Overflow losing syphon

[droth335]

I have a CPR overlfow box (model CS102 - 2 bulkheads) on a 180 with an aqualift pump to maintain syphon. This has been in place since November and worked great for the first few months.

Starting in March I have had sporadic loss of syphon casuing the pump to run virtually dry until I hear the noise of the pump and correct. I can generally mess around with the aqualift and get the syphon restored but I have no idea what the problem is that causes the loss of syphon in the first place. I have replaced the air hoses from the tank to the aqualift as well as cleaned out the nipple on the overflow (where the air line attaches) Neither looked faulty/dirty but did to rule out - and the problem has continued.

I am debating about:

1) purchasing a new aqualift pump since that seems to be the potential source of problem (?). A pump should certainly last more than a few months, so I'm not sure if it is the problem...and it seems to work after messing with it (not sure what is going on here).

2) evaluating other overflows that don't require a pump to maintain reliable syphon (any recommendations...?)

I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on how to solve this problem.

Thanks!

[wanareef]

Sounds like you need a regular overflow without the CPR style. I made this for a fellow reefer that wanted a lot of flow for his tank, but did not want to drill the tank. You'll have to use "U" tubes inplace of that CPR. It's just two boxes, one inside the other outside and the "U" tube to bring the water up and over.

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/at...chmentid=17869

Have you considered drilling your tank? It has been done with fish and corals in the tank, you just drop the level down a little past where you are drilling your holes.

Then you can use one/two of these http://barraquatic.com/overflows.htm and it'll look like this http://barraquatic.com/overflows.htm with a modified stockman on the outside and no noise.