Sump water level issues with Skimmer, help!

[Rskillz]

So, what do you guys do to maintain the same water level in your sump to keep the skimmer happy and tuned in? My Sump--if I don't top it off each day--variates up to 4 inches between top offs. This means that even if I adjust the skimmer constantly, I'm losing a lot of function.

Are sump designs supposed to incorporate a skimmer area with an unchanging water level?

Really confused on this one and struggle to find helpful information.

 

[mutateddogbone]

there needs to be a baffle between your return and skimmer, and keep the level in the return area ever so slightly lower than your skimmer section and your level will remain constant.

either that or add an ATO and problem solved.. i would still put in a baffle, but this would require you to take apart your sump and silicone in a baffle. meaning sump AFK for a few days.

the best fix is a combo of both. add baffle and ATO

hope this helps

 

[greech]

There is a thread on using adjustable/moveable baffles somewhere. The baffles were surrounded by some type of gasket material so the edges were sort of rubberized and created a seal. Can't recall the name of the material but it could save you from taking your sump out of commission just for one baffle.

 

[mfinn]

The end of my sump where the water comes in from the display tank has a fixed baffle, which goes to the bottom of the sump, up about 3/4 of the height of the sump, that creates an area of constant water level. This is where I have my skimmer.
Even with a ato, there is going to be small changes in water height which will affect skimmer performace.