overflow question

[bear8460]

I have a 125 FOWLR and a DSB. I would like to add a sump/refugium under the tank. Can anyone recommend a good overflow box? I have heard mixed reviews on the CPR, not sure I want to go that route. Any other comments would be appreciated.
Drilling my tank is not an option at this time.

[jcato]

you should get a lifereef, it has a divider in the outside box to keep the u-tube from loosing siphon. you will sleep better at night not having to worrie about it. CPR overflows are not recomended unless you like to live on the edge>>>>>hahahaha

john

[Doug1]

I would second the Lifereef suggestion, its a sound principal I am familiar and comfortable, I don't like relying on a pHead to maintain siphon

[Wrasse Man]

I agree with what Doug and John have said. I use an Amiracle overflow, but it the same thing as a Lifereef. I have never had any problems with it ->knock on wood.

[bear8460]

Thanks for the responses. I checked out LifeReef and it looks like the way to go.

[Doug1]

I have also used the Amiracle, works well. The life reef is an upscale unit that offers higher flow capabilities (Amiracle max's at about 400 gph). The trick is to decide the flow rate you want and select a pump that will be real close, even if you have to throttle it back a bit. On the submerged U-tube siphons you need to keep the flow rate up so that any transient bubbles will blow right on thru, other than that they are water locked so that the siphon effect is instantanious unlike the CPR style that requires a power head venturi to restart the siphon

[bear8460]

I was looking at the Mag9.5. It's rated for 800gph @ 4' head. I have to go about 4.5-5'. Thought this one would do the trick based on the LifeReef 700gph rating. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[kestrel]

Where do you get a Lifereef overflow?

[Wrasse Man]

LifeReef

[asmith]

I wish I had asked about this before I purchased my CPR overflow. I have not had any problems with it yet, but I do worry about it often while I am at work. I will probably be upgrading to a Life Reef in the relatively near future.

Andrew

[Jacy]

Would the slim model of Lifereef overflow box be too much for a 35 gallon tank? What pump would you recommend?

Thanks,
Todd

[thefatman]

hmm i haven't been able to find a picture of what the cpr overflows look like or how they work, but the overflow/prefilter that came with my aqua clear wet/dry LOOKS just like the same thing as the life reef overflows.

is it the same?

i read a lot of the testimonials and i too would be scared about using a cpr..

my AC model has an internal skimmer box, with slots cut in it for the water to flow in. the external box has a prefilter sponge and the hose line going down. joining the two isa "U" shaped piece of acrilic tube. as i said this looks jsut like the life reef types.


am i safe? can i sleep well at night??

[Doug1]

http://www.cpraquatic.com/products/overflows.html

[Doug1]

From Lifereef site
* Large 1 1/8" ID siphon tube flows an average of 700 gph. Double-prefilter box flows 1400+ gph.
* Clear siphon tube so you can see any algae growth or blockage before trouble starts.
* Auto-start when power resumes after power out or pump shut-off, guaranteed.
* 1 1/2" vertical adjustment on inner prefilter box.
* Inner box cannot be knocked out of vertical alignment.
* Will not overflow, even if foam element is dirty.
* Easily cleaned foam filter element.
* 1" male thread output fitting and included barbed attachment fitting. Can be used on any filter or sump.
* Output fitting is bonded to the prefilter box, not a bulkhead that can leak.
* Fits all aquarium rims and can also be made to fit acrylic aquarium rims.
* Colors available are: clear (standard), blue and black (inner box only).
* 4" space behind aquarium rim required and 3" for the Slimline model.

Dimensions for Standard Prefilter Box: 6 1/2" wide x 11" tall x 4". A 4" space is needed behind the tank rim.

Dimensions for Slimline Prefilter Box: 6 1/2" wide x 11" tall x 3". A 3" space is needed behind the tank rim. You could use a smaller hose barb on the outflow and a skinnier U tube to slow down the flowrate. I am not sure how they get nearly double flow thru this compared to the Amiracle

[thefatman]

cool thanks doug. my prefilter and overflow look nothing like the cpr. but look almsot identical design as the lifereef type. perhaps different dimensions. mine has the u shaped tube and i guess it would be about 1 - 1 1/4 inch in diameter. the flex tube to the wet dry is like 3 inches or so. sorry don't have my tape handy.

overall, i guess this means i can sleep easy!