Why is my water level low in DT?

Today, I plumbed my new tank and decided to do a test run using regular tap water to check for any problems with the flow rate or any leaks. Everything checked out okay except the water line in the main tank is lower than the upper trim piece.

Could it be that the slots on the overflow are cut too low, causing the water to drain out at a lower level? Or could it be that my return pump isn't strong enough to raise the water level?

I'd appreciate it if anyone could dial in on what is happening and how this can be fixed.

*Right now, I have the return line fully open at 100% right now and the water level in the sump seems to remain the same.

Specs:
90 Gallon Bowfront with internal Durso overflow box
1 1/2" drain line with a 1" return
30 gallon Sump
Quiet One return pump (1017 gph)

 

The water level won't be any deeper than the teeth in the over flow box.

 

What you see is normal.

 

Where is your return line going? It looks like it goes behind the stand and then comes back up to the bottom of the tank... I personally would use a bigger return hose as well, You're losing a bunch of GPH by using what looks to be 3/4" ID hose. Go with 1 3/8" OD x 1" ID hose. Also try to eliminate those 2 elbows on the return. Just my 2 cents.

 

Thanks for the all the replys! After all the problems I've been having just trying to get this tank up and running, I'm glad to hear that this is normal. Now all I need is sand so I can start the cycling process.

 

yes, the return line you see in the picture is going to the chiller then back to the DT.

And thanks for the tip on losing the 2 elbows and a bigger return line. It was setup that way from the previous owner of the old tank and I never really thought about it till now. Looks like that'll be my next mod.

 

The water level may be a little higher when when everything is running depending on the return flow rate.

 

I took these pictures while the return pump and chiller were running. Do you think the water level will get higher when the sand and live rock are in?

 

No it will stay where it is at.

 

Oh okay, thanks!