Sump Overflowing

I built my first sump recently and I did not really take into account the size of pump compartment. There is no "max level" where water wont overflow if you keep it below.

When I turn off pump, it looks like it will overflow the entire sump. Of course, all is good right now, and I am looking at getting a backup batter. But, does anyone have any clever fixes that will divert back flow?

I do have a valve on distal (to tank) that I can shut off (still over flows). I also have really tight plumbing on the proximal portion (to sump), where it would be hard to place a valve.

But, I am sure in the history of sump making someone else has done this and has some clever work-around. Any tips?

You could use a float valve in the sump to control the inlet- the type that is used in cisterns. Personally I would also ensure the tank outlet is high enough so that if as much water as possible drains out of the tank the sump won't overflow. Otherwise a power failure would have disastrous consequences. You don't really need the sump more than 50% full.

Great feedback... The inlet is 1", with very little area around the sock filter. I was trying to make everything as small as possible. It is a 55G hexagon tank and a 15G sump. All fits into the hexagon setup. So, super custom, and I will need to adjust the solution to this problem for the custom setup. As you can see, I made the baffles really high, so I dont have the option of 50% full. The pump compartment is small which is a fault in my design. I have a fluidized bed filter with K1 micro early in the system. So, I cant let that over flow too much or the K1 will go everywhere.

What are you planning to stock.
Full marks for effort but IMHO that is far too much work (and filtration) where a relatively small canister would work nicely.

Yes, I totally agree. I considered a canister. I am a chemist/electrical engineer, so I enjoy making things more complicated. I put eco complete as substrate and want to have a planted tank with either discus or angels.

dprids,

I’m am little perplexed by your plumbing system as it seems untraditional. I can’t really tell from your pictures or text as to exactly what is going on. Do you by any chance have a diagram of your current plumbing system?

Here is the diagram

I slept on it and my add a water bridge with an overflow tank.... See below