Water level in return pump area

[Cunning_plan]

Appreciate this is probably a stupid problem. The water level in my return pump chamber is often quite low. This results in periods where my pump ends up blasting bubbles into the display tank. The confusing thing is it's fairly inconsistent and somewhat random. It happens just as often with my pump at full speed as at half speed. Is there anything I should be looking at?

It's a red sea reefer 250 with a TMC Reef Pump 4000. Skimmer is currently turned off.

 

[TheHarold]

Appreciate this is probably a stupid problem. The water level in my return pump chamber is often quite low. This results in periods where my pump ends up blasting bubbles into the display tank. The confusing thing is it's fairly inconsistent and somewhat random. It happens just as often with my pump at full speed as at half speed. Is there anything I should be looking at?

It's a red sea reefer 250 with a TMC Reef Pump 4000. Skimmer is currently turned off.

So..... even if the return pump is stable, evaporation causes the water level to drop over time.

Do you have the Auto top off reservoir filled and installed? Is it failing to add water?

 

[Cunning_plan]

So the provided ATO is there and is functioning. It feels like it just kicks in too late.

 

[Snoopy 67]

Perhaps you should raise the level. How much room do you have in the sump on a shutdown?

 

[Westside Guy]

I have a Reefer 250 with the V3 sump. and I believe that you should have about 6-7 inches of water in the pump section. I have noticed fluctuations also and have lowered the gate between the larger right side of the sump and the pump section and the water level will rise.

I have the Vectra S1 pump and my LFS told me that DC pumps can have power fluctuations and that can also be the cause.

Another tip is to try cleaning the black sponge behind the gate frequently as that could be blocked and preventing water to flow into the pump section.

 

[Westside Guy]

So the provided ATO is there and is functioning. It feels like it just kicks in too late.

Turn the little black valve on the ATO counterclockwise and that will increase the flow.

 

[Cunning_plan]

and I believe that you should have about 6-7 inches of water in the pump section

I'm closer to 3-4.

Turn the little black valve on the ATO counterclockwise and that will increase the flow.

Seems a sensible next step. I've also cleaned everything out.

 

[Fishingandreefing]

Post a picture so others have an idea

 

[Abdullah54321]

Appreciate this is probably a stupid problem. The water level in my return pump chamber is often quite low. This results in periods where my pump ends up blasting bubbles into the display tank. The confusing thing is it's fairly inconsistent and somewhat random. It happens just as often with my pump at full speed as at half speed. Is there anything I should be looking at?

It's a red sea reefer 250 with a TMC Reef Pump 4000. Skimmer is currently turned off.

I have the same problem, would you please post how you solved it.(same tank and sump as you)

 

[Cunning_plan]

Sure. I bought a £20 ATO off of Amazon. I set it up in the existing ATO, put the light sensor and water hose into the pump section.

Made an unbelievable difference to my tank, hadn't realised how much my salinity had been varying till o fixed it.

 

[Phil D.]

I have the Red Sea Max E-250 which is similar to the Reefer 250. To increase the level of water in the return area, you have to raise the provided white float up a few "clicks". this will increase the level.