Fail-Safe Sump Designs

[alkamar]

I have had some remodeling done to our living room and also just installed new laminate flooring. I had to replace 8 sheets of sub-flooring and do a little belt sanding to get things ready for a floating floor, so I have a little time tied up in the project. It looks nice, but it needs to stay that way for a long period of time. My wife would not react well to a flood on the new floor, although it would give us time to get to know our insurance agent. So now on to the point of my thread.

I am merely in the planning stages and would like all input related to making a sump setup the most flood proof it can possibly be. This would include optimum return size, sensors, electronics, or any tips or designs you guys have to offer. After doing some research and getting resources from you guys, I will hopefully put together something that will never fail. I know there is no such thing as "fail proof" in the world, but I'd like to get as close as possible within my means.


Marcus

 

[Mako Shark II]

Dude, I just dumped about 3 gallons over the top (!!) of the main display tank all over the floor tonight. Fortunately, it's ceramic.

 

[ducklabdad]

Thank god for our tile floors, My Aquarium would be history if it was not for Ceramic tile.

It sounds like you are on the right track to try and prepare marcus.

I would just suggest building the sump at least 20% larger than you figure you will need after you have tested the total of everything!

 

[alkamar]

Time to check the pulse of this forum because I think it's about to flatline.

 

[MarineFlake]

As you mentioned, you can purchase sensors. Fluid level controllers, sensors, etc, the options are many, its all in what you are looking to do. If you just have a pile of money in your pocket, you can place sensors in the tank, in sump, around the tank, around the sump, controllers to stop water pumps, controllers to start water pumps, devices to connect to security system ,page you, email you everything but make you breakfast. Heck, I bet if you tried hard enough, you could probably spend more on protecting the floors than you spent on the floors : ) Personally, It's been my experience that a good investment in a shop-vac will go a long way. Anyhow, I dabble in electronics and have had good luck with getting some realistic ideas from this sites DIY forum, maybe the better place to pose a design question. I am sure we would all be interested in what you finally decide to go with...

 

[Mako Shark II]

....or, the Beach Towels at Target are on Sale this weekend.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

A overflow would be real bad for me,my tank is setting on a carpeted floor.So I make sure that I plan ahead.I think the main cause for overflows happen during power outages.The tank draining back to the sump and flowing over.

 

[DTeuton]

If you got a tank.Than you got water on the floor.That why I gave up my 125 gal because of water on the floor.I put up a 55 tank but its not on carpet. Now I have trouble with water bugs.Never had them until I got in to fish tanks.

 

[alkamar]

Interesting thread here:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1310585

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

Hey Marcus,If I can get my skimmer as quiet as my overflow I would be happy.With my hood closed you cannot hear my overflow,the one bean animal uses is a neat setup.I have seen the herbie overflow and it to was silient.

 

[alkamar]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14961942#post14961942 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SNAKEMANVET
Hey Marcus,If I can get my skimmer as quiet as my overflow I would be happy.With my hood closed you cannot hear my overflow,the one bean animal uses is a neat setup.I have seen the herbie overflow and it to was silient.

I may not use that, but I thought someone might find it useful. I need to check out your newer setup.

 

[alkamar]

A thought came to me that would help keep my floor dry and make my insurance agent happy. I could simply build a shallow tile tub. Picture sides that come up just inches and a larger, higher front that can serve as a step for maintenance. This tiled area would have a drain that ties in with current plumbing so any spill over would go to city sewer. I could simply take the height of this add into consideration when building a stand. It would have to be a tall stand to clear my half wall anyway.