level adjustemnt

level adjustment sump / tank

Hi everybody! I'm newbie, I have:
50gl primary tank + 20gl sump
1 MAG7 + 1 ASM G1 + 1 Koralia 4
30lb liverock

I'm trying to adjust the level between primary tank and sump and use it a PVC overflow DIY by 1" and the MAG7 to return the water by 1/2", I have 1 ball valve in the overflow and 1 ball valve in the return pump, but I have had adjusting for 2 weeks, the problem is that the level in the primary tank goes down and the sump goes up and vice versa, not in the moment, I mean all the day it's OK but at night the level goes off by 1", then I adjust the levels; all the night it's OK but at morning the levels goes off. It's there a manual or a guide to adjust the flow? I attach the pics to take a show. I need help!!!! Thank you!!!!

Another question! I had 2 weeks cycling the system, I have seen some worms, I think aptasia anemone, and anothers bugs, it's the cycle fully on??? or it's common to see this kind of bugs on new tanks???

 

Ball valves aren't the most precise valves for adjusting flow like you've found, you might want to try a gate valve. Also your flow amounts will fluctuate a little bit as your plumbing gets "broken in" and gets a full coat of slime etc.

Also on your overflow is it siphoning? That can be risky unless you have a second emergency drain in case something gets stuck in your primary drain especially with the valve in there already partially constricting the water flow.

As for the cycle. Its common to see that stuff even before the tank is fully cycled. Check your ammonia, nitrites and nitrate levels to see when your cycle is really done, that's the only way to be sure. You should have zero ammonia and zero nitrites.

 

Hi Screwtape!
Yes, I'm agree with you about "Ball valves aren't the most precise valves for adjusting flow", but I didn't find a PVC gate valve. The overflow it's working OK, I made a test without energy, and when reestablishing the siphoning works fine! Today the level in the tank it's the same like last night, but it's lower I want a little more up, but I don't get to make it. I'll try to do it again!
Thank U for the cycle! I should wait!

 

!!!

Hi Screwtape, I checked the parameters, and are as follow:Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 0.1
Nitrate: 0.0 - 0.1

What can I do? Just wait a few weeks for the richt cycle? Or can I add some bacteria? Some people told me about add a little fish and / or a shrimp of the market? What do you think? Thank you for your help!

 

do you have an overflow box in the tank? if so you can move it up to move the level in your tank up. you shouldn't need to do too much with your ball valves as long as the overflow you are using is rated for more flow than your return pump.

 

!!!

Hi mikejrice, no I don't have an overflow box, I'm adjusting with the valves, almost done, the las level lasted 2 days and I'm adjusting the valves again!!! Thank you for your comments!

 

Thats the problem right there. If you only have a tube hanging into the tank it will syphon until the water level gets below the bottom of it. It will probably be very hard to get it completely adjusted. I would check around for some kind of plastic container at Wal Mart that you can cut slits in at the minimum water level you want and hang under the intake tube. Tupperware should work perfect. Or if your not as cheap as me and want a cleaner look you can probably buy something for it. If you dont put something on there and have a power outage the intake tube will syphon water until the water level gets to the bottom of it. This could overflow your sump. Have you tested by unplugging your return pump?

 

!!!

Hi mikejrice! Sorry, but I was out! I think the level it's already OK, it varies about 1/4" top or bottom, but in this level it has 1 week, but I want to consider your idea, could you give me a picture of this kind of tupperware? That will be great! And I can take a shot of your idea! I ran a test with out energy and the overflow DIY PVC done great, it returned to works fine! Thank you for your support and comments!