hang on overflow backup idea
 

I've got a cpr overflow, and last night the tank overflowed (the powerhead that keeps the syphon going must have crapped out) got it going again but i'm very paranoid about it. I had an idea for a flood fail-safe, I thought i'd run by you guys...

has anyone ever tried putting almost like a gutter around the outside of the tank? like using silicon to stick 1" pvc, cut in half, around the outer edge with a slope and a couple pipes draining to the sump? My tank is in wall and i could have it out of view.

thoughts?

Well, you could put the gutter around 3 sides but not the front and unless you tilted the tank slightly to the rear to ensure that the tank overflowed into your gutter and not your living room It would still be a problem. Tilting the tank, however, is never a good idea and creates its own set of problems, not the least of which is catastrophic tank failure.

Your options, as I see it, are:

• have your tank drilled
• get a better overflow like a Lifereef. Even the best external overflow can fail however.
• install a safety cut off switch: A float switch and circuit that cuts off your main pump when the tank gets too high or your sump gets too low.

I have used a CPR overflow for over 2 years now, it has worked great. It does require some maintainence ie. replacing the siphon hose and cleaning the pump. IMO these devices get a bad rep. our systems require attention almost everyday, to me it is nothing to check and see if the overflow is functioning properly while feeding or dosing.

What I did was put a float switch in my sump. If the water gets too low the switch turns off my pump. Hence, if the water does not return from the display tank the water level in the sump will drop and the pump will shut off.

i am going to put it on the front too, tank is in wall and the opening starts 2" from top of tank so it would be hidden from view.

the cut off switch is a good idea... reccomend a switch I should get? thanks

the thing is, it was working fine... we cleaned the tube and it was working and for the 3rd time this week it flooded :(

The Madison M8000 is the standard float switch used by many. I special ordered one at Acklands-Grainger a few years back, cost me $20. You can pick up similar ones on eBay periodically for much cheaper. This site http://www.aquahub.com/store/index.html has all the supplies and DIY info too. MAKE SURE you use a relay.

This application is identical to an auto top off system except you may need a higher power relay and you would reverse the float if you decided to put it in the sump.

You could design a latching relay setup to prevent cycling. Let me know if you need help with that. I could bang up a schematic if need be.

beaker020 has suggested the exact float from the same site I bought mine from :mrgreen: Works like a charm.

thanks

i think i'll get this one

http://www.aquahub.com/store/atoreadytouse.html

That controller is specifically designed as a top off controller only. It has 2 major drawbacks for your purpose. 1.)it has an audible alert when pump is active. Which for you would be all the time. This can be disabled by removing the speaker from the circuit board so not a real big deal. 2.) It has a "float fail-safe" feature which only allows the pump to run for 3min 45sec. It can be extended to only 14min. Which means, in your case, it will shut your main return pump off every 14 min. and will need to be reset.

This controller will not work for you. Find a simpler one or build your own. They are super simple.