Couple of sump questions

[the_colonel]

I've had my sump installed and running for several months now, however last weekend I added 3 more baffels and an auto-top-off. Now the sump level is very consistant and the alot less micro-bubbles in the tank.

Now for the questions:

1. Since adding the auto-top-off and extra baffels, I am getting some surface film building up in the return area of the sump. The surface is very still in this area. Anything you can do about this? I do not think this is a huge problem since I plan to drain the sump with every water change, just want to see if anyone has the same issue.

2. Adding stuff to the tank. When I dose stuff like Iodine, Strontium and Molybdenum, etc... Can I add this directly to the return area of the sump? It is much eisier to get to this area then thru the top of the tank.

Thanks in advance.

[trodder]

I also get a fair amount of surface film that builds up a bit. I actually just try to stir it up every once in a while. Not sure what else to do with it.

[clownfishcrazy]

Originally Posted by the_colonel

1. Since adding the auto-top-off and extra baffels, I am getting some surface film building up in the return area of the sump. The surface is very still in this area. Anything you can do about this? I do not think this is a huge problem since I plan to drain the sump with every water change, just want to see if anyone has the same issue.

I don't think this is a problem since you drain the sump with every water change.

Originally Posted by the_colonel

2. Adding stuff to the tank. When I dose stuff like Iodine, Strontium and Molybdenum, etc... Can I add this directly to the return area of the sump? It is much eisier to get to this area then thru the top of the tank.

I think it is reconmended that you add suppliments into the sump rather than into the display. This way the suppliments are mixed in without damaging any corals (ex. if you dump iodine into the display right over a coral colony you could possibly damage it with an area of concentrated iodine over it). Just make sure you add the supliments into a turbulent area of your sump to make sure they mix in well.

[Fahz]

As far as the film I always figure better in your sump them on the surface of you tank. The film is organics I think and I have always wondered if you did more or had a bigger skimmer, would it make it go away.

Fahz

[FastFish720]

Hrmm. I've never dealt with issues of film in a sump, but my advice would be to have your drain break the surface unless you have baffles. If you have baffles, drilled a hole in your return line, just below the water. Then stick some RODI tubing into and let it spray across.

[the_colonel]

Thanks for the input so far. Devin, I am dumping the suppliments right into the return area of the sump as close to the intake of the Mag-12 as possible.

Another note: I have thought of plumbing the output of my ASM G1-X skimmer with a couple of elbows and a pice of pipe so the output goes directly to the return area of the sump, instead of right next to the skimmer as it is now. (heck, some of the output actually flows around the neck of the skimmer now.) I figure this would have three advantages:
1. Disrupt the surface of the water in the return area of the sump, thus not allowing surface film/scum build up.
2. Get better skimming, since none of the water that just wen't thru the skimmer will go immediatly back into the skimmer.
3. Easier adjusting of the skimmer. It can be hard to get a handle of the output pipe of the ASM skimmers, with it plumbed over it would be easier to grab, and adjust.

However the possible downside I see to this is my micro-bubble problem might come back.

Any thoughts?

[clownfishcrazy]

If you have another area in your sump besides your skimmer and return area, I would plumb the outflow of the skimmer to that area. Otherwise I think you will have problems with micro bubbles.