Building a bunker or fortress???? if you will???

ok so i just got a skimmer and it requires a pretty high sump level and in order to have the correct height for the skimmer to function properly, its impossible for me to prevent enough backsiphon so i cant keep the sump at a good level for the skimmer. I know you guys are going to say know because everything has to be made complicated for me, but on the brace of the tank on the top, can i build a 2-3" acrlyic water proof (siliconed, i mean) wall so i can keep the water level high in the sump but when the power goes out the water doesnt overflow onto the floor and the wall prevents it. The water wont even go that high up on the wall, its just for added safety. If i cant do this, then what the heck do you suggest? this is all i got...

 

i can just see it coming, someone saying it will create too much stress on the class, the extra weight of the extra water, but im going to leave it up to you guys to disappoint me ;D

 

i don't know anything about this stuff so i will give ya a bump and hope that someone helps ya out

 

can you stick the skimmer in a 5 gallon bucket? then put a bulkhead fitting at the correct height in the bucket that overflows into the sump??? cheap n easy.

 

Its a good idea, but i just think the acrlyic idea will be faster and easier. My cabinet is very pressed with space and i dont think i can fit a bucket in there, thats why i had to get a 5.5 gallon sump... :-/ Thanks so much for the suggestion though, great idea.

 

Thanks for the bump! just as helpful as an answer!

 

Are you asking if it would be a good idea to build a baffle in the sump so that it raises the water level around the skimmer? If so, yes, you can do that, silicone in an acrylic wall of the appropriate height (remember the water will be slightly higher than the baffle as the water flows over it).

That is the way most sumps work so they can maintain the water level when the pump is running but still not overflow when the return pump is off.

If I misunderstood, sorry. Maybe a quick picture/drawing of what you're thinking in paint would help?

Also, in the drawing on this page, your skimmer could be in the area where he shows the rock rubble or in the refugium area to maintain the water height. Maybe that will help you visualize what will happen with your plan?
http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

 

Nope, wasnt talking about baffles, maybe this will help. Forget the lines, imagine that as a solid acrlic wall that goes on all 4 corners. Sorta to raise the tank height but not for permanent use like that, only for when the power goes out. Its so i can fill the sump a little more during regular operation to get my skimmer running properly. This wall is for when the power goes out and the water backsiphones, it goes on the wall, but not too much. Hope this helps.