Last chamber in AIO tank low

[katsreef]

So two days ago I filled my 20g peninsula AIO tank where the water levels were high in all chambers. The next day, the water level was so low in the third chamber that my return pump was almost exposed. A friend told me to lower the intensity of the return pump as it was pushing water out faster than it was getting it. I tried that and it worked for the entire day! Today I wake up and the third chamber is once again low. I can't turn down the pump anymore and regardless, this is the pump that came with the tank. What do I do?

 

[kingoftheHiLLpeople]

Is something blocking or slowing the waterflow thru any of the chambers? Algae? What pump are you using?

 

[katsreef]

I am using the mightyjet pump that came with the tank. I don't think there is anything blocking flow. I have a media basket in chamber one with nothing in it (I am cycling tank right now), the second chamber has the heater, and the third is the return pump

 

[katsreef]

Is a few inches drop in the return pump chamber a normal amount of evaporation over night? I was in this room checking on the level all day yesterday since the morning and I didn't notice it go down but overnight it can drop at least two inches??

 

[kingoftheHiLLpeople]

I am using the mightyjet pump that came with the tank. I don't think there is anything blocking flow. I have a media basket in chamber one with nothing in it (I am cycling tank right now), the second chamber has the heater, and the third is the return pump

Got yea. Do you have an ato set up?

 

[Tcook]

Yes. It can drop this much. Is this an Innovative marine? You need an ato.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Is a few inches drop in the return pump chamber a normal amount of evaporation over night? I was in this room checking on the level all day yesterday since the morning and I didn't notice it go down but overnight it can drop at least two inches??

Yup. Could totally just be dealing with evaporation.

 

[katsreef]

Yes it is innovative marine. I actually do have an ato I just haven't set it up yet... Guess it is time to do that lol

 

[katsreef]

I didn't realize it could drop that much overnight. I'm surprised I didn't notice drop throughout the whole day but then the next morning it is that low. I will have to set up my ato asap lol

 

[katsreef]

Got yea. Do you have an ato set up?

I have one but I haven't set it up yet. I will do it asap because every morning it sounds like a waterfall!

 

[kingoftheHiLLpeople]

I have one but I haven't set it up yet. I will do it asap because every morning it sounds like a waterfall!

Do you have pic of tank?

 

[3429810]

Easy way to check if it is evap is to check salinity. It’s probably evap though unless you have water on the floor.

 

[MONTANTK]

I have one but I haven't set it up yet. I will do it asap because every morning it sounds like a waterfall!

Just make sure you’re putting RO water in and not saltwater

 

[katsreef]

Do you have pic of tank?

 

[katsreef]

Easy way to check if it is evap is to check salinity. It’s probably evap though unless you have water on the floor.

Salinity 1.023ish. I'd definitely know if it was a leak because my pc is right under it lol

 

[katsreef]

So when I set up my ato, should I make the desired water height flushed with the second chamber or higher/lower?

 

[Tcook]

So when I set up my ato, should I make the desired water height flushed with the second chamber or higher/lower?

I have an IM Nuvo 20 AIO. I have it set for about a 1/2" to 1" below. Very quiet.

 

[katsreef]

I have an IM Nuvo 20 AIO. I have it set for about a 1/2" to 1" below. Very quiet.

I will try this tonight then! Thank you

 

[john92708]

So when I set up my ato, should I make the desired water height flushed with the second chamber or higher/lower?

looks like your water level is just low due to evaporation. a lid would help reduce evaporation.
I would remove the wire from the AIO chamber and organize it at the bottom of the tank and out of sight. Make sure you make a loop so water doesn't get into your electronic.
I have the same I.M AIO system but mine is 14 gallon. I have the heater and ATO in the third chamber. 2nd chamber is a skimmer. I set the water level on the 3rd chamber flushed with the 2nd to reduce noise.

 

[kingoftheHiLLpeople]

first thing - could just be that pic - but id remove that nicely bundled cord out of the chamber. Nicely bundled tho - envious! It was a bit of trial and error to get water level for ato. What ato are you using?