Skimmer and sump level

LoneStarReef · Mar 17, 2018

I am hoping to turn my skimmer on for only 12 hours or less per day. My nitrates are really low and I am hoping to bring them up a bit by turning off the skimmer for part of the day. However, if I turn my skimmer off, the level in the return area of my sump rises by a couple of inches. I have my Neptune ATK sensor (auto top off unit) in the return area of my sump and the rising sump levels throw my ATK off. Any suggestions?

Logan A. · Mar 18, 2018

This probably isn't the answer you are looking for but I use the Ozmolator I think is what it's called by Tunze. You are able to separate the low water level sensor from the high one giving you a gap of you will of space for the water to fluctuate before turning on and off. The unit runs $200 but is totally worth it https://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_O...uto_Top_Off_Units-Tunze-TZ4111-FIDPAT-vi.html

JMarsh · Mar 18, 2018

Logan A. said:
You are able to separate the low water level sensor from the high one giving you a gap of you will of space for the water to fluctuate before turning on and off.

The problem I see here is that while you solve for the overfill alarm and give yourself a wider margin of acceptable water levels, you still have the potential issue of salinity swings. Once that skimmer turns back on, your ATO is going to make up for 12 hours worth of evaporation. Not sure how much evaporation we are talking about here and what the actual impact on salinity may be though.

mtraylor · Mar 18, 2018

LoneStarReef said:
I am hoping to turn my skimmer on for only 12 hours or less per day. My nitrates are really low and I am hoping to bring them up a bit by turning off the skimmer for part of the day. However, if I turn my skimmer off, the level in the return area of my sump rises by a couple of inches. I have my Neptune ATK sensor (auto top off unit) in the return area of my sump and the rising sump levels throw my ATK off. Any suggestions?

When you say your nitrates are low, what do you mean? What is the level? Do you actually have a problem in your aquarium, or are you about to start one chasing a number? I think that is the questions I would answer first before making any changes. What makes you think you need more nitrates?