Sump and cycle questions

[ibryson]

i have the SkimzUP39 for my 180 gallon tank. I can’t find any information on the recommended water height for the return section. Pictures below is where it’s currently at. I’ve only had this running for 1 day so I’m trying to get everything adjusted to the appropriate levels. Should the water heigh be even with the white baffle that holds the black foam/bubble trap?

Next question: how much flake food should I ghost feed to get the cycle going? A small pinch, a large pinch daily? I have live sand and I’ll put a rock from my existing tank in this sump. Plus some bio spira.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Flippers4pups]

Most skimmers do well in 8"-9" of water. That skimmer, not sure.

Large pinch every couple days for a week. Table shrimp works well too. Couple pieces all you need.

 

[ibryson]

Most skimmers do well in 8"-9" of water. That skimmer, not sure.

Large pinch every couple days for a week. Table shrimp works well too. Couple pieces all you need.

I’m not too worried about the skimmer section yet, I’m wondering how high to fill the return chamber.

 

[Scurvy]

I think it could come a little bit but ideally not over the top of that sponge/media tray. Will probably help with water flow noise too.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I’m not too worried about the skimmer section yet, I’m wondering how high to fill the return chamber.

Return, I'd add some to keep the return pump from pulling air down. Probably close to the lip of the tray.

 

[Goodair]

Prob don't want to go over the rim of the intake box. The water level will fluctuate here unless you have an ATO.

 

[ibryson]

Prob don't want to go over the rim of the intake box. The water level will fluctuate here unless you have an ATO.

Thanks! I’ll add some more water to it. Overnight it looks like that return chamber water level dropped about half and inch. Does that seem like normal evaporation rate?

 

[Goodair]

My 90gal has been losing roughly 5g in 4 days. That how much my reservoir holds but that's with out powerful lights. Losing half a inch doesn't seem to bad. lights, water agitation and prob other minuet factor all will affect your water loss.

 

[Goodair]

Defiantly would recommend an auto top off. You don't have to struggle to fill the return section every day and it is insurance incase you forget to top off water. That way your pump will less likely burn out and your salinity will be more stable. If you got a good ato reservoir size, you don't have to be constantly refilling it.

 

[lapin]

It looks a bit low to me too.I would try for just under the top of the sponge tray. Remember not to fill the chamber too high. You will have drain back with the return pump off.

 

[ibryson]

Defiantly would recommend an auto top off. You don't have to struggle to fill the return section every day and it is insurance incase you forget to top off water. That way your pump will less likely burn out and your salinity will be more stable. If you got a good ato reservoir size, you don't have to be constantly refilling it.

That’s my goal before June since I’ll be going on vacation!! I’ll be a nervous wreck the whole time I’m gone lol