Minimize risk on overflow box flooding refugium

[RioReefr]

So, I designed my refugium the way I wanted and bought an overflow box and all the appropriate plumbing, return pump, etc.

Are there any good article(s) out there that explain how to minimize the risk due to power outage or something else?

I have an Apex Jr. Controller and I know there is the FMM module with optical sensors, but I'd rather not invest another $150-200 into this solution.

I have beautiful hardwood floors and I am so paranoid about something failing and water overflows in the refugium and ruins my flooring. Looking for something that goes into detail about float switches, check valves, air-lifter, etc.

I am pretty sure I could kill the refugium return pump fairly easily, but more more concerned about the main tank flooding the refugium down below.

[scuzy]

You shouldn't overflow your refugium if you refugium can hold the amount of water that over flows from your tank when power is off. So basically fill up your refugium to a certain level and account for the overflow water volume that flows down.


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[RioReefr]

Originally Posted by scuzy

So basically fill up your refugium to a certain level and account for the overflow water volume that flows down.
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I also have an ATO with an optical sensor that feeds the main DT. I suppose I just need to move this ATO sensor down to the refugium?...is that correct?

[scuzy]

I'd you have a sump/refugium then your ato sensor should be in there as if it's in your tank it'll never sense low water unless I don't understand how you plumb everything.


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[RioReefr]

Originally Posted by scuzy

I'd you have a sump/refugium then your ato sensor should be in there as if it's in your tank it'll never sense low water unless I don't understand how you plumb everything.
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Its an AIO tank with 4 back compartments. The water flows through these 4 back compartments like a sump. In the last "return" compartment is where it pumps the water back into the main display tank. For now, this is where I was placing my ATO sensor and fill that last chamber with RODI water.

I bought a "nano" overflow box which fits perfectly into these chambers, but I have not done all the plumbing. I just let the water flow into a bucket to test how much water would fall into the bucket until it hit the overflow box line. I did measure the gallons per hour and have a strong enough pump to push the water back up.