What if overflow stops flowing?

[stumpdog]

What if my overflow stops flowing? My return pump will just keep pumping right? Is there something I can do to solve this problem? On the return pump I drilled some holes right below the water line (thanks jagermister, SP?) What would stop it from just flooding the display tank?
Thanks-
Jeremy

 

[bigmac]

if your overflow is built right it shouldn't stop. It might slow down due to algae build up but not stop unless you neglect it.

 

[broomer5]

If your return pump is running - something is going to overflow.
Either the drilled built in overflow as bigmac mentioned, or your HOB external overflow.
If either of these fails - your tank will overflow for sure.

 

[escape2thewater]

ah, the thoughts that run through our minds as we wait out our cycles........gotta love it! I must have continplated that a hundred times over the last 2 weeks and best reassurance I can give myself is that the pump can only send up the water thats left in the sump, so it would only be a very small flood! But really though, I agree with bigmac it shouldnt stop unless its been neglected.
Kyle

 

[stumpdog]

escape-
I think you hit the nail on the head. This is my first run with a sump, so it is a lot of what if.
Jeremy

 

[bigmac]

I used a HOB U tube overflow for 10+ years and it never failed me once. Unless your using something like the CPR overflow you shouldn't have to worry about it...

 

[magyk]

guys what is the difference in the CPR overflow

 

[escape2thewater]

cpr uses a "J" tube instead of a "U" tube. It is then easier to break siphon while your pump is still running and the end result is of course a lovely flood. HTH.
Kyle