Fuge concerns

[fadec40]

I want to get a fuge for my 37g and place it in cabinet below MT.
I am concerned that should the return pump fail or because of power outtage, I will overlow the fuge if using an over flow box (drilling is not an option on the MT.)
I understand the bigger the better in terms of water volume, but this is my last concern before making and/or purchasing a fuge.
Can anyone offer any safeguards against overflowing besides getting a HOB fuge?
Thanks all.

 

[big fish]

get a check valve and put it into your line you should be able to get one at lowes.

 

[thegrog]

Design the fuge's water level low enough so that if the pump fails, the excess water from the tank that gets siphoned off will not overflow the fuge. Figure out the amount of water that will continue to drain with the overflow and then make sure to have that amount of free space in your fuge.
Also, put a siphon break on your return line just below the water level so you don't get backflow from the return line.

 

[fadec40]

Thank you for the replies!

 

[cheapfish1]

i had the same concern can u explain the syphon break?
o and also is there a set GPH that say a 1 in pc tube syphons at that anyone is aware of so i can by a pump to match it.

 

[acrylic51]

Yep you can use a check valve, but they do fail, and aren't a guaranteed safety.....You could use them in conjunction with a a syphon break hole in your water return line...

 

[tim_12]

Originally Posted by cheapfish1
o and also is there a set GPH that say a 1 in pc tube syphons at that anyone is aware of so i can by a pump to match it.
The amount of water that passes throught a syphon, regardless of the size, depends on how far below the original water level the end of the syphon is. Do a little experiment. Get some flexible tubing and start a syphon with it. Then keeping one end in the water, raise the other end just below the water line. You should get a slow flow of water. Now lower the end a foot and the flow should increase. Then go get a towel. You'll need to clean up the water you spilled on the floor. The more water you have being pulled down through the syphon, the more water can be sucked up.

 

[fadec40]

Ok, Is it safe to say that once I add the fuge, could I remove the cannister filter and let the live rock, protein skimmer and fuge do the work?