Where to add Top off water?

[Bob Escher]

I have heard different places to add top off water from the skimmer section the refugium section or the return. I know that the refugium stays at a specific level but the return section changes and the skimmer section also stays the same
I want to say the refugium is this the best

 

[Michael Jacobson]

I go into the skimmer section which is the far right of my sump. This way it could go through skimmer, get all of the goodness from the refugium (middle section) and finally be good to go into the return section (far left) and back into the display tank.

 

[RyanCSGO]

mine is added to the skimmer chamber as well. But my sump is small and i don't run a refugium.

 

[p7willm]

I add to the return area so that the stuff, kalk and other additives, gets into the largest volume of water the quickest.

 

[Clayalaleona]

I add it into the "filtration" compartment of my sump.
IMO adding it to the skimmer compartment messes with the skimmer sometimes because of the salinity

 

[DracoKat]

I put mine in the return section.. partly due to lack of space in the skimmer section, and I didn't want unsalted water going directly into the refugium. I also felt the water mixes better in the return section.

 

[Bob Escher]

Hmm I can't see fresh water going through a skimmer or diluting the refugium.
But since all section should stay relatively unchanged ( water level) how can the ATO know when to add more water?

 

[DracoKat]

Water will evaporate in the sump. Water remains unchanged in the DT, but the sump's return will go down as it evaporates

 

[RyanCSGO]

the return chamber is where the evaporation shows.
im using the jbj ATO which uses a floar switch. i have that placed in the last (return) chamber in my sump.

 

[Bob Escher]

Ok then it will go in the return which makes sense
Thanks

 

[reeferfoxx]

I add it into the "filtration" compartment of my sump.
IMO adding it to the skimmer compartment messes with the skimmer sometimes because of the salinity

I agree with this. You'll notice your skimmer skimming less during water changes. Adding freshwater to the skimmer section would reducing skimming. Though, it would be only temporary.

 

[Chrisfish]

Ok then it will go in the return which makes sense
Thanks

Hi Bob, I know you have the JBJ 45 I have the 30, I can't remember if you have added a sump to your tank in the stand? I have not so I always add my top off to the return area, I have a HOB skimmer and the one time I tried it there it messed up the skim. Not sure if it helps but what the heck.

 

[jd371]

Return, because of space and convenience.

 

[Salty1962]

DT drain chamber, gives it time to mix with DT drain water across the sump so it's mixed well before returning to DT. My topoff doesn't put enough water in the sump to effect water levels.

 

[Bob Escher]

Yes Chrisfish I did add the sump to the tank. I did have the ATO going to the middle section of the JBJ 45 but now I'm wondering but the return section make sense because the skimmer ( and filter sock) section as well as the refugium section always stay one level

I'll have a video up shortly Chris showing what I did but here's a pic of my sump and in the stand

 

[Chrisfish]

Yes Chrisfish I did add the sump to the tank. I did have the ATO going to the middle section of the JBJ 45 but now I'm wondering but the return section make sense because the skimmer ( and filter sock) section as well as the refugium section always stay one level

I'll have a video up shortly Chris showing what I did but here's a pic of my sump and in the stand

Very nice!! If I wasn't planning on going bigger ie; 65 or 70 I'd be doing that, will check out your video too. Thanks also I do think the return is the best place.

 

[Bob Escher]

Salty isn't the drain chamber where your skimmer is? Normally your skimmer section and refugium section don't change water level so why there

 

[CarrieB]

The level sensor is in the section with the return pump but the replacement water goes into the overflow section in the tank because I was getting extra water siphoned into the tank when the sump level was lower than the ATO tank level. Scary.

 

[Bob Escher]

The level sensor is in the section with the return pump but the replacement water goes into the overflow section in the tank because I was getting extra water siphoned into the tank when the sump level was lower than the ATO tank level. Scary.

Do you worry about the skimmer acting up?

 

[CarrieB]

Do you worry about the skimmer acting up?

The amount of RO DI going into the overflow is small compared to the amount of water my return pump is pushing around, so no. I suppose a little tank might be more sensitive.