I am preparing to set up a 180 gal Acrylic Tank that I was given for my discus. I am going to add a overflow box and run to a sump with socks for help in cleaning.

Does anyone know of a way that i can make an extended pipe that would go down to the bottom, maybe use a tee and have some screens in it, and have it feed my sump without a continuous siphon that would empty my tank.

I just can't come up with how to have it suck detritus off the bottom but break suction when water gets to a certain level and then start up again as water is returned from the sump and volume increases.

Any help and/or ideas greatly appreciated.