Max. input needed

[mpleleaf]

OK , I'm just about ready to put my sump together and I'm in need of assurance ! Tell me how this sounds : it's a 27 gal. with dim. being 36x12x14 , the first section will have the input and be 12x8x14 this will also house a skimmer (Aqua medic multi. h.o.t. ). Leaving the input area via bubble trap and entering the return dim. 12x16x14 (11.6 gal. ) , this will house my heaters,return pump, L.R. rubble may also be install in this area. I'll split my input to provide water to the refugium at the far end dim.12x12x14 (8.7 gal. ). Water will be controlled via a gate valve and flow will go back to the return area over a wall cut like an overflow. My only other question if these dimension sound good is how do you keep the water level in the sump down so that when power loss happens , the level rises from the water fed from the main tank . I know that the bubble trap has to do with it but how much should the level be with the sump running as apposed to not and how do you determine if I have enough room !TIA Kevin

[Reef Mike]

The dimensions sound fine... I wish I could put a 3 footer into my stand :(

As for your other question I think you are asking on how to prevent the main tank from filling the sump in a power outage.

First. you can't run your sump full.. Most people run it at just over half (height wise). You will notice that when everything is running the height of the water in the tank is above the lowest point in the overflow slits. My slits are about 1" and my water is about 3/4" above the bottom. When the power goes out your main tank will drain to this point (assuming you don't syphon from your sump inlet - put syphon holes for this), so you have to make sure there is enought "reserve" room in the sump to accommodate this water volume or you are gonna get the floor wet.

Just fill the last bit slowly and simulate power failures and you will see at what capacity you can run the sump. My system drains with about 1-2 inches to spare in the sump. I have marked the sump with a marker for MAX fill.

Hope this answers your question
Mike