Filtration system question - Camry A1 Series

[JayM]

After about 30 years away from the hobby, I decided to get back into it and purchased a used 80 gallon tank with a 25 gallon sump Camry A1 "system". It seems to be equipped well enough to get me going, but the weir box, overflow standpipe and return has me a bit puzzled. I don't have any pics handy, but here's a link showing the install "instructions". It's pretty laughable, but it does show the components I'm wondering about.

I can't seem to find any info on whether or not having the tank return run through the middle of the sump supply could create an issue down the road, especially because there aren't any valves anywhere to shut off water flow should I need to disconnect something for maintenance or repair. I also noticed that the weir box has areas that will allow water intake from top to bottom. I don't see that being an issue unless the bulkhead springs a significant leak, but it doesn't seem like a common configuration.

I guess my question at this point is should I run it as-is? Modify it? Scrap it altogether and start fresh? I'm at the point that it's ready for water, but I'll hold off if the current configuration will be problematic.

 

[blaxsun]

Well, other than it's fairly easy for the drain pipe to get clogged up and flood - no.

Myself, I would look at an alternative plumbing setup. Ideally you want an overflow with at least two (2) drain pipes - one main and one emergency. And while it's fine to have your return outlets in the overflow - you don't want them physically inside of either drain pipe.