sump/refugium feedback

[jedthefish420]

So I recently got this sump/refugium i found on CL going. I have a few questions. First, i can't get the water level to remain constant. I'm using a turbo sea 1100P return pump and also added a SWC skimmer. Second, How high should the water be in my refugium? I also have ball valves from my DT into the skimmer section and a ball valve from my return pump to the DT.










When i got the sump/refugium it was already pre-built from a guy i found on CL. in the first chamber (where the skimmer sits) i slid an extra piece of acrylic (not glued/siliconed) to raise the water level (best for my skimmer is 9"). The baffle the refugium came with was already predrilled/cut at low positions all the way through up to the return pump. In my refugium section (middle) i have a ball of cheato, miracle mud, and a few pieces of rock. I would like to add some other things. It's be really cool to have it as a mini DT. maybe some cleaner fish? seahorses? i dunno.. just a thought.






nitrates: 20
phosphates: 2.0

 

[svogun]

Lots of questions in order to help: 1. how many gallons is your sump. 2. What size is your overflow. 3. Why is the sump to the side and not directly below the display display tank in the stand?

Also you don't really need the those plastic cylinders when you have a fuge with mud and LR. They will just increase your nitrates.

I think the main issue with your water level is your return pump is too strong for your current overflow. Could just be an issue with distance. If capable try getting the sump directly below the tank.

 

[nicodim55]

Which chamber is the return coming from? Is it plumb outside the sump? What is the that big tube with the skimmer chamber?

 

[jedthefish420]

I couldn't fit the sump under the stand. It doesn't fit. It's a 30 gallon sump. I have a DIY overflow with 1.5" pvc. That hose going into the skimmer area is from the over flow pvc. I'll remove the cylinders now. The return is coming from the chamber all the way to the left in the pics

 

[svogun]

how many gallons is your display tank?

 

[ReeferBean]

I couldn't fit the sump under the stand. It doesn't fit. It's a 30 gallon sump. I have a DIY overflow with 1.5" pvc. That hose going into the skimmer area is from the over flow pvc. I'll remove the cylinders now. The return is coming from the chamber all the way to the left in the pics

I may be wrong but I think you are running the sump backwards based on the baffle lay out. I replied to your socalireefs thread.

 

[svogun]

Whoa, I see your problem now. That external pump is rated at 1100 gph. Your overflow can't keep up with that powerful a return pump. The only way a pump like that will work on your tank is if it were sitting like a floor below your display tank. And even with increasing the length of the return pipe you would need to tamp the flow down alot which creates back pressure on the pump and can ultimately damage it.

 

[jedthefish420]

Whoa, I see your problem now. That external pump is rated at 1100 gph. Your overflow can't keep up with that powerful a return pump. The only way a pump like that will work on your tank is if it were sitting like a floor below your display tank. And even with increasing the length of the return pipe you would need to tamp the flow down alot which creates back pressure on the pump and can ultimately damage it.

even with a ball valve?

 

[jedthefish420]

I may be wrong but I think you are running the sump backwards based on the baffle lay out. I replied to your socalireefs thread.

thanks bud. the baffles are there for no reason on this set up (notice the half circle cut outs).

 

[jedthefish420]

as far as sump size.. i was just guessing lol. here are the dimensions of the sump/fuge: 30" x 14" x 16" (LxWxH)

 

[svogun]

the ball valve will certainly decrease the flow, but if you decrease the flow too much just to accomadate the overflow, you can compromise the pump.

 

[jedthefish420]

the ball valve will certainly decrease the flow, but if you decrease the flow too much just to accomadate the overflow, you can compromise the pump.

okay, thanks for the help!

 

[svogun]

You could easily run like a Mag 9 submerisble in the sump. That should work. Good luck!