Sump Design, water level and heaters

[zero26]

I have been researching sump design, and I have a a couple of questions. I want my system to filter as naturally as possible, so I am going to go with something along these lines except for a micro bubble trap http://www.angelfire.com/ok/dog1/images/sump.gif
Heres my questions, for the water level when I am initally installing it do I start the syphon let the sump fill up until the pump is submerged, turn it on then replace the water from the sump filling up until it is back at the full water line in the display?
Also, I would like to have as little equipment in the display as possible, so I want to place the heaters in the sump, do I place them where the LR and cheato is are or by the return pump?
Thanks so much!

 

[florida joe]

what type of over flows are you using

 

[zero26]

I want to get a corner tank with it already drilled so I think it will have a built in overflow in the back, I think. Sorry for the ignorance, new at all this. If not a CPR CS90 Overflow Box.

 

[natclanwy]

When you install your sump you will want to start your siphon if you go with HOB overflow, if your tank is drilled skip this step. Then turn the pump on, add enough water to keep the pump submerged until water level stops dropping in the sump return section let it run for a few minutes to stabilize then turn the pump off. Now wait for the water to stop draining from the display once it stops add or remove water to adjust the water level to your maximum depth in the sump. Then turn the pump back on and once the water level stabilizes mark the water level this is now your full mark when the system is running and ensures that if the power goes out it will not overflow the sump. If you adjust the height of your overflow or your siphon breaks this procedure will need to be repeated to readjust your full mark.
If you can I would put the heaters in the area you have designated as chemical media if not then in the refuge is fine. I wouldn't put them in the return area unless you are going to use an auto top off to maintain the water level. You want them in an area that will have a constant water level so that they aren't exposed to air.
I would stay away from the CPR overflows, they aren't very reliable and are prone to losing their siphon which is why they recommend running them with the aqualifter pump. The aqualifters are prone to failure also so between the two you end up with a very unreliable overflow. The U-tube overflows are much more reliable and can be found much cheaper than the CPR Eshopps is a well built and inexpensive brand of U-tube overflows. Another thing to keep in mind with HOB overflows is they need to be run with an appropriately sized pump, too small and your overflow will lose its siphon and too large you will overflow the tank. You will want a pump that is rated for somewhere between 70-100% of your overflows rating after you subtract for head loss.