is a syphon overflow box safe?

[hardimanm]

I just got my 40 gallon moved into the new 75 gallon. Every thing is runnning pretty good so far.
The tank is not drilled but I want to add a 30 gallon sump underneath it. The only way I know to do this is by adding a syphon overflow box. This worries me a bit. How do these work and what keeps them from overflowing if the power shuts off. And how do you get the water back in the tank. I assume a return pump. But what happens if you loose the suction in the syphon. What prevents the pump from overflowing the tank.

Also. Is it better to buy a sump or make my own diy style. I have a spare 30 gallon that would work great. Anyone have a web site on a good diy design?

 

[zaozao]

I have been using one for 3 years now, IMO they are safe.
You can keep it from flooding either way if you leave enough room in the sump and tank for the access water.
The overflow box shouldn't lose siphon if the power goes out.
You can run a aqua-lifter on the box if you are concerned about it losing siphon.

 

[kennedy450r]

Probably alittle late you can drill it

 

[hardimanm]

Yeah a little late...and what about that big red sticker that states "DO NOT DRILL". Lol

 

[brandon2432]

I have had one for several years. No problems so far. Make sure you return nosel has a hole drilled in it or it will siphon the tank learn all the tricks real quick and you will be ok

 

[hardimanm]

Hole in the return nozzel? I'm not sure what you are talking about. I know about having holes in the syphon to break the suction if tank level gets low....but in the return line is new to me. Can you explain more
Thanks

 

[zaozao]

No need in drilling holes in the siphon, if the tank water level gets to low then water will not be able to flow into the box.
The line you use from your return pump ,to your tank, will back siphon in the event of a power outage. Drilling a small hole just below the tank water level in your return line can prevent too much water from back siphoning.

 

[JR's Reef]

IMO the safest way with a HOB overflow is drill the siphon tube for a air line and add a aqualift pump to the air line. That way the pump will pump out any air thats in the siphon tube and start the siphon back incase of power outage.

Sumthin like this
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3642

You can google it and get a bunch of ex... as RC wont allow me to link alot of them.