Couple more pictures of my wet/dry filter
- Thread starter nano55
- Start date
If this is pic of running system, Way too high!!!
Water level in the sump should be just about same level as bottom crate where BB rest. Idea of utilizing B/B in the W/D is to keep them wet but not submerged.
Water level in the sump should be just about same level as bottom crate where BB rest. Idea of utilizing B/B in the W/D is to keep them wet but not submerged.
Thanks for the info! We bought this tank used from someone who had a company come in and do the tank maintanance for them. When I bought the tank, there were no instructions to go with it. I have not had any experience with these types of filters, all the other types of filters I have had are either canisters of hang on back filters.
Hope no more flood due to power failure!
Try the procedures posted previously to find ideal level. Although You may keep water level same as the bottom crate, depending on the location (height) of bulkhead Fitting on the sump and the power of external pump, pump may suck in air. You will know when that happens as bubbles will discharge from return spout into tank.
In such case, you may add PVC elbow w/ small piece of PVC pipe to the Bulkhead fitting inside the pump. Face the elbow down so less chance of air getting sucked in.
Another issue is evaporation. Water level will never change in the tank due to evaporation, water level only drops in the sump.
I usually modified and raise the botom crate so I can keep water level bit higher without submerging BB in order to avoid topping off the system on daily basis due to evaporation.
If you look into Auto Top Off (ATO) system, this will automatically top off system to keep water level in the sump stablized. Try JBJ website or other equivalent products.
When I hadmy large systems, I used to incorporate optic water level sensor in the 700-1200 Gallon sump connected to controller so system will automatically add water to system as needed.
As you probably know , BB will work even when submerged thus you could go bit higher. Try few steps mentioned before and find water level you feel most comforatble with.
Good Luck!
Try the procedures posted previously to find ideal level. Although You may keep water level same as the bottom crate, depending on the location (height) of bulkhead Fitting on the sump and the power of external pump, pump may suck in air. You will know when that happens as bubbles will discharge from return spout into tank.
In such case, you may add PVC elbow w/ small piece of PVC pipe to the Bulkhead fitting inside the pump. Face the elbow down so less chance of air getting sucked in.
Another issue is evaporation. Water level will never change in the tank due to evaporation, water level only drops in the sump.
I usually modified and raise the botom crate so I can keep water level bit higher without submerging BB in order to avoid topping off the system on daily basis due to evaporation.
If you look into Auto Top Off (ATO) system, this will automatically top off system to keep water level in the sump stablized. Try JBJ website or other equivalent products.
When I hadmy large systems, I used to incorporate optic water level sensor in the 700-1200 Gallon sump connected to controller so system will automatically add water to system as needed.
As you probably know , BB will work even when submerged thus you could go bit higher. Try few steps mentioned before and find water level you feel most comforatble with.
Good Luck!
As Cerianthus has pointed out about your water being too high, I usually have my water high enough to cover 1/3-1/2 of the bio media. For fresh water I find this to be a pretty good level. I also locate my filter media near the top so that water "rains" down on the bio media after filtration.
Depending on the surface area of tank & pump size, even half can be too high.
Run your trials to determine ideal water level for your system, not too low nor too high. One can only detremine such by shutting down the system and wait to see how high water level gets in the sump.
Run your trials to determine ideal water level for your system, not too low nor too high. One can only detremine such by shutting down the system and wait to see how high water level gets in the sump.
I keep mine at the level of the bottom crate, and like to arrange my bio-balls in a pyramid like formation. Over the years, I have found this to be the most efficient way of cultivating Di-Nit-Bacter.-most drip plates seem to drip more in a central pattern, then an even spread throughout the plate.
Also I would go the dollar store and buy a few large bags of drinking straws and cut them into 1/2 inch pieces, or get plastic pot scrubbers for additional media in that media bay. IMO/E Straws work slightly better as they are manufactured from a more porous plastic then the scrubbers. I have used both... They both work, but scrubbers collect a nasty buildup over time, and require more maintenance then straws. The Idea behind the straws is that you spend a dollar on a big bag, and replace half of the used ones every 4-6 months.
-Aaron
EDIT: after a closer look, that's the exact same model i use with built-in skimmer
nice W/D
Also I would go the dollar store and buy a few large bags of drinking straws and cut them into 1/2 inch pieces, or get plastic pot scrubbers for additional media in that media bay. IMO/E Straws work slightly better as they are manufactured from a more porous plastic then the scrubbers. I have used both... They both work, but scrubbers collect a nasty buildup over time, and require more maintenance then straws. The Idea behind the straws is that you spend a dollar on a big bag, and replace half of the used ones every 4-6 months.
-Aaron
EDIT: after a closer look, that's the exact same model i use with built-in skimmer
nice W/D
I see what you mean! I took the picture while I was working on the filter. I had lifted both heaters up a little while we were working with the tank and water levels, but had put them back down in the water after the picture. Good eye!! Lol! :grinyes: