My first diy sump. Help!

Ronnell · Jan 11, 2016

I will post pictures when I get home

KingTriton · Jan 11, 2016

louienardi said:
This is great. Quick question. How are you managing the skimmer compartment so it remains constant during feeding and or water changes.... Keeping the water level consistent

I believe this will depend on what you feed. Feeding doesn't affect my skimmer at all. Generally I clean my skimmer when I preform water changes so that shouldn't be a big deal. He also has his chambers water levels declining which will help promote a more stable water level for his skimmer in the event that the return shuts off.

louienardi · Jan 11, 2016

Ronnell said:
I will post pictures when I get home

Sounds great.

louienardi · Jan 11, 2016

KingTriton said:
I believe this will depend on what you feed. Feeding doesn't affect my skimmer at all. Generally I clean my skimmer when I preform water changes so that shouldn't be a big deal. He also has his chambers water levels declining which will help promote a more stable water level for his skimmer in the event that the return shuts off.

Right. I'm curious for when I plan to turn off pumps for feeding and the sump water level rises. How do I keep the skimmer chamber the same so the skimmer doesn't have to be turned on and off.

Ronnell · Jan 11, 2016

louienardi said:
Right. I'm curious for when I plan to turn off pumps for feeding and the sump water level rises. How do I keep the skimmer chamber the same so the skimmer doesn't have to be turned on and off.

What size is your sump? I am thinking that you should leave a gallon or 2 less in your sump tank size depending on the overflow size. When you shut\power off remember about your drain line. (Me thinking) if your sump level is @ 8 your drain line is (.5 gal) 8.5-9.5 (1.5 gals)(10) @ maximum (if your tank is 12" height) (me thinking). Some1 correct me if I am wrong. Still a NUB (still learning about this GREAT HOBBY.)

KingTriton · Jan 11, 2016

louienardi said:
How do I keep the skimmer chamber the same so the skimmer doesn't have to be turned on and off.

You will need to have your highest baffle be for your skimmer chamber. All other baffles will need to be dramatically shorter in order to make up the difference.

Ronnell · Jan 11, 2016

Ronnell said:
I will post pictures when I get home

louienardi said:
Sounds great.

A) to the filter socks
B) back to the drain

glb · Jan 11, 2016

Can filter socks go in the same compartment as the skimmer? That's my plan right now.

louienardi · Jan 11, 2016

My sump is 90 gallons. 48 x 18 x 24
Refugium 14" Return pump section 11". Baffles 2.5 inches apart 3 skimmer compartment 12 inches. Drain section 5 inches.
All by 18" width.

Skimmer baffle is 18 inches refugium 20 inches.

Ronnell · Jan 11, 2016

glb said:
Can filter socks go in the same compartment as the skimmer? That's my plan right now.

Yes filter socks can go in the same chamber and you can do it in its own separate chamber

louienardi · Jan 18, 2016

So did you land on a final design and are you solving for having a constant skimmer level in the skimmer chamber when the pumps are off for feeding.
Helps with not setting the skimmer crazy and not having to turn it off and on

Ronnell · Jan 18, 2016

Deconstruction of my sump making drain area about 6-6.5"

glb · Jan 19, 2016

louienardi said:
So did you land on a final design and are you solving for having a constant skimmer level in the skimmer chamber when the pumps are off for feeding.
Helps with not setting the skimmer crazy and not having to turn it off and on

I think I'm going to do 8" by the skimmer, then a refugium, then a baffle 1" from the bottom, then an inch away a 7" divider to the return pump. The skimmer needs 6-7" of water so I can set it on something. I figured I can always go higher with the skimmer but can't go lower once the divider's in place. Does that sound like a good plan?