Connecting Sump via Canister Filter Inlet/Outlet?

[VR28man]

So, I'm not very familiar with plumbing or aquarium hardware, a few months ago I started using a canister filter for the first time.

My impression is that it's basically a plastic box with two holes, a pump moving the water, connected to two HOB plastic pipes via airline tubing.

Were that the case, why couldn't you connect a sump that way? I.e. have a traditional reef sump setup, a sufficient return, and airline tubing connected to two HOB plastic pipes (of proper length so as to not flood the house!)? Yes, drilling the tank and having an overflow is more stabile I'm sure. But what would be the downsides of using the intake and return pipes from (a properly sized) canister?

 

[Max!]

You could I suppose? Sounds like more moving parts that could break and is likely a little more expensive but if you have one laying around I'd live to see it in action!

 

[theMeat]

First and most importantly is in saltwater you want to take water going to filter from surface. Ie skim.
whenever you turn off filter you would have to create siphon to go up and over rim.

 

[VR28man]

First and most importantly is in saltwater you want to take water going to filter from surface. Ie skim.
whenever you turn off filter you would have to create siphon to go up and over rim.

yes, this is true. I’ve never had a problem with 1200L/H aka 300gph pumps, but I definitely have had a problem with Canister filters before.....