question

[shaun11423]

ok i got a overflow and when my power goes off the suction is going to be lost i dont care about that but i dont want my pump to turn back on after the power is lost because my pump will just over flow my display tank,
does anyone know a device that stops the power from coming back on once it is lost, i am in lost of words to figure out the name of this device, i know its out there maybe a fail safe switch, any ideas, model names/numbers, thanks

 

[kroman]

Controllers such as the apex have an option that let you control what comes back on or off when lost power is restored

 

[InfernoST]

Your system should be designed if the overflow fails the tank has enough room to accommodate the water volume in the return section of your sump. Also if the return pump should fail the sump should have enough room to accept the overflow tank volume.

As Kroman indicated there are various ways to shut the return pump off when using a controller.

 

[Lenny718]

your system should be designed if the overflow fails the tank has enough room to accommodate the water volume in the return section of your sump. Also if the return pump should fail the sump should have enough room to accept the overflow tank volume.

As kroman indicated there are various ways to shut the return pump off when using a controller.

+1

 

[prattreef]

I haven't used a siphon overflow box in a VERY long time, but I don't remember the siphon breaking every time I turned the pump off. Shouldn't there be enough water left in the drain section of the box to keep the end of the u-tube submerged and the siphon intact?

 

[InfernoST]

There should be, I'm using a HOB overflow box and it never loses its siphon.

 

[shaun11423]

Your system should be designed if the overflow fails the tank has enough room to accommodate the water volume in the return section of your sump. Also if the return pump should fail the sump should have enough room to accept the overflow tank volume.

As Kroman indicated there are various ways to shut the return pump off when using a controller.

i dont have a sump, i have designed a different system, and i tried all different scenarios but its either a Neptune Systems Energy Bar 8.
Or a float switch unit but i cant find a complete plug and play float switch that can handle a mag 5 pump.

 

[shaun11423]

I haven't used a siphon overflow box in a VERY long time, but I don't remember the siphon breaking every time I turned the pump off. Shouldn't there be enough water left in the drain section of the box to keep the end of the u-tube submerged and the siphon intact?

i did a diy overflow out of an old HOB filter, and just cut notches out of it and put a pvc u shaped pipe in it and sent it straight down to my filter setup. I dont understand how an HOB overflow can keep its siphon, due explain and what model did u use

 

[InfernoST]

i dont have a sump, i have designed a different system, and i tried all different scenarios but its either a Neptune Systems Energy Bar 8.
Or a float switch unit but i cant find a complete plug and play float switch that can handle a mag 5 pump.

Before you can use the Bar8 you need the Neptune controller.

 

[InfernoST]

i did a diy overflow out of an old HOB filter, and just cut notches out of it and put a pvc u shaped pipe in it and sent it straight down to my filter setup. I dont understand how an HOB overflow can keep its siphon, due explain and what model did u use

If you don't have a sump where is the water going when it leaves the tank?

 

[InfernoST]

This an HOB overflow.

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18358

 

[shaun11423]

If you don't have a sump where is the water going when it leaves the tank?

i have a 30 gallon canister filter, i dont have the horizontal surface space to keep a sump.

 

[prattreef]

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-01/gt/index.php

Scroll through the article until you get to the part on external overflow boxes. The animation explains how it is done.

 

[shaun11423]

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-01/gt/index.php

Scroll through the article until you get to the part on external overflow boxes. The animation explains how it is done.

i wanted to get one like that but i was under the impression that it makes a gurgling sound and can be very annoying, but on the other hand if its the best way and cheapest way then ill do it this way, i was trying to avoid it but ill do it. Also i believe you can achieve the same principal by using pvc piping right?

 

[InfernoST]

i have a 30 gallon canister filter, i dont have the horizontal surface space to keep a sump.

Did you use a Brute garbage can of something of that nature? Do you have any pics?

 

[shaun11423]

Did you use a Brute garbage can of something of that nature? Do you have any pics?

i used a Rubbermaid 32-Gallon

 

[prattreef]

Is there a real need for the makeshift sump? If I were you, I'd ditch the whole contraption, get a HOT Magnum canister to run carbon and/or a HOT skimmer put the heater in the tank and call it a day. Many a fine tank has been run sump less.

 

[shaun11423]

Is there a real need for the makeshift sump? If I were you, I'd ditch the whole contraption, get a HOT Magnum canister to run carbon and/or a HOT skimmer put the heater in the tank and call it a day. Many a fine tank has been run sump less.

im on a budget and dont have money to spend on new or used equipment and i did have a canister filter and i didnt like the idea of one on a SW tank, and i already have this setup and i dont want to tear it down and rebuild again, its very frustrating but i do see where your coming from, i also wanted to increase my water volume since i am a beginner and decrease the chance of failure.

 

[rkaragozler]

Here is an Idea you might be able to use

 

[shaun11423]

Here is an Idea you might be able to use

i did see this idea before but i did not like the fact that all the water is going through that single pipe as to oppose the overflow box method where there is multiple pathways the water can flow, since snails have a mind of there own and like to venture in to weired places, i ditch this idea, but i will modify it with an over flow box instead, i hope it works.