[reefcouple]

When i turn the power to my pump off the water actually goes in reverse, it syphons back thru to the sump, should i pull the power heads out when i shut it off? is this normal?

I want to shut it off so i can add the "refugiam" to my sump...

Thanks

[Adam J]

That is normal.You can use achech valve.I drilled a small hole about 3/4'' below my water level in my return pipe.When the power goes off it will only syphon down to the hole.When it reaches the hole it pulls air and breaks the syphon.

[reefcouple]

Thanks Adam, i'll take your advice

[pogodzib]

I don't like check valves because they are prone to fail. Drill a hole in your return line, just under the water tank's level when the pumps are running. The return line will back siphon water until air can get into the line at the hole drilled in the line.

[reefcouple]

I just drilled it and it works great.. tx

[Marine1]

I don't know much about sumps and this seems like a dumb question, but doesn't water leak out of the drilled hole when the power is on?????

Also, if the power goes out won't water still be flowing out of the main tank into the sump? I'm thinking of converting to a DIY sump, but I am worried about power outages. We have frequent power outages here. Can someone explain in more detail how to avoid an overflow of both the main tank and the sump during a power outage? Thanks.

[Adam J]

Water will flow back into the sump until it drops down to the hole.The hole allows air in,which breaks the syphon.You need to make sure their is enough room in your sump to hold the extra water.Yes ,a little water will flow out of the hole when the power is on.

[Marine1]

Thanks for the explanation. Makes sense now. Are there any alternatives to the hole to break the syphon?????? Also, Does this happen with a reef ready tank as well or does it just happen with tanks that have the HOB overflow to the sump??

[Adam J]

It happens with a reef ready as well.A check valve will work but they have been known to fail.I actually drilled 2 small holes just to be safe.A snail in the wrong spot at the wrong time.......

[Marine1]

I was wondering if someone could post a pic on how to plumb an overflow to the sump. All the pvc lines etc. It will help to visually see how to do it.

[gimmito]

Checkout Melevsreef.com - Welcome! and go to the sump section.

[Marine1]

Thanks for the help!

[e_baer]

Originally Posted by Marine1

I was wondering if someone could post a pic on how to plumb an overflow to the sump. All the pvc lines etc. It will help to visually see how to do it.

[Marine1]

Thanks gimmito and e_Baer! Gimmito, that website is awsome!! and e_baer I like the visual affect to help me.

Question: What do you use to keep the pvc fittings together so there are no leaks? Isn't plumbing glue toxic for the fish?

I can't wait to do a DIY sump!!!!!! It looks like a fun project and very gratifying when completed properly.

[e_baer]

I used the normal glue. Just make sure you give it a good 24 hours to dry COMPLETELY. I have used that stuff for a number of things with my tank and everything is still doing fine.

Good Luck with everything!

[gimmito]

I use the 2 part...purple primer and pvc glue. The primer actually helps to meld the pvc for a better fit than glue alone.

Here's some pic's of my 40 gal sump/fuge based on melevs design.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...ito/TX5058.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...ito/TX5057.jpg

Also, Checkout melev's reefcast...you'll learn alot and it's a hoot !

[Marine1]

Nice tank gimmito! Is that the F type sump from melevsreef?

[gimmito]

It's just the aga version of the f type sump. I made the sump/fuge for under 50 bucks:

40 gal aga (garage sale)=$10
4 glass baffles (glass shop)=$30
1 tube of silicone (osh)=$5

Here's the link:

Melevsreef.com - DIY Glass Sump & Refugium