DIY Sump

[sailfintang]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13540263#post13540263 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by firebirdude


And I don't plan on putting sand in my fuge. Debating a bit of live rock, but leaning towards just the cheato.

Well that would make a big difference having no sandin the design, I think I only want about a 1/2 inch of sand. By skimmer input I meanI have a mag 12 feeding my skimmer so I think ther will be plenty of water going through the sump to keep it from getting too low, I have about a gallon drip so I guess it will just be close monitoring when I get it all up and running. If I need adjuting I can always rotozip the teeth if the final baffle lower if need be.

 

[firebirdude]

Uh I don't think you understand how this works..... water evaporates into the air. From your display tank, from your sump, and even from your gallon drop bucket. If it's water, it evaporates.

So unless your Mag 12 is feeding the skimmer water from a completely outside bucket of water (which would be totally pointless), your losing water from your ENTIRE setup due to evaporation. The display tank can only get as low and the bottom part of your overflow. (bottom of the teeth or slit in the cali overflow... or whatever setup you have) When water stops flowing through the discharge, the return pump continues to pump (obviously). With no water coming into the sump, the return pump quickly pumps itself dry.

You need an ATO system. I wouldn't dare trust a gallon dripper to maintain your water level.

 

[sailfintang]

Well yes I understand the evaporation is on all water in the system, thats why it will be monitored at first. I have no rooom for an ATO.
Currently I have to add water every 3-4 days to my 20H witht he drip.
If it becomes an issue with this new design I can always insert or replace the final baffle with some eggcrate to allow a greater pass through to compensate the evaporation. I like dripping to replenish elements and slowly add supplements when needed as well as some minor evap relpacement kinda ofa small fail safe since I cant fit an ATO.