Water level conundrum

[Pvtgloss]

The Red Sea MAX e170 with a Eshopp Nano sump underneath. I have two pumps running, one in return chamber in sump and the circulation pump in rear of tank. I only have one drain tube that has a gate valve. I dialed in the valve so it won't gurgle and also won't raise in the overflow section of tank. I keep a steady water level in tank all day and evaporation only affects return chamber in sump.

The conundrum-

When I add water to the return chamber to make up for evaporation all the water added just raises the Overflow section of main tank.

So I tried to install an ATO and placed the sensor right above the water line to watch to test that the ATO fill and stop. It filled to sensor height then when the water level fell, due to the stated conundrum, the ATO refilled to sensor and then water falls and then ATO fillsover and over.

Why can I not fill the return chamber in sump without it being pumped into the tank?

 

[mav3rick478]

When you add water, it is adding to the whole volume of the system not just the return chamber. What you are describing will keep happening until there is enough water in the entire system to raise the level in the return chamber and keep it at the level you desire The water level will always be the same in the display tank, your return chamber shows the true water level of the entire system.

 

[Pvtgloss]

So I don't have enough water in the system?

 

[Pvtgloss]

Just added 1/2 - 3/4 gallons. The water got pumped out into the rear sump- sump level is

the same again and rear sump raised. Keep adding water?

 

[mav3rick478]

Oh, i miss read you basically have 2 sumps. How are you getting water into the under tank sump?

 

[Freenow54]

I am trying to follow the pictures don't help me much, maybe a drawing.
Try and open valve all the way just to see. I shut mine off when I clean my sump. If I forget to open it that is what happens to me

 

[FishyFishFish]

Is the undertank sump feed from the rear chamber of the tank?

If so, what does the pump in the rear chamber do? If you turn that pump off, what happens?

I have enough trouble balancing the levels with one pump. If I understand correctly, it sounds like you are trying to do that with 2 pumps?

 

[theMeat]

A valve on a single drain system is not a good plan. If you only have a single drain a stockman standpipe is your quietest option

 

[Freenow54]

I thought about it more. You defiantly have a blockage in the line or valve may have debris in it if it worked before. like I said open the valve. Obvious the water cannot return to the sump to bring the level up.