Some sump questions...

[adamf83]

Just retro fitted a sump (replacing a caniser filter). The flow looks good, I've observed the level in the tank and the sump, I seem to have got the levels right (they are not flucating).

I have a couple of questions..

1) Initially, I had a lot of bubbles in the skimmer cup. I took that off and after 45 minutes or so they have stopped and having put the collection cup back on it doesn't seem to be filling. Is that expected or should I be adjusting it?

2) I need to run a power off test, but I'm not really sure what I should be doing. Should I be marking the current levels (as show below) as the ON levels and then power everything off? Or something else.

 

[homer1475]

I mark my sump with a running level, and a drain down level. I do my water changes through my sump, so I know where to fill it back up to.

And yes, just turn off the return pump and make sure the drain down won't overflow the sump.

My skimmer goes nuts for a few minutes after a WC also. I just leave it off till my water gets mixed into the tank. I would just adjust it to where you want it.

 

[Ron Reefman]

1) Initially, I had a lot of bubbles in the skimmer cup. I took that off and after 45 minutes or so they have stopped and having put the collection cup back on it doesn't seem to be filling. Is that expected or should I be adjusting it?
Do you mean it's not filling the body of the skimmer or not filling the collection cup?
Adjust it so you get just to the rim and maybe once in a while a bit to flow over. Then give it time and occasionally check on it. If the bubbles go down, adjust it up. If it starts flowing into the cup too much, adjust it down.

2) I need to run a power off test, but I'm not really sure what I should be doing. Should I be marking the current levels (as show below) as the ON levels and then power everything off? Or something else.
It's a good idea to mark where the level is now (even if it's just temporary with tape). Then shut down the return pump (and the skimmer) and see how high the water level goes in the sump. Be prepared to turn it back on quickly if the sump looks like it is getting ready to overflow. If the sump holds all the extra water, turn the pump on and you are good to go. If it doesn't, you'll need to change the amount of DT water that siphons down to the sump. Probably just raise the nozzle closer to the water surface in the DT so it breaks the siphon sooner.

I hope that helps?

 

[adamf83]

1) Initially, I had a lot of bubbles in the skimmer cup. I took that off and after 45 minutes or so they have stopped and having put the collection cup back on it doesn't seem to be filling. Is that expected or should I be adjusting it?
Do you mean it's not filling the body of the skimmer or not filling the collection cup?
Adjust it so you get just to the rim and maybe once in a while a bit to flow over. Then give it time and occasionally check on it. If the bubbles go down, adjust it up. If it starts flowing into the cup too much, adjust it down.

2) I need to run a power off test, but I'm not really sure what I should be doing. Should I be marking the current levels (as show below) as the ON levels and then power everything off? Or something else.
It's a good idea to mark where the level is now (even if it's just temporary with tape). Then shut down the return pump (and the skimmer) and see how high the water level goes in the sump. Be prepared to turn it back on quickly if the sump looks like it is getting ready to overflow. If the sump holds all the extra water, turn the pump on and you are good to go. If it doesn't, you'll need to change the amount of DT water that siphons down to the sump. Probably just raise the nozzle closer to the water surface in the DT so it breaks the siphon sooner.

I hope that helps?

It was filling the body of the skimmer and filling the collection cup what looked likt far too quickly, it's settled down now, but isn't yet spilling over into the collection cup, so I'll have a play and adjust it.

I've marked the current running level, so I'll power it off and see how I get on.

This helped alot, thanks!

 

[homer1475]

@Ron Reefman On a white background, you have no answers in your post.

I only saw the answers after the OP quoted you.

 

[Jaebster]

@Ron Reefman On a white background, you have no answers in your post.

I only saw the answers after the OP quoted you.

It's in secret invisible writing... lol.
Highlight the blank section and you can see @Ron Reefman's post!

Copy and pasted....
1) Initially, I had a lot of bubbles in the skimmer cup. I took that off and after 45 minutes or so they have stopped and having put the collection cup back on it doesn't seem to be filling. Is that expected or should I be adjusting it?
Do you mean it's not filling the body of the skimmer or not filling the collection cup?
Adjust it so you get just to the rim and maybe once in a while a bit to flow over. Then give it time and occasionally check on it. If the bubbles go down, adjust it up. If it starts flowing into the cup too much, adjust it down.

2) I need to run a power off test, but I'm not really sure what I should be doing. Should I be marking the current levels (as show below) as the ON levels and then power everything off? Or something else.
It's a good idea to mark where the level is now (even if it's just temporary with tape). Then shut down the return pump (and the skimmer) and see how high the water level goes in the sump. Be prepared to turn it back on quickly if the sump looks like it is getting ready to overflow. If the sump holds all the extra water, turn the pump on and you are good to go. If it doesn't, you'll need to change the amount of DT water that siphons down to the sump. Probably just raise the nozzle closer to the water surface in the DT so it breaks the siphon sooner.

 

[homer1475]

I got it once you quoted him, but whatever color he's using, he may want to change color is all I was getting at. Since most people probably view this site in the default white background color.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I got it once you quoted him, but whatever color he's using, he may want to change color is all I was getting at. Since most people probably view this site in the default white background color.

You're right. I use the dark background. It's MUCH easier to use and read. I'd totally forgotten about people using the white background. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!