Sump flow type question with pics

[dnorton1978]

Not sure if it is normal, but here is what is happening. My water level flows about a .25 inch above the top baffles. That begins on the side where my drains go in. On that same side is my skimmer. When I take water from there in an attempt to lower water level, it just lowers my level on the return chamber side. When it get to the last baffles by the return side it stops at the baffle correctly. They are are all the same height.

Perhaps I just dont understand this correctly.

 

[dnorton1978]

I am aware of the foam stuff I am using. I clean it regualarly(which sucks), and replace monthly. I like to have something to catch the crap.

 

[SnowManSnow]

Not sure of the issue you are trying to resolve.

I'll take a stab. You have baffles to cut down on bubbles and so forth.. but they are all the same level?

My baffles which allow water to go underneath is actually a little taller than the ones that allow the water to go over. I basically cut them the same size, and moved them either all the way to the bottom or left a gap at the bottom... This way nothing gets over the top.. and everything has to go underneath like it is suppose to.

If the problem is that water is going over your under then you may need to either increase the gap underneath or just raise the entire thing up to both increase the gap and create more of a dam.

Not sure if it is what you were wantin

B

 

[dnorton1978]

My baffles are not the same level. If you look closely at the pics you can see there is about an inch and a half or so difference. My main concern is the water going over all baffles. I just cant seem to get it to flow the way I would like it.


I dont know how to put those fance cirles and stuff on the pics to highlight things. Otherwise, I would highlight the baffles for you.

So, it is not normal for the water to flow over the baffles? How can I fix this? Should I drain the sump and slowly add water to the return chamber?


Am I making any sense tonight or does it seem like I am just babbling? Sorry If I am.

 

[trido]

You may need to lower the water level a couple/few inches in the return side to get it to act like you want on the skimmer side. I'd almost bet that if you remove the foam pad from where you have it, your problem willget a little better too. I can see it holding water back.. Can we get a pic of the whole sump?

Am I correct that the first pic I posted it the return pump side?
The second is the drains from tank and skimmer side?

 

[trido]

Ok. so after staring and scrolling back and forth over your pics. I would guess real quick I am correct in my naming the parts of you sump. And you have a refugium in the middle. Water (in my sump any way) seems to work like a fish ladder. Each chamber has a water level lower than the last. The amount of flow your pulling through the sump will determine how much lower.Most people probably dont notice this because it is only about an eight of an inch. I stare at my plumbing alot. I would bet you will either have to lower the second to last baffle or make the first one taller.

 

[dnorton1978]

Trido,

Sorry for the long delay in getting back to your questions. Yes you were correct in naming the sides of the sump. I can take some bigger pics for you, but it will probably not be until the weekend. I plan on permanetly removing the foam after my filter sock arrives. I temp. removed the foam for cleaning and my water level went to the correct level. I just need to leave it put until the filter sock get here. Thanks.

 

[xrock06x]

looks like th middle baffle should be higher and water should not go over that baffle btw i see you only have 2

 

[ihopss]

There is to much pressure, it is going to go over ,add a third baf it should be over under over.
This will fix your prob.

 

[ihopss]

O I just saw the date ,owill did you fix it,haha