Corner Overflow Config question

Hello, I am new to this forum (this is my first post). I own a 75g tank with a corner overflow. I bought the tank used, but it came with most of the plumbing... i.e. trickle sump, bio balls and return pump.

About 2 months ago I began my cycle and now have a very healthy bed of live sand about 20lbs of live rock in the sump with bio balls. So far i've only added 2 3-striped damsels and a clown.

Recently I was watching videos on youtube of a guy setting up a new aquarium and noticed that in his overflow there is a return tube which allows the overflow box to fill most of the way with water.

In my aquarium there was no return tube, currently the water flows through the overflow where it splashes to the bottom and exit's through the PVC fitting on the blukhead maybe 1" from the bottom of the tank.

My question is, does this pose a risk to my tank? should i look at installing an insert on my PVC bulkhead fitting to allow the water level to rise closer to the top of the sump box?

One other question... Should the sump box have some sort of lid or cover over it to keep light out of that area.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Welcome to 3reef

Extending the outlet down to sump's water level or below will greatly quiet things down, eliminate most splashing and cut way back on evaporation, also having the water fill the overflow more will also help with noise and evaporation..

A lid for the sump is not necessary but you may prefer to have it to keep algae growth down.

 

Hello and welcome, if you look at this thread it shows how to plumb up a Herbie style overflow. I just did one and it's silent.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/my-herbie-overflow-write-up-pics-beware-60239.html