Overflow Problems

[Nelson]

I've put this idea to Ray and I'm wondering what you're opinion would be.  I'm having problems balancing the water level in the overflow and sump.  Valves on the intake and exhaust side of the system.

Would it be feasible to bypass the overflow and use a good powerhead or pump to pump water from the tank to the sump?

[gator]

If you think you're having trouble balancing an overflow, the above situation would be nightmarish in terms of balancing - unless - you had a water level meter that turned the pumps on-and-off.

[jdx]

I think it will work, you can secure a small pump (than the one in the sump) just under the water surface level that you want to maintain. it is fault proof, because once pump and siphon drain too much water, the water level will drop to the level where the pump's intake is, the drain rate will decrease, so the balance is established.

Better to use an adjustable pump, adjust pump flow, so that when balance is established the water level is above the pump intake.

A minor problem I can see it that when in tank pump dies, you will overfill your tank.

[Nelson]

Interesting comments folks, thanks