Piping for sump question...

[Batmanjay28]

I have a sump and would like the best possible use out of it. I was wondering if someone could help me with the pluming of the sump? Best possible thing to do so I don't have leaks or anything of that nature, and if I need any warnings about anything that could happen or go wrong with the sump? Thanks

 

[Nolapete]

Is your tank drilled or do you have a hang on back overflow?

Basic plumbing of a sump is pvc or flexible hose from the overflow to the sump and then from the sump pump back to the tank.

The return should be just under the surface so that it can't siphon back into the sump or have a "break hole" in the return pipe just under the surface. A break hole allows air into the return pipe if the power goes out to prevent siphoning back into the sump.

What size tank is your sump going to be installed on?

 

[Batmanjay28]

How do you make this break hole? My tank is a 55G with a 35G sump. My overflow is a hang off the back and pumps water down about 3 1/2 feet. Then my return pump pumps the water about 6 1/2 feet back into the tank. I have 1" PVC for the overflow and 3/4" PVC for the return. I had to put the sump next to the tank until I can build my stand, then the sump will be under that.

 

[Reefscape]

How do you make this break hole?

All the syphon break hole needs to be is a couple of 3mm holes drilled into the pipe, enough to let air into the pipe and break the syhon.

Niko

 

[THEJRC]

A break hole is simply a hole drilled in the return line below the surface at a point below low tank levels (when you need to top off) but above a level where your sump wont flood. about a half inch below the surface should be fine but I'm sure someone here with a lot more experience will have some better insight as far as exactly how low to put it (I'm somewhat of a sump newbie so dont take my half inch to heart....)

 

[rsw686]

I looked into drilling a break hole in my return, but decided against it. I read that snails, buildup, etc can clog the hole and then you have a flood on your hands. I decide to just have the returns right at the surface level. If you want to use returns below the water level either used a closed loop or stick with powerheads.