DIY Wet / Dry Troubleshooting

[miss__kp]

Hi All,

I was hoping someone might be able to point me in the right direction.

I'm currently setting up a 36" x 15" x 15" Wet Dry Sump for my 7 footer. This is tiny I know but I'm using it in conjunction with an FX5.

I've had to use an overflow box because the tank was never drilled and I'm aiming for about 3,500 litres per hour on both the siphon and return side.

My question is, what would be the best way to make it overflow safe? I was originally planning to use solenoid valves from the overflow box but I believe they need to be under pressure and not just siphon fed to operate.

My idea: Run a small bilge pump on a float switch and relay to drain the sump back to the appropriate level? Then use another relay and switch to turn my return pump off so it can't start automatically?

If anyone has any ideas / suggestions I'm all ears, I need all the help I can get!


Thanks very much

 

[miss__kp]

Sorry I should clarify I mean in the event of power failure, I want to stop the sump from over flowing then running dry when power comes back on.

 

[frasertheking]

search simple overflow here and it should show you an easy solution

 

[tank125]

Adjust the height of your overflow to accommodate a power outage. The deeper you have your overflow below the water line the more water it will siphon during an outage. Also the level of normal operation in your sump, matters as well, try to minimize it.

To prevent water from sucking back through your exhaust line use a check valve in line.

OR

Get a UPS so that your pump is not interrupted during a power-failure.