New sump startup Questions.

[MrMike2u]

Ok my 75 gallon tank had been up and running for 3 months and I just finished my sump build out of a 40gal breeder I have everything in place skimmer return pump overflow box now what's the best procedure to start this thing up and get things flowing? First time using a sump.... Any help would be appreciated thanks mike

 

[Gibb72]

I just upgraded my 90 with a 40 gallon sump for the 1st time last nite. I just started it up and started running it

 

[MrMike2u]

How did you start it did u fill he sump first? Prime the overflow box and plug in the return pump? How is your flow? Are you using a ball valve on return pump... Thanks mike

 

[Gibb72]

I filled the sump and have a drilled tank no over flow box. Once sump was full I filled up the tank and once 80% full started the sump, them added water as needed

 

[Gibb72]

I do have a ball value on the return, here's a pic of my sump. Not the best pic but can see it

 

[MrMike2u]

I do have a ball value on the return, here's a pic of my sump. Not the best pic but can see it

Similar to mine...

 

[Gibb72]

Had it running since Sunday and all is good

 

[MrMike2u]

I'm using a lifereef overflow an sca-302 180 gallon skimmer and a mag 9.5 return pump....

 

[Gibb72]

Have the same pump and using corallife 125 skimmer

 

[Grizz]

Ok my 75 gallon tank had been up and running for 3 months and I just finished my sump build out of a 40gal breeder I have everything in place skimmer return pump overflow box now what's the best procedure to start this thing up and get things flowing? First time using a sump.... Any help would be appreciated thanks mike

Remove the over flow, fill the main tank to the rim (1/2 inch below overflowing) This will simulate a blocked overflow or overflow failure
Then fill the first and second sections of the sump You want as little water as possible in the return area.

Now reconnect the overflow and let it drain into the sump.
(This simulates a return pump failure) When the water stops draining and settles mark the level in the return area This is the MAXIMUM fill level of your sump As long as you DO NOT fill over this mark your system will not flood. If it look as if your sump will flood you'll need to raise the overflow weir so you dont drain as much from the main tank

 

[MrMike2u]

Remove the over flow, fill the main tank to the rim (1/2 inch below overflowing) This will simulate a blocked overflow or overflow failure
Then fill the first and second sections of the sump You want as little water as possible in the return area.

Now reconnect the overflow and let it drain into the sump.
(This simulates a return pump failure) When the water stops draining and settles mark the level in the return area This is the MAXIMUM fill level of your sump As long as you DO NOT fill over this mark your system will not flood. If it look as if your sump will flood you'll need to raise the overflow weir so you dont drain as much from the main tank

Ok thanks I'll try it

 

[edwardclaxton]

Make sure you over flow is in the water and both the front and back part of the box are filled with as much water as it will hold. ( the box will not be completely filled bc it will keep draining over to your sump). So fill it until the water starts to run in the back of the overflow box into the sumo and stop. Im not sure if you have the
U-tube or a different box but start the siphon. You will want to do this first so that you tank doesnt overflow on the floor when you turn the pump on.

Next to add the correct amount of water:
Its pretty much a trial and error type of thing. So fill the sump where the water is going over the baffles into the lowest chamber with your return pump. After all chambers are full to there max add more water until its 1in over the highest baffle. The water level will be even on the sump. Turn the pump on. This is where you will need to use trial and error method to adjust the water level in the return chamber. You may needed to add more if the water has dropped to or below the return pump or take water out if the water is not running through all the baffles correctly. This is after the pump is on and water has started running from thr tank to the overflow.

Next after the water level has became constant turn your return off and make sure that your sump doesnt get to much water that it floods of the sump. If it does raise the height of the overflow box. If it doesnt you are good to go and start you pump back up.