just getting started.

[JayRW]

Hi, I'm new. I am finishing filling my 125 gallon tank today. A professional help me get the apex and tank system set up. I have two questions right now. 1) What is the proper fill height for the tank in relationship to the tubes (I don't know what they are called) out to the sump and the lines that feed the water back in. 2) I will be mixing the salt directly in the tank this time. I assume that I need to mix and check salinity in the sump as well.

Thanks
j

 

[Ludders]

Welcome to R2R.

I'm probably not the only one here, which is possibly why no one has answered your question yet, but I don't understand what you want to know.

You need to fill your display tank, which in turn will fill your sump via the return drain. You set the water level in your sump to what suits your equipment and how it is baffled and your return pump dictates how quickly the water cycles round your system.

I don't understand the mixing question either because of the above. Makes no difference where you add the salt or test the SG, so long as the return pump is circulating the water back to your DT.

Good luck and if you have any other questions, just let us know.

 

[mjlash22]

The only way water height in your tank would be an issue is if you're using a hang on filter. If you have a sump, you should have some sort of overflow on your tank, whether it's a hang on or part of the tank. Most sump plumbing will have a valve of some sort to control the water flow down into the sump (and also to adjust how quiet the return is). Depending on the speed of your return pump will depend on how you set this valve.

If you're just starting the tank, you can mix your salt right in the tank. When doing water changes, you will want to pre-mix. Most people use 5 gallon buckets. The salinity in your sump should match your tank. If it doesn't, something is wrong. The first time you mix the tank with salt, give it some time to circulate through the water column before testing or else you will not get an accurate reading.

 

[SurfLife]

...I assume that I need to mix and check salinity in the sump as well.

Just to clarify and elaborate on Ludders and mjlash22's posts, the water in your display tank and the water in your sump is the all the same water. It circulates so many times a day that it does not matter where you test your salinity.
Good luck with the new tank.

 

[Jesterrace]

I wouldn't say it doesn't matter about where you put the salt. It's best to premix the salt and RODI water in a separate container (ie Garbage Can) and needs time to properly mix/dissolve. I agree that it doesn't really matter where you test the salt (although I would recommend doing it in the mix containers so you make sure you have it right before it goes in the tank).