Canister filter as return pump?

[MoshJosh]

Water overflow from tank into refugium, sucked out of refugium into canister, pumped out of canister back into tank? Would this work? Seeing if there’s a way to incorporate a refugium into canister filter set up.

 

[John Neuzil]

Most canisters work best if they are below the source for good siphon. But otherwise it should work

 

[Rmckoy]

I’d be worried the canister filter won’t have the power to keep up with the overflow either flooding the sump or constantly battling low water levels .

 

[slythy]

Along with it not having great power to draw water up, as it fills up with gunk flow rates slow way way down. Its going to be hard to keep your sump level constant and an ATO solution might be harder too.

A pump is by far the best/easiest solution.