using one of those drilled 10 gallons from johnathan. Drain from tank into it then it is plumbed to the sump. Need to finish it tomorrow and it should fix my problems. Remember I have the same problem as you with not a lot of room under the tank. I just put the other 10 gallon is a cabinet next to the tank.

 

[akabryanhall]

It looks like I may need to get myself an ato. I think my friend can make me one.

 

[Yellowtang]

Put a t and valve in the return line from the tank and plumb it to the skimmer
and adjust the water level in the skimmer that way. The german skimmer that I
use the Turbo Flotor 1000 was designed especially that way. I dont see why
it couldn't work for you.



JR,

 

[Tabasco1]

Do you have room to add more baffles? Seems like that suggestion would be the easiest and cheapest.

 

[akabryanhall]

Do you have room to add more baffles? Seems like that suggestion would be the easiest and cheapest.

I may be able to add baffles, although getting the sump out from under the tank may be a problem.

 

[clowns101]

With my ReefOctopus,a ATO is a must.There are some skimmers that can run without one,and RO is one of them IMO.

 

[shumoco]

Grab one of these for an auto top off. I got one back in '06, and it's been running ever since. I used to run it with an old maxijet that I had lying around, but now I use an aqualifter. I've never had a problem with it, and it keeps the water very stable. You won't need to mess with baffles unless you have microbubble issues, and the freedom that an ato gives you brings your tank enjoyment to a whole new level.

I don't know if posting a link is against the rules here so I won't, but google aquahub and go to the kits and accessories, the 39.95 one is the one I have been using.

Good luck, and yes, you will never get your skimmer dialed in without a stable water level.

 

[johnanddawn]

yes baffels or an ato will work and is what most do but....

i don't know what others think about this but i have found that as long as the discharge tube from your skimmer is NOT under water, the water level is not that important. i struggled a while with my skimmer when i first got it - seemed like any fluxuation in water level threw the thing off but as soon as i realized that the problem isn't how deep in the water the skimmer sits - it is how deep under water the discharge tube is, it was an easy fix.
think about it = small changes in the depth of the discharge changes the back pressure and thereby effects the water height in the skimmer. if the discharge tube has no backpressure ie is completely out of the water, then you can set and forget and the sump level doesn't matter
that being said though since then i have also gone to a system that keeps a constant water level in the skimmer chamber as well which always is best anyway. but if for some reason you can't do that the discharge tube solution does work