First time plumbing a sump

[CamoFan]

Hi all,

I’m looking to upgrade. I was initially interested in the Red Sea 350 G2+ but I’m terrified of the tank failing. So, I’m planning on upgrading my 40G cube to a 75G with a sump. I want to keep it as simple as possible and I’ve drawn up some plans.

I’d like someone to assist me in what I can change to make it easier or more efficient. I have 2 layouts drawn out.

The top drawing is definitely more complex but how I would ideally like it to be. Overflow (OF) in the center with returns next to it. My problem is that I would have to either cross the emergency and primary drain or plumb up in between the drains.

The second drawing just drops the overflow right into the filter socks and the returns would be in the middle of the tank.

I am open to suggestions.

Thank you

 

[tbrown]

Instead of a check valve you can drill a small hole on the return line inside the tank just under the running water level or use a return nozzle with a siphon break such as an RFG. Same thing, with the RFG, for the siphon break to work it needs to suck in air soon after the pump shuts off.

With that said, the check valve is easy and works but it needs to be maintained to make sure it doesn't get scummed up with algae or snails/sponges etc which will cause it to fail open.