I am making the switch to saltwater...I will be using a wet/dry filter and a protein skimmer that requires a certain water height (the classic berlin air lift). I'd like to stash the skimmer in the sump part of the wet/dry, but is it possible to mantain a consisten water height in the wet/dry?
Basic question about a wet/dry filter
- Thread starter boojumsnark25
- Start date
You can add a baffle in the return section of the wet/dry, but that will shrink your return section. The smaller the return section the more frequently you will have to add water unless you invest in a ATO (auto-top-off) system of some sorts. Still you might want to look at replacing your wet/dry with another custom sump that you could baffle out yourself.
bear with me, I'm a rookie...if the wet dry is running and the water level is 3" above the pump, couldn't I just add water to the sump and the water level would rise? And then I would just have to top it off as the water evaporated?
That's what I do. I simply top it off as needed. Sometimes I add to the main tank and sometimes I add it to the sump. Either way, you are still adding. I can control how much water to add better by adding at the sump.
Correct, you can add water anywhere you want, it all ends up raising the level in the wet/dry.
I am getting a bit confused now. The only way you are going to have a consistent water level for you skimmer is to make another section in your sump by a means of a baffle. By doing this, it will drastically shrink the amount of space your return pump is in. The water level in that section will loose water faster than the rest of the sump section simply because the water level in your "new" skimmer section will stay constant. This means you have to add water more frequently... Got it?
got it...one more question: how do you guys have your return to the tank set up? Do you use a spray bar, fluval-like spout, etc....
I got the first one you listed since it's just for return water and the actual water flow will be handled by power heads. What kind of clamps do you use on the barbed end?
I would use the nylon finger tightened clamps, like these:
Good zip/cable ties are another option.
Good zip/cable ties are another option.
