Low return in AIO?

[Medical_Reef]

Always kind of wondered this, but is there any reason to not plumb the return line of an AIO sump at the bottom of the tank? Planning a bare bottom system, and it seems like it would be a great way to keep the bottom clean. While I wouldn’t get the added surface tension, there will be a powerhead in the tank so I’m not worried about that. Pictures below. Any feedback is appreciated!

 

[andrewey]

I've been sitting here for five minutes and I can't come up with a reason why not in an AIO tank. Good question!

 

[roblox84]

No reason you can't. You'll just have to plug it if you ever decide to go with sand.

 

[Medical_Reef]

I've been sitting here for five minutes and I can't come up with a reason why not in an AIO tank. Good question!

literally been thinking about it for months and haven't come up with anything either, besides the sand bed issues that @roblox84 mentioned. lol bare bottom here we come!

 

[jstncoffman]

literally been thinking about it for months and haven't come up with anything either, besides the sand bed issues that @roblox84 mentioned. lol bare bottom here we come!

I'd say due to it being at the bottom if a leak or you turn of that particular pump a back siphoning can happen, reminds me of a older version of closed loop water flow , I'd use it for sure on a BBR

 

[01xp]

I'd say due to it being at the bottom if a leak or you turn of that particular pump a back siphoning can happen, reminds me of a older version of closed loop water flow , I'd use it for sure on a BBR

It's a all in one tank how and where would a back siphon be created or go?

 

[jstncoffman]

I stand corrected I didn't see it was in the back sump area, i didn't see the pics till now I do apologize,

 

[jstncoffman]

for some reason I thought it was the back wall of the tank and not in the rear sump section,

 

[Medical_Reef]

It's a all in one tank how and where would a back siphon be created or go?

All good thoughts for sure, and I agree it probably wouldn't be safe on a tank with an overflow/sump, but for an AIO I don't see any reason a little back flow through the pump when it is turned off is a problem. I appreciate all the thoughts!

 

[01xp]

I stand corrected I didn't see it was in the back sump area, i didn't see the pics till now I do apologize,

No need to apologize were only human and all friends here to help. My statement was asking you a question as I could have been wrong

 

[Copingwithpods]

I can't honestly come up with a reason as to where that wouldn't work but I also can't come up with a reason as to why that would be advantageous. Return up high and powerhead down low vs return down low and powerhead up high.