Sump Water level - Evaporation

Aquaman102 · Mar 23, 2019

Hi All -

Got my tank and sump setup and have been watching the the water level in the sump to try to determine when to add fresh RO/DI water. Problem is, it seems the water level in the return area is not staying constant.

I have a herbie drain, it's running very quiet. I have the gate valve on my herbie drain dialed in so the siphon is going. Have the Vectra S1 return pump going as well. I am not fiddling with the settings.

Currently the emergency drain of the herbie is running dry.

Seems if I had an ATO, it would be dumping to much fresh water in with the water level in the return section not staying constant

Any thoughts?

Lasse · Mar 23, 2019

How large is the aquarium? In aquariums above 50 -100 litres is no problem with a slight variation of the level in the return chamber. If you fill a little bit to much - it just take longer time before it fill the next time.

Sincerely Lasse

Aquaman102 · Mar 23, 2019

Lasse said:
How large is the aquarium? In aquariums above 50 -100 litres is no problem with a slight variation of the level in the return chamber. If you fill a little bit to much - it just take longer time before it fill the next time.

Sincerely Lasse

It is 120 gallons with a 40 gallon breeder sump

cracker · Mar 23, 2019

Ok, when You get salinity where you want it. mark the waterline with a sharpie then top off to that mark .
Depending on surrounding humidity a tank can evaporate a lot or hardly any.

Aquaman102 · Mar 23, 2019

ok, I will keep an eye on it. I did put a piece of electrical tape where the water line was when I setup the tank and sump.

I have the tank and sump in a finished basement and have a humidifier on my home heating system.

Just concerned for when I get an ATO that it might constantly be putting fresh water in when it's not needed....guess time will tell

Lasse · Mar 23, 2019

Aquaman102 said:
Just concerned for when I get an ATO that it might constantly be putting fresh water in when it's not needed....guess time will tell

It is no problems normally - the salinity swing will be very, very small.

Sincerely Lasse

lapin · Mar 23, 2019

Aquaman102 said:
Got my tank and sump setup and have been watching the the water level in the sump to try to determine when to add fresh RO/DI water. Problem is, it seems the water level in the return area is not staying constant.

The return section water level should be dropping as evaporation and skimming remove water. Your ATO (you in this case) will then fill it back to the preset level marked with tape.