Sump problem

[jc]

My new skimmer is causing my sump to overflow. The skimmer requires a higher water level than my previous one. This means when the power goes out my sump is unable to hold all of the water. Since I have a marineland prestige stand I cannot fit a larger sump. The doors are not large enough. My idea to fix this is to install a small bulkhead at the top of the sump. This would allow me install an overflow pipe into an empty container. The problem is that when the power turns back on the water in the container cannot get back in the sump. Does anyone have any ideas? My sump is 3' x 1' x 1'.

[hobogato]

how much water drains out of the top of your tank? is your return line fairly deep so it drains a lot? if so, drill an anti-siphon hole in the return line just below the waterline so barely any water drains from the tank when the pump stops.

[roscozman]

Do you have any pics? It might help if we can see it visually...

[Mr Cob]

how much water drains out of the top of your tank? is your return line fairly deep so it drains a lot? if so, drill an anti-siphon hole in the return line just below the waterline so barely any water drains from the tank when the pump stops.

x2

This is what I had to do a few weeks ago to compensate for some changes.

This means less water will drain from the main display when the return pump is turned off and allow you to hold more water in the sump while everything is running.

[jc]

Well, the anti-siphon holes were predrilled and deeper than I would like. I tried to pull the elbows they are drilled into off. However, they will not move. I don't want to force it because if the bulkheads are loosened they are hard to tighten back up. That is another problem with the stand. It has holes cut in the wood for the drainage, but they are not wide enough to work with easily. What can I use to patch up the holes in place? I think if I use a dremel I might be able to move the holes up. The pipes in the overflow are close together. If I can't get a drill close enough can I use a hot nail to make a hole? Would it hurt the fish and coral?

[rockmp]

I am having the same problem with the return. Will a check valve work so water will not go back into the sump from the return?

[jlh81]

Some people say check valves are not a fail proof way of going about it up i have been the same one for 4 years now and i never have any problems. When i do my water changes i turn all my pumps off like as if the power went out. Works great and there easy to intall too.

there only like 15 bucks worth a try!!

[BIGBIRD123]

Joe, I think that if you do what you do with regular water changes and keep the valve operational, it probably will work but if it sets for too long, it can lock in place. My luck it will lock open... :hypnotyized::at_wits_end:

[jc]

So the check valves go on the pump output? Where can I find the cheapest ones?

[alton]

Build a second sump and plumb it into the first. Add a baby pump to keep fresh saltwater flowing between the two. Maybe add a light, some rubble and call it a fuge? A 12" x 12" x 12" extenda sump adds 7.5 gallons to your system. Or go to Melves Reef and see how he added a side door to his stand to add a larger sump.

[jc]

I don't have any more room under the sump. I could make more room if I use a pump in the sump, but that would add heat to my tank. I'm not sure drilling a panel in my stand would be safe. My tank is 180 gallons. If that thing came crashing down someone is going to die.

[jroescher]

There's no rule that says you must only have one hole for anti-siphon. Drill another hole where you want it (just under the full water level so it doesn't splash) and leave the other one open. It won't hurt anything.

Can you build another sump to fit inside the existing sump for the skimmer to sit and drain in? Once full, it could just overflow into your regular sump. Then you would only have a very small amount of extra water and could lower your regular sump level as low as you want.

Or can you adjust your baffles? If you make the first baffle taller and leave the other baffles the same or shorter, then only the first chamber will have a higher water level. Assuming your skimmer is in the first chamber.

[Mr Cob]

^agree....I have like 3 holes in each of my 2 returns at different levels.....never know when a snail or some type of growth will block it.

[RayAllen]

I also would just drill another hole or 2 in the return. Seems to be a very simple solution to your problem.

[jc]

Wouldn't leaving the lower hole open siphon the same amount of water? Does the water continue to siphon until it reaches the lowest hole?

[jc]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s_m-tlLoaPI/S4__3fiSBsI/AAAAAAAABQw/KLk4h2f9KRA/s400/023.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s_m-tlLoaPI/S4__xFI4RfI/AAAAAAAABQs/mxvxD8cP6fo/s800/019.JPG

[hobogato]

no, as soon as any hole is out of the water, it allows air into the line and breaks the siphon (stops the backflow of water)

[RayAllen]

no, as soon as any hole is out of the water, it allows air into the line and breaks the siphon (stops the backflow of water)

Ditto

I see what you meen about not having room, looks like a chemistry set.

[jc]

Ditto

I see what you meen about not having room, looks like a chemistry set.

That is why I keep telling my wife I need a bigger tank. :)

[jroescher]

Bigger tank = bigger stand = more room = bigger sump = bigger selection of corals = happier reefer. Sounds like the ideal solution to me.

[Mr Cob]

wife says... bigger tank = more money = more work = less time with family = unhappy wife

[ErikH]

wife says... bigger tank = more money = more work = less time with family = unhappy wife

LMAO! True true.