HoB on 29gal biocube

[Txplicit]

After all is set up, I noticed 2 things:

1. The water level in chamber 2 and 3 are not as high as I'd like.  I thought the Hydor slim skim skimmer in chamber 1 was blocking inflow from display.  However, I noticed water trickling down from media basket is slow and the water in media basket overflows. 

2.  The chaeto in my chamber 2 intank media fuge is not growing and getting into display whenever I turn off pump to water change or feed.

 

So I was wondering, would hanging a refugium on the back with water pumped in from chamber 2 help with flow and raise water level? I assume the extra room would help the chaeto grow better and have better light exposure.  

 

P.s. I have upgraded the return pump to a Rio 8HF and 550gph so it's not that.  Something is physically restricting flow between chambers. 

 

Any advice and knowledge is greatly appreciated.  I will consider everything contributed.  TiA