<!--quoteo
(post=2292:date=Aug 18 2006, 04:40 PM:name=number6)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(number6
@ Aug 18 2006, 04:40 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2292"><{POST_SNAPBACK}
></a></div><div class='quotemain'>A few of my tanks are not drilled and I'm
looking to use a sump on a large 60g tank with thick glass... not interested in risking crack in
this guy.
I've seen the ebay hang on the back overflows... thought they might be
decent. I don't quite get how the continious syphon trick works as I've never had one up
close to understand it. Sounds good in principle though.
Anyone bought and tried one of
these?</div>
Drilled/not drilled, the problems are the same.
You can't restrict the flow from the tank, starving the sump and allowing it to return too much
water overflowing the tank. Generally the system works best when neither the tank or the sump is
ever completely full. You're constantly battling the possibility of a clogged or crimped hose.
The usual culprits are weak or dead fish or plant pieces. The usual problem areas are the strainers
and tubes on suction hoses and the intake ports to the return pumps. Loose connections, random air
pockets and 90 degree plumbing parts add to the situation. Then there's the rogue hose that
"frees" itself from wherever you have it attached to spray water places you'd never
imagine it could go.
From our member's profiles and TP posts you'll be able to
build a list of possible problem solvers. Some will have photos of their systems either here or on
their websites. Most are proud of their creations and are willing to point out changes they'd
make on their own systems. Of course, we're human, it's easier to criticize someone
else's system.
It's unlikely that you'd be able to buy a system that would
be better than you can create from parts you already have. Of course , if you build it, you
can't really complain... <grin> Dan