filters

[barreltwist]

Thanks to everyone with advice on how to conserve energy on my electric bill! Someone in that thread mentioned pumps, and that got me to thinking that I might not have the most efficient filter. So, now I have a question on my filtration.
My system is a syphon that pours down through a few sponges and a bunch of bioballs into a tank in the stand. From there the water goes through another sponge and a pantyhose sock of activated charcoal, and is pumped back up into the aquarium. The pump says on the side that it is a 9.5 B Utility Pump.
How is that for filtration and efficiency? My biggest concern is that if the power goes out the syphon will pull out several gallons of water onto the floor. Otherwise I am pretty happy with it. What do you all think?

 

[blenny]

In my thinking, You could shop around for a better Pump, The other answer is, I'm not running a sump but once the level goes down to a point the suction should break, and causing your sump not to overflow. but will be pretty full but not that it will over flow. Or have a shut off valve similar to the one on your toilet tank ,Just my opinion, Hope this helps.