Adding a Sump. Am I on the right track?

I want to add a sump to my tank at some point. I have space 5' long, 3' high, and 1.5' across in the stand. Its a 120 gal tank and I was thinking about doing this:

1) Eshopps RS-300 sump its 36X14X16H and holds 35 gallons

2) 1200 gph Magdrive pump

3) CPR Continuous Siphon Overflow (1200 gph)
-My tank is not drilled and I do not like the idea of putting holes in my tank myself (think Tim Allen as my talent level of building stuff)
- I would also be buying all of the accessories for the overflow and maybe a real reliable powerhead to keep the siphon going)
-If people have a better suggestion I would be glad to hear it (other than to drill the tank. I will make sure the next tank I buy is pre-drilled)

4) Getting the ATO controller from fosters and smith to prevent my tank from overflowing in the event of a suction loss (which happens almost daily)
-The way i understand it the ATO controller can turn a pump off in the event of a decrease in water level. Am I right on this? (or is there a better cheaper way of doing the same thing)

5) Also I need some way to stop back flow from the tank to the sump through the return line when the power fails and I am not home. Any suggestions?

 

Most sumps work best at no more than 10times the sumps volume. So buy a return pump that produces 350 gph at 4 foot head. The return pump controls the amount of flow not the overflow.

 

Thanks for that little piece of advice that no site mentions. Should I buy a bigger sump? (I had trouble finding any bigger ones that will still fit under my tank as its only 18 inches wide)

 

It may be a little late to ask but I also need to get a light fixture. Any advice on which to get first? (light or sump?)

 

Get the light first. You could always use a fish tank and install baffles yourself for a sump. Should be substationally cheaper.

 

1+ on 2in10. I have a 90gal using a 40gal breeder tank as a sump/refuge tank. I custom built my sump/refuge & can see detailed pics on my 90gal thread. Learn from my mistakes & not yours, it's cheaper that way..