A question about SUMP design I have NEVER understood

[Pharaoh]

sumps are fine if you set them up in a drilled tank anything else that uses syphoning to operate is dangerous, if you have a power failure the syphon gets disturbed and when the power comes back on you either overfill your tank or burn your motor out or both.

Overflow boxes rely on suction and are perfectly safe to use.

That's an unfair statement to make...

There are a couple of fail safe designs... but the majority I've seen rely on a siphon which is a breakable connection that if broken, will allow a tank to overfill...

When dealing with siphon related overflow systems, many will strongly encourage the use of an aqualifter. An aqualifter would eliminate the risks associated with siphon overflow systems and dealing with power loss.

 

[KaiserSousay]

When dealing with siphon related overflow systems, many will strongly encourage the use of an aqualifter. An aqualifter would eliminate the risks associated with siphon overflow systems and dealing with power loss.

True enough, a well tended aqua-lifter will lessen the chances of disaster. But for me, it was always, just another THING that needed attention.
Sumps are in the garage..PVC, skimmer style, and skimmerless are all out there. Working quite well, but all need a watchful eye.
Livingroom tank is canister filtered, but even these need to be treated with the respect due an item that has the potential for disaster they have.
When the build bug bites again, a trip to glass holes will be my first stop, as there is no substitute for a drilled tank, period.

 

[Pharaoh]

When the build bug bites again, a trip to glass holes will be my first stop, as there is no substitute for a drilled tank, period.

To this, I will agree.

 

[Redearsunfish]

I have never had the chance to have a tank with holes drilled. That must be cool.

 

[slapnutz]

To this, I will agree.

when i have the rest of the money i need, i will be using a glass-holes overflow. i love their design, and that the bottom doesn't need to be drilled, rather the back.

 

[Toddo]

I just bought an overflow box with bulkheads and a glass drilling bit on ebay.

This weekend I'll be drilling two overflow holes in the back of my new 125 for an algae scrubber.

Drilled tanks are the way to go.