Setting up a new sump

[SteveM]

I am going to be replacing my old sump with a new larger one. My current sump has a couple of baffles on the end where the drain pipes go into it and the water level is right up to the top of the sump. The 2 drains have bulkheads where they go into a piece of glass at the top of the sump. There is a very small gap between the bulkheads and the water level.

 

My new sump doesn't have a top piece to it nor does it have the baffles on the one end to have a higher water level were the drains will go into it. The question I have is this, if I run a piece of PVC from my drain into the sump can I run the pipe below what the water level will be or will this create any issue's should the power go out? I am trying to avoid as much water splashing as possible when the water enters the sump. If you have any suggestions as to how low into the sump the drain pipes should go please let me know.

[jason the filter freak]

taking a picture would help, also the best way to check for power outage issues is to turn the power off an watch what happens. then turn it back on when you're done.

[Amuze]

I'm a little confused about what you are describing. Do you have pics of your current sump and the where the water level is at now? It sounds as if your sump is full to the top. I wouldn't keep your water that high in the sump. You want to make sure that when the power goes out or your return pump stops working, your sump doesn't overflow.

[SteveM]

My current sump has no overflow issues. The water level is only to the top in a small section at the end of the sump where the water drains into it. That is due to the baffles at that end. There is plenty of room in the rest of the sump. My question doesn't have to do with the old sump, its with the new one I want to put in.

 

The new sump is much longer and there is only one baffle in it. I understand about having enough room in the sump for the water from the tank to drain into and not overflow. That isn't the issue. I just want to make sure that having a drain into the sump where the end of the drain is below the water level of the sump isn't going to create any issues that I am not aware of.

[Amuze]

My drain tube is below water and I haven't had any issues during power outages. I put the longer drain tube under the water level to avoid splashing and noise mostly.

[ReeferMan]

Mine is just like that and its never been a issue. The only problem with putting the drain under water is sometimes mine burps air bubbles

[Amuze]

Yeah, I get those burps too, but it's nothing compared to the constant sound of water hitting water.

[ctreptow]

Same here mine are under water and there has never been an issue. You're ok as long as you have enough room in the sump to hold the water that drains from the tank after power goes out. This includes the water from the return before it breaks the syphon.

 

Chris