How high to fill sump?

[SycoCell]

Does it make any real difference how high my water level is in my sump? For example, in the return section of my Eshopps RS200, the water level line is about 6" from the bottom while my water level is about twice that height. Does it matter? I'm trying to mess with closing the ball valve slightly to lower it, but I can't seem to get it to sit at that water level line - it either goes below and drains too far, or I get it to the current setting....

So I guess my real question is, is that "water level" line for reference mandatory or suggested? Thanks in advance. I'm a newb to this. I don't have my tank filled to the rim to allow for waves/floor movement.

 

[Elricsfate]

Floor movement?? Your tank needs to be level, and stay that way. Floor movement is not something you incorporate into the design.

 

[Astroreefer]

You'll want to have the sump water level where there is enough water for your equipment like your Skimmer to work properly, but also have enough reserve in case of power outage and the water in the pipes and above the overflow to drain into the sump

 

[MondoBongo]

You'll want to have the sump water level where there is enough water for your equipment like your Skimmer to work properly, but also have enough reserve in case of power outage and the water in the pipes and above the overflow to drain into the sump

+1

my sump level is usually determined by the power out test.

i want to make sure i have plenty of space when the return pump is off to handle all the backflow water from the tank or tanks that are hooked to it.

this included anything that may come from a siphon created by your return pump.

 

[biecacka]

+1 on the power outage test.

Corey

 

[gone fishin]

I agree on the power out test.

 

[ericarenee]

Fill the sump up to the lowest safe running level that your pump can work in NO HIGHER.
Turn off your return pump and wait until it finishes draining back to the sump.
Fill the sump up to the max level you want to have i your sump at any time..
START YOUR PUMP and wait for it to level out

Make this spot on your sump and set your ato at this level.. of course if you have a protein skimmer in this same body of water that your Return pump is in you need to reconfigure your sump with baffles to maintain a constant skimmer level. then repeat

Good Luck

 

[SycoCell]

Thanks for the reply. I'll get it dialed back down a bit but right now, my left overflow siphon leaks a little since the little hole on the plastic of the overflow is widened a bit - so it takes the tank to lose quite a bit more water than normal before it "stops". In the meantime, I have that shut off and am only using the right side siphon. I just can't get the water level to where I want it with just controlling the single siphon.

And when I referred to the tank shaking on the floor, I meant if someone (no one should) jump or stomp rather hard on my floor in the room - it shakes the tank ever so slightly.