This is a lesson that I learned early on in my fishkeeping career. Water overflowing from a small aquarium, makes just as big of a mess on the floor, as water overflowing from a monster tank. 
Tanks Overfill - on Floor!
- Thread starter RD.
- Start date
Caught my 180 just seconds from overflowing last night. Can't seem to learn to not to get too caught up multitasking chores during tank fill-ups.
After a few too many mishaps, I set up a video camera in front of my tanks that streams live to my cell phone. Even with that I have had some close calls. lol
This is a lesson that I learned early on in my fishkeeping career. Water overflowing from a small aquarium, makes just as big of a mess on the floor, as water overflowing from a monster tank.
It's amazing what damage even a little amount of water will do if left unchecked on floors wood, tile even concrete over time.
You could always add an over flow drain to your sump. This way you can't flood the house.
Another reason for me to do my wc with a bucket 
not feasible on huge tanks though, of course.
not feasible on huge tanks though, of course.
I drop the water to the same level each time during water changes. I've timed how long it takes to refill each of my tanks from those levels so I set a loud alarm clock to go off a few minutes before that time period. You could also use a countdown timer alarm on your phone if you're going to be in and out of the house. It's a good idea to use two alarms anyway because eventually one won't alert you and you could easily flood the place.
I started using this simple system about two years ago after overflowing an aging tank and it hasn't failed me (yet).
I started using this simple system about two years ago after overflowing an aging tank and it hasn't failed me (yet).
Sure, there are plenty of ways to safeguard from over filling, but I always convince myself that I won't forget .....again LOL