Rebuilding hardware set up

jassz · #1 05-13-2009, 05:54 AM

Hi all.

I would like to rearrange my set up, for several reasons.

I would like to move the wiring to a safer place (currently hanging precariously next to the sump)
I would like to make the plumbing a little neater
I have a protein skimmer to install (currently sitting on my floor)
I have a second in line heater to install

Ideally, to accomodate all these changes, I would like to simply disconnect everything, make the changes, and then reconnect. But I'm scared to disconnect things in case it floods! Logically, I think they would not design a system that would flood should the power happen to go out. On the other hand, there are 135 gallons in the upper tank and only 40 in the lower, and it sure looks like gravity would take it all down to the lower tank! I've never had a sump before (or a sw set up), so any reassurances you have would be most appreciated. I turned everything off for a few seconds, but when the sump started to fill I panicked and turned it back on again.

Suggestions?

pterfloth · #2 05-13-2009, 06:12 AM

Do you have an overflow? Turn off return pump. Remove your return line from the tank and it will only drain to the top of the overflow. Hopefully you have some room in your sump. If not, take enough water out of the tank until the overflow is no longer draining first.

mark · #3 05-13-2009, 06:27 AM

if you have a overflow and the return line won't siphon out more than your sump can handle (not to deep in the display or have a siphon break) you'll have no problems.

Either way you need to have a simulated power failure to see what would happen if you not home.

banditpowdercoat · #4 05-13-2009, 07:22 AM

You mention "they" in designing your system. Who is THEY? Have you had power outages before? I can;t think of anyone(buisness wise) who would make a system that couldnt handle a power outage. thats the same as shutting off equip.

jassz · #5 05-14-2009, 12:28 AM

Thanks all.

By 'they' I meant people that design aquariums. As you said, they have to be able to handle the situation of a power outage with out flooding 100+ gallons all over the floor. On the other hand, when I tried it and the sump was filling fast, I panicked and turned the pump back on.

pterfloth, when you say remove the return line from the tank, are you referring only to the one that leads from the overflow box? What about the one that leads to the Fluval filter?

xtreme · #6 05-14-2009, 12:37 AM

What type of overflow do you have? On a properly designed system, the water level in your display tank should only drop an inch or two max when you have a power outage. As mentioned your sump needs to be able to handle this to prevent flooding. Your sump should be fine for your size tank. A fluval filter losing power shouldn't really effect your water level as it is self contained.