Sump water height

[TheGrimReeferTx]

I am currently running my sump (30 Gallon) around the 12 gallon mark when the return pump is in operation. When the return pump is killed the sump will backfill to about 15 gallons. Leaving something like 15 gallons of water volume I could use not being used. Any reason why I don't increase it to something like 18 gallon mark when running, 21 gallons when the return pump is dead, and 9 gallons of safety? What do you do?

 

[blaxsun]

It depends on the size of your display and equipment. Most skimmers need 8-10" of water to operate properly.

 

[Pyrogens]

As long as your meeting water height requirements for equipment like skimmers [like mentioned above] , and you have enough emergency space for when you lose power etc, go as high as you want for added volume... Just double check with a "power cycle" test and see to be safe.

 

[Dom]

As long as your meeting water height requirements for equipment like skimmers [like mentioned above] , and you have enough emergency space for when you lose power etc, go as high as you want for added volume... Just double check with a "power cycle" test and see to be safe.

But if I am understanding the question, I believe the OP wants to add more water volume to the setup without losing too much of the sump space necessary to catch water, in the event of a power failure.

If this is true, then I would want to calculate if the added water to the system will be enough to be of any benefit to the system.

In this instance, I think in terms of chemistry stability in the tank
(more volume = more subtle swings in chemistry).