Help with setting up sump

[TheReefGeek]

If you are completely new to sumps, are you aware of any of the precautions to avoid floods that you should take when installing and external overflow?

[impreza]

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

If you are completely new to sumps, are you aware of any of the precautions to avoid floods that you should take when installing and external overflow?

Nope. Care to elaborate

[TheReefGeek]

Nah, I'll let you figure it out by trial and error.

Ok find, here are some of my suggestions:

If your overflow siphon breaks and it stops draining water from your tank. Now your return pump is going to empty the return section of your sump into your tank. So make sure your water level in the tank, and the size of your return section, are matched so that the tank can "absorb" the water from the return section of the sump, and you won't flood. You will burn out your pump though.

If you want to avoid burning out your pump, install a float switch to detect a low water volume, and cut power to the pump if the water volume is too low.

Are you using a CPR style overflow box, or a u-tube design? Make sure each end of the u-tube (if you are using that style) remains submerged in water in the event of a power failure, and restarts when power comes back on. This is easy to simulate.

[TheReefGeek]

Also basic maintenance is important, make sure to keep the overflow super-clean and algae free. Also a snail guard is important, use plastic mesh or similar.

And on your next tank, get it drilled like swiss cheese.

[jimmyray]

Best suggestion go here http://www.melevsreef.com/ and read it's a great place to start