Wet/Dry Filter Problems!!

[InADream]

Ok I just got my new 46g bowfront tank home along with a wet/dry filter... This is going to be a project for my mom as her birthday present, and this is what she wanted regardless of what I said...

My Problem!!

I have a homemade protein skimmer, made from RandyStacyE`s page but not the recirc... After I load everything into the wet/dry and get it running, I run into problems... #1)after both plugs are removed (skimmer,returm pump) the wet/dry overflows... #2)Having problems regulating the flow...I have a 450 GPH pump returning the water to the tank, I have a ball valve regulating the flow... I open it up and the wet/dry lowers, then I close it and it fills... But I cant find a median to keep the level the same all the time... Is it evaporation or would a ball valve solve the problem...

What level should the water in the wet/dry be at, maybe that is my problem...

As for the skimmer, I think the problem is the pipe that returns the water to the wet/dry needs to be set a different height but I am totally lost and have no idea what to do... Please help

Dream

 

[InADream]

bump

 

[lvpd186]

Hmm, not sure how much help I can be but here it goes:

#1 - what kind of over-flow are you using? Also are there syphon breaks on your return line? If you don't have the syphon breaks (fancy term for an air hole) when the pump is off the tank will empty until it reaches the opening of your return pipe. Depending on how deep your return pipe is in the water this can mean a lot of water emptying in to your sump. If you do have syphon breaks it may be that your sump is a little too small.

#2 - Your sump level will fluctuate with evaporation so I don't think a ball valve will help there. If you want to keep the sump level the same all the time you might want to consider an automatic top off system. Basically you keep a float switch in the sump at the level you want it (usually what ever level makes your skimmer work the best). When the sump level lowers the float switch will turn on a small pump that will pump fresh water from a container and in to your sump. Many people do this with kalk reactors.

As for your skimmer I'm not too sure. Maybe a photo will help.

Hope that helps!

 

[InADream]

I think You answered the main problem I had and that was the skimmer emptying out... I thought it was because the skimmer I am using is an in sumpo filter and the water was draining from the pump inlet, but I never put a hole in the top for air... I will try that tomorrow and let you know... Thanks lvpd186

Dream