sump idea

[dovii88]

know my 55 isnt drilld so i came up with a sump idea with a little help from another website...heres a pic

 

[lemcc]

this will work if both in/output pipes are at the same level so in a poweroutage
they will only drain what the sump can hold

when power comes back the in-tank pump will be running dry for a time

you will need a prefilter on the in-tank pump when it gets clogged the sump pump will suck air due to low level

balancing the two flows will not be easy

 

[dovii88]

it can be done thouhg

 

[Euge]

no it won't work. Getting your pumps to match the exact GPH will be very hard. Even if you get two identical pumps. One will flow faster than the other because one is working against gravity the other with it. Why not use a PVC overflow?

 

[JustLooking]

If the pump in the sump falls,you have a flood.
I dont think you would be able to match the flow rate with 2 pumps

 

[lemcc]

what about this
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=OE1137

it will suck air out of input pipe and reestablish the syphon
all you would need to do is a check valve at the top of you input pipe
just like the DIY pics of the pvc overflow

it say it can lift water 30inches
the end of your input pipe in the sump would have to be submerged

 

[dovii88]

it was worth a try

 

[lemcc]

If the pump in the sump falls,you have a flood.

not if they are properly placed
he could never have the tank full

Getting your pumps to match the exact GPH will be very hard.

they wouldnt need to match he use a valve to restrict flow on the down pipe
still not easy
he doesnt like the look of the pvc overflow

i like the aqualifter idea it would flow like hell
the top of my tank is 6 feet so it wont work for me