overflow overflowed tank

[pipermurphy]

Last night as we were sitting watching TV the tank just started to overflow thru the tank top ontothe floor. Ran over to the tank and switched off all the power strips to stop the water flow. It looked like the overflow was not sending water to the sump, but the sump pump kept on pumping to the tank.
A little info on my setup, my overflow has 2 bulkheads 1 to the sump the other is the return. My feed to the sump had a 1" PVC pipe with a round filter on the top in this filter was a float that controlled water flow to the sump the return goes along side this to locline fitting. It seemed that this float got stuck. I have since pulled it and was wondering if this has happened to anyone else?
And is this an adequate setup or should I have it done another way?
Any pics on various overflow setups?

Thanks again in advance.

[BillyZ]

this is the ultimate downfall of just about all overflow systems. The only "easy" way to keep it from happening is regular maintenance to be sure everything is clear and free. The other way is to install a float switch in your display tank that is wired to your return pump. If the water rises too high the float switch kills your return pump.

[reefrunner69]

This is an all glass overflow?? I have seen them do the up an down thing and get stuck before, it is easily remedied by boring out the hole in the top to allow more airflow through the float. However, you may want to consider a >>Durso stand pipe, more reliable and quieter to boot