Sump Return Outpacing In Flow?

[Utahsaltnoob]

Hello,

Yesterday I noticed the water level in my sump is lower than usual, this morning it was even lower. I replaced my filter sock last night to see that was causing the problem and it didn’t fix it.

What are some other reasons it would be havin a hard time with the water getting to the sump?

I’m planning a water change and filter cleaning today when the lights cycle on.

Thank you,

 

[A sea K]

Any form of obstruction in the path down to the sump can cause this. Is the display water level elevated? It should be and if it is not then look for a leak or excessive evaporation, possible your ATO is not keeping up for some reason or has ceased to function entirely.

 

[khushtram]

When that happens to me it’s a sign that my ato container is dry. Did you make sure the sump is getting fresh water ?

 

[Mical]

Besides the above suggestions make sure your overflow is not restricted.

 

[Utahsaltnoob]

Any form of obstruction in the path down to the sump can cause this. Is the display water level elevated? It should be and if it is not then look for a leak or excessive evaporation, possible your ATO is not keeping up for some reason or has ceased to function entirely.

Yes it is, fortunately i set it up so it can’t overflow or I would have wet floors this morning.

Waiting 1/2 hour for my lifts to kick on is rough...

 

[A sea K]

Check everything you can that leads down to the sump. You have something blocking somewhere. Is you tank a classic reef ready type? if so check overflow weir, durso standpipe(pull the pipe out and inspect) air vent for the durso, and strainer, any valves you may have to control flow back to the sump. Look at other areas in your sump that may be retaining additional water as well.

If your using a hang on type of overflow check for air in the connecting tube, they can and will build up air over time and that will also restrict flow.

 

[DarkSky]

If your aquarium isn't overflowing, it just means that you don't have enough water in your system for normal operation. Your sump generally should be a bit fuller when your pumps are off.

 

[Utahsaltnoob]

Check everything you can that leads down to the sump. You have something blocking somewhere. Is you tank a classic reef ready type? if so check overflow weir, durso standpipe(pull the pipe out and inspect) air vent for the durso, and strainer, any valves you may have to control flow back to the sump. Look at other areas in your sump that may be retaining additional water as well.

If your using a hang on type of overflow check for air in the connecting tube, they can and will build up air over time and that will also restrict flow.

You called it, it’s a hang on back overflow. The air pump was running but obstructed causing low flow. Cleared it and it’s running great!

Going crazy cleaning every partially out of my filter lol.

Crisis averted thanks team

 

[A sea K]

Woo whoo, glad you got it figured out!!!!