Cannister as a return pump from 'fuge

Here's something I've been kicking around. I know the benefits of a 'fuge are huge, but being a newbie, I think I'd like to have something I know. Actually, I'd like both. Here's the question...can I use a canister filter, like a Fluval 405 or a Rena as a return pump from a 'fuge? Water would travel from the display to the fuge via this DIY overflow http://www.3reef.com/forums/attachm...259-nice-cheap-diy-overflow-overflowmydry.jpg with a skimmer where the return pump would be

Here's the idea:

 

I don't see why not, your only problem is going to be the gal. per hour rate, to keep your sump from over flowing. need to keep the water level in your tank where the pre-filter stop collecting water once the fuge is past half way or so

 

Very interesting, let us know how you get on, might take this theory up myself...

 

actually might work. Thats a good idea. BUT, like r35dawn said watch your tank levels. Make sure the canister can keep up. And set your water level so that if the overflow drained as mush as it could it still would not over flow your sump. great idea

 

I have a freshwater that uses a cansiter filter and I had one thought.

I think you'd need the filter to be below the sump/fuge. The pumps in these are weak and use gravity from the input to help push water back up to the tank.

 

thats right. The pump returns the water. All canisters are gravity fed.

 

Helluva good idea, I'm gonna try it this weekend. +2 for you, and more karma on way if it actually works.

 

Well if you set it up like the schematic you posted it will never work.

 

I'm gonna try something different, don't know what yet, but why won't that work?

 

Like others have said canister filters use gravity to run the input. Cant have them eye level and can't have them pump to much head height or they dont work at all.