[FutureDoc]

The less stuff in a sump the better. You want to remove anything that will trap detritus (gunk, poo, dead things). Even live-rock in the sump will trap gunk. Really, all you need is a sump to hold a skimmer.

 

[FutureDoc]

Use the siphon or drill the tank. Matching pumps is impossible.

What type of overflow do you have? One type of design is much better than another. The "U-tube" design like those made by Eshopps is much more reliable than the "pressed C" shape of the CPR overflows. I known folks use the U-tube design for years and never have an issue, but I have also seen consistent failures as well. The trick is that there is no failsafe. You can buy a simple float-switch and install it on the tank so that when the water level rises to high in the display, it turns the return pump off. It is not a common application but some sleuthing might turn up a applicable switch.

 

[FutureDoc]

You didn't say what the setup will be?FO,FOWLR or Reef?It matters what your "wet dry" is going to have in it.

I thought it said fish and corals so I assumed that wet/dry was not preferable.

tshack: FYI, wet-dry system can and do work well for high-bioloaf fish only systems.

I'm so new to this I really had to think about what those acronyms were.......we have live rock and a few soft corals like a toadstool and a Kenya tree and some small zooanthids and such. I could watch all the tiny life in the live rock all day probably for m more interesting than the fish, the LR and the shrimp that is

I think you will be better served with a very simple sump design. Skimmer, heater, return pump. Nothing to go wrong, less to break, easy to clean.

 

[FutureDoc]

ahhh, gotcha... see I just read fast and I am known to "read" what I "want to read"... I am the worst spell-checker/proof-reader!