jt48
Member
Will try that!
Building my Dream: It's a Miracles!
- Thread starter jt48
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Will try that!
jt48
Member
That is an idea but I take credit of thinking about it first. Going to try that if lowering level doesn't work. Thanks
jt48
Member
Already tried that twice. Thanks
jt48
Member
Newbie Aquarist wins the prize but I thank everyone for their input.:celeb3:
The more I lowered the water level in the return section, the less wave action I had. I still don't understand how the wave was being created though. I did notice that the wave was so strong that it was bending the acryllic baffles back and forth which in turn helped create more wave. I have two different types of acryllic in the sump-thick new stuff from lowes and thinner, older, more brittle stuff I had lying around. I used the new stuff for the two sides of the refugium section. The last baffle, closest to the return bulkhead is sagging a bit now that the water level in that section is low. Easily corrected though by securing it more with more acryllic or if I can find a piece of glass thick enough.
Thanks again
The more I lowered the water level in the return section, the less wave action I had. I still don't understand how the wave was being created though. I did notice that the wave was so strong that it was bending the acryllic baffles back and forth which in turn helped create more wave. I have two different types of acryllic in the sump-thick new stuff from lowes and thinner, older, more brittle stuff I had lying around. I used the new stuff for the two sides of the refugium section. The last baffle, closest to the return bulkhead is sagging a bit now that the water level in that section is low. Easily corrected though by securing it more with more acryllic or if I can find a piece of glass thick enough.
Thanks again
BigOldReef
New member
I think the problem comes from the fact that the 2 last "over" baffles are both at 16". The second one should be lower so the water flows/ falls over. You are forcing the water up and over the second baffle. My guess this is what is creating the wave.
Not sure the quickest way to test this theory.
Dave
Not sure the quickest way to test this theory.
Dave
jt48
Member
Interesting thought. I want to confirm with Dolphin as to what is the minimum (if there is any) water level. How many inches of water should there be above the Dolphin to operate properly. The directions talked about water cavitations and some stuff I did not completely understand. To test your theory I think I would need to remove the baffle, clean off all the silicone, cut and reattach. Not the easiest job but doable. Other possible method would be to sand it down while still attached.
BigOldReef
New member
The minimum water level is usually at the point where the pump intake create a whirlpool and starts sucking air.
I have an idea to test my theory. Cut a piece of old scrap acrylic that is the same width as your baffles and only about 3 in tall.
Then use a clamp and clamp it to the first 'Over' baffle so that is raises that baffle by 1/2 and inch to an inch.
You should notice the surging stopping right away.
If this is the case then there are several methods for lowering the second 'Over' baffle without having to tear it out.
I have an idea to test my theory. Cut a piece of old scrap acrylic that is the same width as your baffles and only about 3 in tall.
Then use a clamp and clamp it to the first 'Over' baffle so that is raises that baffle by 1/2 and inch to an inch.
You should notice the surging stopping right away.
If this is the case then there are several methods for lowering the second 'Over' baffle without having to tear it out.
jt48
Member
Cool thanks. I'll try to do that tomorrow.
jt48
Member
I actually had a piece of leftover acryllic lying around that didn't need to be cut in order to try this out. I followed your directions and i increased the water level. Keep in mind I only did this as a learning factor, it didn't need to be done as my problem was solved by lowering the water level. Anyway, the increased height of that baffle made even more of a wave- actually alot worse and had to shut system down as it was getting dangerous.
Here's a pic of the wave.
BigOldReef
New member
I think you have the reason for the waves. All the baffles are the same height across the length of the sump. Raising the over baffle on the left side causes more water on the right side of the sump to have to push up and over creating the wave.
Each sequential 'over' baffle should be lower than the prior one.
Now change this sump design to be located over your tank and you might be able to build a cool and unique surge system
Each sequential 'over' baffle should be lower than the prior one.
Now change this sump design to be located over your tank and you might be able to build a cool and unique surge system
jt48
Member
I think you have the reason for the waves. All the baffles are the same height across the length of the sump. Raising the over baffle on the left side causes more water on the right side of the sump to have to push up and over creating the wave.
Each sequential 'over' baffle should be lower than the prior one.
Now change this sump design to be located over your tank and you might be able to build a cool and unique surge system
I agree but in my research of DIY sump designs I never heard that each subsequent baffle should be lower. If so , it's an easy although not be a pretty fix. All I have to do is add a two inch lip on first baffle and a one inch lip on second baffle.
I believe there's another underlying cause, possibly the way water is entering sump.
Either way I don't need to do anything as long as water level in last return section is set at a lower level.
It was a good learning experience and the koi pond enjoyed the water change since I just emptied tank and sump using a new garden hose and mag 18.
jt48
Member
Gotcha like texting before someone else replies lol
jt48
Member
Aquascaping
Aquascaping
Worked on the aquascaping today. Originally wanted to go more minimalistic but I over bought from BRS (200 lbs Pukani and 100 pounds Branch). About 40 pounds not being used. Tried to leave clearance on left, center and right for MP40's to be placed on back wall.
Opinions welcome and open to suggestions.
FTS
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Aquascaping
Worked on the aquascaping today. Originally wanted to go more minimalistic but I over bought from BRS (200 lbs Pukani and 100 pounds Branch). About 40 pounds not being used. Tried to leave clearance on left, center and right for MP40's to be placed on back wall.
Opinions welcome and open to suggestions.
FTS
Closeup Left
Closeup Center
Closeup Right
Looks good! You are in a 96 by 36 tank right? Reason I ask is I was going to buy from BRS (can't decide the type yet but leaning toward Reef Saver because it seems to lock together better (?). Anyway I don't want to overbuy but want to get it early enough to cure it. They were saying 400lbs but that seems high to me and given what you've got...
Crazy_Beaver
New member
I think you need to remove some rock!
jt48
Member
The Pukani is incredibly light weight. If I bought just Pukani, 200 pounds would be enough for this 344 (96x36x23). Although the tank was ordered 23" high keep in mind 3/4 inch glass thickness plus 1" air below the top rim. I requested large show pieces and thats exactly what I got. I had to use hammer and chisel to break some of it down.
jt48
Member
I agree! I found myself putting more in just for the sake not wasting it.
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Crazy_Beaver
New member
Maybe it can find its place on the sump or you could sell it locally to another reefer:idea:
