Blackouts and Sumps

[NikkO]

For those you that use a sump tank with a free-flow setup, the worst thing that could possibly happen is a blackout. Which then stops the pump from pushing water back into the tank, causing it to overflow while you are out of the house for a while. Would there be anyway to help prevent this?
:confused:

It could be possible to put a glass on top of the sump and seal it, making the sump a kind of canister filter with pressure. But then it would limit water from getting exposed to air. But this idea won't really work with my filter since it needs openings for air.

~If you have any ideas, it would be helpful.

[blitzen25bm]

if you do it right it wont overflow. you fill up your tank right up to the overflow then you fill up the tank. once the pump emptys your sump your tank will start to overflow completing the cycle.

[RTR]

I hope to clarify a bit - what I think that blitzen was trying to say is that the sump must be able to hold all the power-off drain down from the display without itself overflowing. This means the sump normal operation water level will be less than full - to allow for that drain down. And that the power off level will still be short of sump overflow.

For me, all sump are marked with tape to show normal operation level (power on), the level to which you top up to replace evaporation or after partial changes. Then the sump should have a second tape mark showing the power off level. I use tape for these as the levels can be altered in different situations, and tape is easily replaced.

[blitzen25bm]

yea thats right /\. otherwise drill a hole near the top and put a spout on it with a big rubbermaid box under it. problem is if water drains into there you might not have enough water when it starts back up and your pump can burn out.

[Karlsbad]

You can use an APC smartups with motors and coils.