Sump level adjustments

OK, I know its a dumb questions, but hey, its my first sump.

So I set the main level to where I wanted it, then I notice the return area draining faster, but the main level never changes.

If I dial back the return valve, the return sump area rises, if I have it open all the way, the return area lowers.

I would understand this better if the main area changes, but it does not.

My main question is, does the sump level fluctuiate thoughout the day or should it be constant, minus evaporation that is.

What is the secret to setting this and letting it be. ?? Why is the return area much lower than the main sump area ? If too much is leaving the return area, why isnt the DT or the sump getting higher ?


Here is the sump, red line is water level


Yikes.

\Thanks

 

first off there is NO such thing as a dumb question, just dummies for not asking! I think this will answer your questions......what is going out is going at a faster rate than what is coming in. if you had an identical pump that took the water and sent it to the sump at the same rate as the return to the tank, then by dialing back the pump to the sump, you'd see the tank rise, but this is not the case. did I just confuse you more????

 

I think I understand that part.
What I dont get is, if my return area continues to lower, why does the sump or disply not increase ? Where is it going ?

I marked a line on the sump and DT and the return area, the only water level changing is the return area. How can it be ?

I currently have the overflow wide open and the return close to 1/4 turn and it still lowers slowly.

 

i found with my sump that the return pump area is where yer evaporation shows so i just top it off till that area fills

the main area will never change its height because of the glass panels the water has to go over them before it gets to the return chamber
the water in that area will always be at that height, from what i can tell with yer picture all u need to do to balance out the heights is just add top off water till the return chamber is full

 

are u using a HOB over flow or a drilled tank?

 

It is a MEgaflow overflow, drilled in the bottom. 1" drain and 3/4 return.

I will try to add to the return area, but how fast is evaporation? If I set the line right now, in 1 hour it will be up to 1/4 lower. That seemes more than evap to me.


Thanks

 

evaporation depends on how much of yer tank is uncoverd by the glass lids i found with my system i have to top off my tank every day, i run the same sump setup that u are using with a very small return area

gah gotta goto work
ill check back after work

 

Ok thanks.
I did just add almost 1 gallon to the return area, and the main sump area raised by 1/4" as well as the return. Great, now I'm more confused.


I miss my HOB.. set it and forget it.

 

I fill mine everyday with one of those plastic green watering can things with the long spout. 1 full can a day.

 

Well if that is it then, I guess that ATO needs to get ordered...

So I just put the lids on the top to se if the loss rate slows down.
I mean I just marked a new line and it is already 1/16" below. Evap cant be that fast.

I will let it sit for the next 2-3 hours with the lids closed tight and check again.



This new high tech stuff is crazy. I didnt sleep at all last night.. What was that, is it leaking? did it empty out and the pump is running dry?
Did I tighten that clamp all the way? Is the Skimmer freaking out ? AAAHHHHHHHHHHH, I'm goiong insane... Now why the he!! is it blinking, one goes out, they all go out..(Obscure reference)


Thanks all.