Recreating Fluval + sump/refugium

[mochox]

I'm designing/working on a new, tidier, set up for my current Fluval Edge/sump. The new design will be using a 14g Bio Cube stand and within it will be a container for massive biological filtration and a Fluval Chi (5g) for massive, dense, plant growth.

Here's a sketch of the overall plan:

Basically, the Edge will overflow via 1" tubing to the [bio box] and travel via siphoned tube to the above 5g planted tank. A ~75-130gph pump will return to the fluval via 1/2" tubing equipped with a ball valve.

The sitting water level with the pump not on will ideally be within the return line level with the water in the planted tank, so the bio box can be completely saturated and pose no threat of breaking siphon with the planted 5g.

Plans for the bio box:

Materials (less the tanks):

I've pretty much acquired all the materials I think I'll be needing.. but I'm mostly interested in how others feel as to whether or not this system is even going to work?

My biggest concern is whether or not the siphon between the bio box and planted 5g tank will transfer water properly. What do you think?

 

[XanAvaloni]

to your question I must confess an utter lack of answer but I gotta say I *love* your artwork.

anything that involves pumping water up and down scares me quite witless, not that that is such a long journey. A pump fails and all the water heads to lowest level toot sweet. Gloom & doom ensue. I suggest you wait for more constructive responses by someone who actually knows what they are talking about re: siphonage and sealants and such. best wishes.

 

[londonloco]

Sumps are designed so when the siphon is broken, the water that drains into the sump does not exceed the sumps capacity. What happens when your siphon breaks (power outage, water change)? How much water will drain into the sump?

 

[mochox]

to your question I must confess an utter lack of answer but I gotta say I *love* your artwork.

You ought to see all the random ideas and paper I go through when I'm not busy at work!

Sumps are designed so when the siphon is broken, the water that drains into the sump does not exceed the sumps capacity. What happens when your siphon breaks (power outage, water change)? How much water will drain into the sump?

The current set up I have with a custom built acrylic sump collects about .75-1gallon when the power shuts off.. it shouldn't be a huge issue if power goes out (I should hope). If you're referring to the siphon between the bio box and the planted tank, the bio box will *ideally* be flooded 100% and in actuality the "water level" for that portion will be tethered to the 1" tubing in the back.