I'm setting up a paludarium and was hoping to get some help from any fish/reef keepers. I plan on having a waterall and a stream and need to access the pumps (2X) and hide them. My original plan was to put them under the false bottom but what if the pump breaks or the false bottom gets dirty and clogs the pump, so I'm planning on using a sump, but I'm confused about two things.

1) My saltwater tank uses an overflow box, once the water drops below it the siphon stops, but what if the water doesn't reach the top of the tank? I was thinking of just cutting the siphon to a precise height, when the water dropped below that it would stop the siphon, eliminating the need for an overflow...right?
2) The exchange rate. How many GPH would I need to pump back into the tank to keep up with the rate the siphon pulls it out of the tank? This is my main concern, I don't want the pump running dry or to flood my tank or apartment, theres really no way to conceal the pump so a sump seems to be the only logical choice.

If I can't do this I'll just use a cannister filter that pulls the water out of the false bottom and pumps it back into the waterfall but would rather fashion a sump as this is how I plan on doing my next (larger) tank. I also don't want to drill the tank.

I'm terrible with fish, but Heather (microscope jockey) is a fish maniac. She's gone until August 1st though.

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Cosy, I've enver used a sump, but I have set up a waterfall. I use a Whisper 10i which has the water uptak cut into the bottom front, then I set it in loose gravel. The filter is easy to change and reliable, but may not be exactly what you are looking for. I only use it with turtles. Sorry the pic isn't better.

Attached Images

Turtles 3.jpg (37.5 KB, 9 views)

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Jay, the sump will function to increase the overall amount of water that is being used by the system. It's also a way to conveniently house the pumps. I was just wondering how to determine how much needs to be replaced into the system, to me it seems that everything would have to flow at similar rates. If your still not sure of my desing I can mspaint it for you, but I'm no Picasso.

Just remember Cody that water will flow as fast as it gets pumped. If you are worried about a reservoir refilling just make sure your pumps are self priming. If I'm still off e-mail me a pic at your convenience.

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The red star under the false bottom is where the siphon will originate. The water then works its way through the compartments and ends up in the last one with the pumps that replace the water the siphon is taking.

Without a full tank you're going to have some issues getting and keeping a siphon....same problems that canister filters have on terrariums. Drilling the bottom is going to be the best way to go, if the glass is tempered then drilling the side or back near the bottom would also be an option.