about overflow boxes
- Thread starter tangov559
- Start date
graveyardworm
Premium Member
I would stay away from the CPR overflows, they do work but require additional equipment to work correctly long term. The most reliable hang on overflows are the ones with a U tube. Amiricle made them, although I heard they've been discontinued. Also lifereef makes a U tube style. http://lifereef.com click on prefilter/siphon box.
Of coarse the best/safest way to go would be to have the tank drilled.
Of coarse the best/safest way to go would be to have the tank drilled.
graveyardworm
Premium Member
I bought my Amiricle one here http://aquacorals.com/ShopOverflows.htm although it seems as though Amiricle has limited the styles, mine is a 1200 GPH double U tube.
Avi
Premium Member
I have two Amiracles on my reef tank, and they are thoroughly reliable. Whichever overflow you get, make sure you understand precisely what they do and the simple way in which they work and you'll be completely satisfied. I agree, though, that you ought to go with the kind that has the U-Tube like the Amiracle or Lifereef since there's no particular benefit you'd get from the somewhat more complicated CPR on a 55-gallon tank.
okay, thanks. Let give you guys my situation. i want to upgrade to a 90 gallon, but i wanted to make sure i have experienced how to do a sump and stuff like that. I am not planning to get a new tank till like next year. I dont even know what else i need to setup the sump other then the tank and the overflow, and maybe a pump to pump the water back. where do i get all the tubes and stuff like that? im very lost when it come to the accessories
xtrstangx
Premium Member
Any U-tube overflow works, IME.
As long as the side of the U-tube that remains in the tank starts below the teeth of the overflow.
And as long as the side of the U-tube out of the tank has a baffle between it and the drain (or the drain/standpipe) takes water from above the end of the U-tube.
As long as the side of the U-tube that remains in the tank starts below the teeth of the overflow.
And as long as the side of the U-tube out of the tank has a baffle between it and the drain (or the drain/standpipe) takes water from above the end of the U-tube.
Avi
Premium Member
If you run a 55-gallon tank, one overflow would be fine, but if you do wind up going to a 90-gallon tank and it's 48-inches long, I would suggest using two overflows.
With regard to the tubing...you will have to have a waterpump to send the water from your sump back to the main tank. There are different ways of plumbing that. For instance you can use PVC or nylon tubing. You can get that kind of tubing at any decent fish store, any of the "catalog" websites and even Home Depot type stores. When you are ready to do it, just post here in RC and there'll be plenty of help.
With regard to the tubing...you will have to have a waterpump to send the water from your sump back to the main tank. There are different ways of plumbing that. For instance you can use PVC or nylon tubing. You can get that kind of tubing at any decent fish store, any of the "catalog" websites and even Home Depot type stores. When you are ready to do it, just post here in RC and there'll be plenty of help.
Matt Rise
New member
I have used both, IMO the CPR was nicer because it has a nipple built in, where you run an air line down to a Rio pump in the sump, which provides constant suction. Consequently, I am selling both my Amiracle and CPR hang on overflows, as I will be upgrading to a drilled tank. Just my .02
I have a single overflow box on my 55. No brand name as I bought it used and no idea. I have a mag 7 for a return and I am sure it can handle a little larger. The only problem I have is algae building up in the U-tube. Have to take it out every now and then to clean. I bought it from a guy that had it on a 90 or so I think. It's been too long.
JR
JR
Mykayel
New member
I also have a an ebay Quietflow 600. Many people will say they are cheaply made and you should stay away from them. I completely disagree. While they aren't made of 1/4" acrylic, they are plenty thick and work just as well as any other "U" tube overflow. Any U tube won't loose its syphon either like the CPR type will.
radone
New member
Why don't you drill it? Then use the 55 as your sump for the 90 it could save you some money down the road. Less carpet damage to.
There's mixed reviews on those hang on overflows, and from what I've seen I wouldn't trust my tank, especially if I went on vacation.
There's many ways to do things in this hobby so you have some room to learn and decided what works for me might not work for you.
Good Luck and if you need help just ask I'm sure people will chime in.
There's mixed reviews on those hang on overflows, and from what I've seen I wouldn't trust my tank, especially if I went on vacation.
There's many ways to do things in this hobby so you have some room to learn and decided what works for me might not work for you.
Good Luck and if you need help just ask I'm sure people will chime in.
Drilling is a great idea for a new tank. not very good for one that is up and running. The idea of tearing down my established 90G tank with 120# of LR, sand, fully stocked with coral and fish is not very appealing.
A good HOB overflow is perfectly reliable. I've never had even the slightest issue, except when I had a POS CPR box. Got rid of it and all has been fine since. I regularly take 2 week vacations without worry. The HOB overflow is never even a thought.
A good HOB overflow is perfectly reliable. I've never had even the slightest issue, except when I had a POS CPR box. Got rid of it and all has been fine since. I regularly take 2 week vacations without worry. The HOB overflow is never even a thought.