noob q - Overflowing sump help!

[Holmie_D_Klown]

So my friend was taking care of my tank for me while I was away. I turned off my pumps to do my routine tank cleaning/maintence, etc. and water is back-flowing into my sump and overflowed my sump. This only happens with my pumps off, but has never been a problem before. He claims he did nothing! I am worried that there will be a power outage and I'll find 125g of water on my floor, not to mention the fire hazard that would cause. Please help a noob out! What could be the problem with my plumbing?

 

[glaudds]

Is the opening to your return pipe from the sump now lower in the tank? If it is you will be siphoning more water back into the sump when the power is cut off. You can remedy this by drilling a hole in your return pipe near the water surface in your tank to create a siphon break.

 

[Holmie_D_Klown]

My return pipe goes from my sump to my chiller, then to the main tank. I'll try that when I get home, thanks. The return pipe that goes to the tank surface is bendable, so I guess I'll bend it so its out of the water. That should let me know if that's the problem without having to drill into the pipe right? Again, thank you.

 

[glaudds]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7371153#post7371153 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Holmie_D_Klown
My return pipe goes from my sump to my chiller, then to the main tank. I'll try that when I get home, thanks. The return pipe that goes to the tank surface is bendable, so I guess I'll bend it so its out of the water. That should let me know if that's the problem without having to drill into the pipe right? Again, thank you.

It's quite possible your friend inadvertently lowered the output from the return. You might also check the water level in the sump...is it at its normal height?

 

[Holmie_D_Klown]

Yes, the sump level has not changed when the pumps are working. I'll check the location of the output when I get home today. It wouldn't surprise me if he couldn't keep his hands out of the tank since he sticks his hands in there to pet my zebra eel on occasion. The output is right over where the eel usually hangs out so that makes sense.