Designing Sump with Auto Topoff

[WhiteCloud]

I am converting a FW 90 Gallon tank into a SW Reef tank and creating a Sump based on the famous RLG2182 Design:

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=53046

I am doing this in a 30 gallon (36x12x16) tank. I have a ASM G2 Skimmer which works best at 6-10 inches of water...so I am going to cut my baffles at 9 inches (as I have no room to raise the Skimmer under the tank).

I am making 1 modification...which is an Auto Topoff from my RO unit. When have the baffles cut, I am an going to have them drill a 5/8 inch hole in the taller "Refugium" baffle.

Having never seen a sump like this actually running....I was wondering how low the return reservoir gets when running full. Will the water level actually be at 9 inches...or 8...or...7 inches lower. Basically I need to know where to have the 5/8 hole for the Float valve to be installed. I have a kent float valve which needs installed in a hole 1 inch higher than the desired water level. What should I choose for the level?

My thoughts are to have the hole drilled at 9 inches on the 10 inch baffle, which will keep the level in the return reservior at 8 inches..and probably activate the RO at like 7 inches.

Does this make any sense?? I hope to draw up some pictures later on today.

Thanks!

Steve

[austinsdad]

Not sure on what you're describing, but I'm doing the JBJ Auto Top-Off unit. Got float switches on a reservoir (37g tanak w/fw) and my sump/fuge. When It gets about 1/2 gallon low (guessing), it fills.

Check that out and see if it'll help your setup.