Jan 23, 2016
Airlee Evony
wrote
I have an NW150 skimmer. I have had for a couple of years ( I'm guessing...awefull memory here,lol)
I have always had a bit of trouble with it. If the depth of the sump goes down by so much as a 1/4 inch, it stops s skimming. Once I add top off it starts again. It is in 7 1/2 inches of water. I have a very light bioload at the moment, but after a 9 months illness the tank was neglected during that time. I know it has stuff in that needs skimming. I am also back on track with maintenance.
I am setting up a 40 g breeding tank and I am buying a new skimmer. I LOVE the conveience of the reef octopus and it works like a charm as long as that water level stays perfect. Do you have any suggestions? Should I buy a new pump? If I get one for the 40g am I going to have the same problem.
Thank you :)
I have always had a bit of trouble with it. If the depth of the sump goes down by so much as a 1/4 inch, it stops s skimming. Once I add top off it starts again. It is in 7 1/2 inches of water. I have a very light bioload at the moment, but after a 9 months illness the tank was neglected during that time. I know it has stuff in that needs skimming. I am also back on track with maintenance.
I am setting up a 40 g breeding tank and I am buying a new skimmer. I LOVE the conveience of the reef octopus and it works like a charm as long as that water level stays perfect. Do you have any suggestions? Should I buy a new pump? If I get one for the 40g am I going to have the same problem.
Thank you :)
Reply
2 Answers
Jan 25, 2016
Carlos
agent
wrote
My suggestion is do add a baffle that will allow you to split your sump into two sections. One section where the water from the tank comes down into the sump and a smaller section where the pump returning water to the tank will be placed. The wall should be about 7.5"-8" tall.
This will allow you to keep the water level constant on the side where the water comes from the tank and then the water level in the smaller chamber where the return pump is will be the only section of the sump that will go down as evaporation happens. By using the baffle and keeping the water level constant on one chamber, you will be able to place the skimmer there and have no issues with water level going down due to evaporation. The added bonus of the wall/baffle is that it will help dissipate micro bubbles so they don't make it back to the main tank.
Here is a great online article on sumps. I recommend you read it as it will help you and will most likely make things easier for you...
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-01/newbie/index.php
This will allow you to keep the water level constant on the side where the water comes from the tank and then the water level in the smaller chamber where the return pump is will be the only section of the sump that will go down as evaporation happens. By using the baffle and keeping the water level constant on one chamber, you will be able to place the skimmer there and have no issues with water level going down due to evaporation. The added bonus of the wall/baffle is that it will help dissipate micro bubbles so they don't make it back to the main tank.
Here is a great online article on sumps. I recommend you read it as it will help you and will most likely make things easier for you...
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-01/newbie/index.php
Jan 25, 2016
Airlee Evony
wrote
Thank you! I will do that. I really do love how easy this skimmer is to operate and empty the cup.
I am at home so just top off a lot. This will make my life so much easier. I will definitely get one for the 40g now that I know how to fix my problem.
Have a great day!
I am at home so just top off a lot. This will make my life so much easier. I will definitely get one for the 40g now that I know how to fix my problem.
Have a great day!