Overflow/Sump Flooding

[downhillbiker]

I am adding a sump and overflow to my system next week and was wondering if i should worry about overflow and sump flooding? I will run the sump about half full to allow for the pump stopping, but if the power goes out and the pump turns back on will the display overflow?

The overflow is a box type that uses a U-tube and has a chamber on the outflow side, so i dont see how it could lose prime. Am I right, or should i hook up a relay to keep the return pump from turning back on in a power outage situation?

The overflow is similar to the one in the right side of the tank in this photo:

 

[goochesfish]

The tank will not overflow if the power goes out. When the power returns and the pumps are back on, the u-tube will continue to siphon. Just make sure no bubbles are in the U-tube. The only situation where my tank overflowed was when an anemone floated up and go sucked through the u-tube, thus blocking it. I see that you have some kind of mesh to prevent that from happening.

 

[SurfnFish]

Get an Airlifter and hook it to the U-tube via a check valve or airline connecter valve. I've had the power go out numerous times, and never had an overflow...knock on wood!

 

[zeblisik]

i think a drilled tank is the safest option.

sumps can easily overflow when used with an automatic top off system (ATO).

 

[Lambianz]

yeah my sump has done too also, so where I felt safe for water level, I drilled another bulkhead at that level and just ran a line to another storage tub like 2 or 3 gallon, and didn't have to glue or anything.