Sump Plumbing

[zladson]

I know I am planning on building a sump with all of my display aquariums so I thought i would post this link..
http://www.reefaquarium.com/2012/aquarium-plumbing-basics/
I found this in this forum but not in the beginner section so I thought I would bring over here. This is definitely something I have pout a lot of thought into and not been able to figure out alone. My biggest fear is my return pump over flowing my tank because my overflow or skimmer bar can not handle the draining. (Any additional recommendations are welcome, I am still scared this is going to happen.)

 

[Mike J.]

I know how daunting it is to plumb your first overflow, but after you do it you'll realize that all the worrying was for nothing. Your return pump should be rated lower than your overflow. Also I keep the return compartment in the sump small so that it will run dry before the tank overflows (actually it was too close for comfort last time I did that). Also keep the water level in the overall sump low enough that it will not overflow when the main tank drains. Also, I don't use a check valve, I keep the return outlet close to the top of the water. There are easier to understand how to articles you could read. Any questions just ask. I know how daunting it is, but you can make it to be fail safe and worry free.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Not to worry. Overflows and Sumps are built everyday. There are a ton of reads to help out in that department.
Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums
Go through this read, lots of info for you to swallow.