"Cousin Joe" wrote in message ...
I recently set up my first successful(so far) FOWLR tank and I love it, so
much that i'm running some thoughts through my head about building a much
larger(150+) tank out of wood and latex. My question starts here, since I'm
building the thing anyway why couldn't I attach a sump area to the back of
the tank?

Most intakes into a sump are gravity driven i.e., water overflows into
a collection basin, and then this falls down to the sump. I'd guess
you'd have to use a pump to do this (since the water levels between
the tank and the sump would not be significantly different), and then
have another pump to push it back from the sump to the tank ...

But, theoretically it's possible. More complicated plumbing and
coordination, not to mention space considerations and accessibiltiy.
There's also an argument that says it increases the risk of potential
water spills and pumps burning out.

Good luck!