Sump water level higher than the bubble trap

G

gtoon159

So I am in need of some advice.

I am designing a sump for my 90 and to save the shipping costs on having Marc build it I am going to have a local builder do the work. Sorry Marc.

So bob recommended that I run a water level haigher than the buble trap thus allowing more water volume and the ability to move the top off float to the skimmer section. So my question is: Is this a bad idea?



All advise is greatly appriciated.
George
 
The top off float goes in the return section, not the skimmer (intake) section.

If you'll send me the plans, I'll look them over.
 
Thanks Mark,
I know this concept sounded very unwise to me as well until I saw it in action.

The center baffle in the bubble trap is above the water line thus forcing all the water through the trap. Since the water level is the same on both sides evaperation is the same from the skimmer section into the return section. Which is true until the water level drops below the outer baffles.

I only have the hand drawings at this point but I will get it into Visio today.

GT
 
Let me see if I understand..

The idea is to keep the same level in the skimmer section because that affects the water level in the skimmer, and therefore it's efficiency.

So the outer baffle in a bubble trap does that.. no matter how much water you lose to evaporation (until the pump starts sucking air,) the skimmer section has the same water level. (Sure you lose water to evaporation on both sides, but the inrush of water in the skimmer section more than makes up for that loss.)

So evaporation effects are seen mostly in the pump return section (hence it's a good place for the auto-topoff switch and pump output.)

Correct? Sorry if it seems elementary, just wanted a head check.
 
Ashlar

I think that is exactly what was different. On the sump I looked at the skimmer was an external 12" (Really nice one too). So the water level between the skimmer and return section didnt matter much. The buble trap still did a fine job but I was missing the fact that if the top off quits skimmer function would be affected due to the changing water level.

Anyone know the perfect depth for a CS6-1 Euroreef Skimmer?

All of this really turns out to be an academic question as I have plenty of room in the return section for the top off float.

Mark I will go with your designs simply due to this issue. I have a drawing of what we were talking about that I will send you simply because I said I would. It is an interesting conversation although apparently purely academic.

GT
 
Ashlar, that is correct.

George, I'm pretty sure the ER 1-6 can sit in 9" of water without problem. I've found most skimmer work just fine in that depth, but sometimes a skimmer stand is necessary to lift it 2" higher. I'll see if I can locate today's email from you. I've been dealing with Casper for the past couple of horus, and forgot all about the SPS I had floating in the sump for 6 hours!
 
I think I understand the concept he was going for. Yes it should work so long as the ATO starts before the water level hits the top of the bubble trap. However I still don't think it is the best idea. The ATO switch is better positioned in the return chamber. I see no reason to have it in the skimmer section. I understand that you may be adding more water volume to the overall system but it would be negligible for the most part. What you are losing in that design however is the extra space for overflow in the event of a power outage.

Personally I'd take the extra space for overflow than a few extras gallons of water volume anyday.
 
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