SUMP SIZE calculation and POWEROUTTAGES

[SnowManSnow]

ok guys.

the the instance of a POWER OUTTAGE the line going from my sump to the display would siphon back into the sump. So I need a sump large enough to handle this syphon. For instance. If my tank was 24 x 24 and the line in ws 5 inches deep it would syphon apx 12.5 gallons of water into my sump.

Is there anything else that will flow back into my sump in a power outtage?

Ideally the overflow box should stay pretty much empty anyway shouldn't it (provided the drain is of an adequate size).

Thanks,
b

 

[Anonymous]

Drill a hole in your line in at the water line. Preferably two holes to prevent a snail covering the single hole (if your line in is accesible to snails.

My line in comes straight down in the center of the tank. No snails can get it. A small hole does the trick to let air into the line and prevent a back syphon.

 

[SnowManSnow]

doesnt work if your tank is drilled for the return though.. then you just have water shooting out all over the place haha

isnt this the only water that should come back intot he sump though?

stupid question in know, but just trying to get it strait.

b

 

[Anonymous]

I have mine drilled from the overflow...is that what you're talking about?


Explain how your line in works. If it comes up through the overflow and then enters the tank mid way through it, you might be out of luck. You better get a huge sump. :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

Also consider the volume of the skimmer. Some of it will add to the total of the power outage water level. 5 inches seems kind of low. I think my 60 cube the teeth in the overflow were no more than 1.5" long, if that. I think you will need at least a 15 gallon sump. I had a 10 gal sump and had to run the sump level real low so it would not overflow during a power outage.

 

[SnowManSnow]

skimmer will be a HOT Remora for now, untill I can upgrade, sno nothing should flood back in from there.

 

[cindre2000]

Just use a check valve. Have one on my 30 cube since I have a return about 10" below the waterline. Prevents pretty much any water from comming through the return. Then all you have to worry about is how high the water is compared to the overflow box (length of the teeth and all), I have to worry about about an inch from that.

 

[pwj1286]

I saw a cool thing the other day. An anti-back syphon in line tube. I thought it was great. I heard they fail though. Build up of algea and coralline.
_________________
apollo mist strain

 

[Anonymous]

Definitely don't rely on a check valve. Build the system so it's not needed.