Over flow system reliable???

chevcam

Member
I just installed a new sump and overflow box on the back of my tank. I was just wondering if any one has ever had a problem with the over flow tubes failing and flooding their house? I just started it up tonight and noticed a collection of bubbles forming at the center of the tubes.:scared:
 

mana_man19

Member
well if you have the overflow box installed it shouldn't be a problem, because the water level will only drop to the top of the box.
 

chevcam

Member
I guess I was thinking if some how the water was not siphoning correctly or got bubbles and quit working then I would think the pump would just keep going and drianing the sump?
 

bang guy

Moderator
You are correct. Overflows can fail and it will flood when it does.
If the bubbles are not clearing out by themselves then you might not have enough waterflow for your overflow and you're going to have to clear them out yourself.
 

chevcam

Member
Is there any thing you can do to prevent overflowing, or like putting your pump close to the top of your sump to lessen the amount of water that may flood. I'am thinking if we are gone for a few days or even when we are at work?
 
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xoxox

Guest

Originally posted by chevcam
Is there any thing you can do to prevent overflowing, or like putting your pump close to the top of your sump to lessen the amount of water that may flood. I'am thinking if we are gone for a few days or even when we are at work?

Yes, you could put your return pump in a seperate container in the sump, the water level will operate above the top of the container. If the siphon breaks the return will pump the water down to the level of the container and only that which is in the container (mines like 2 gallons or so). This keeps all the water from being pumped out of the sump, also, the heater and skimmer still have static water to keep operating normally. The only difference from a float is that the return pump will eventually burn out. I've tested the level in mine (by breaking the siphon) with enough distance from the waterline to the top of the tank, you should be able to clear out the small container and not overflow the tank too much with a siphon break. Adding more evaporating water to the sump marked by your waterline will make it go over but at least it doesn't pump the whole sump.
 

chevcam

Member
What type of container would you use like a five gal bucket or small rubber maid. sitting in your sump,or would you section off part of the sump tank?
 
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xoxox

Guest
I used a small rubbermaid container for the sump and then a smaller container inside of that. If you want to see what it looks like PM me your e-mail and I'll send you some pictures.
 

chevcam

Member
Thanks for your advice I went out a got a container and also a smaller one inside that so as to only pump half of that contianer looks like it will work great. I now can relax alittle knowing it should not drain 50 gallons into my fr floor!!!!:jumping:
 
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