CPR or Eshopps overflow?

[wkahwkah]

I acquired both overflows for dirty cheap to add sump to
my current 46G bowfront (have hang on back fuge, skimmer atm)
So I was wondering which overflow would be bulletproof/better out of those 2? for CPR, I do need to get aqua lifter but where I live rarely gets electricity randomly go out so I am leaning towards cpr than eshopps.

What do u guys think?

 

[tpenn187]

you can run an aqua lifter in either design. i have set up 2 eshopps and i like they way they work. if you use an aqualifter they are pretty much fool proof.

 

[sjm817]

Your overflow should not rely on an external pump to keep a siphon running. The CPR requires it which is a problem. The Eshopps is a U Tube overflow, so it should keep a siphon on its own without the aid of a vacuum pump.

 

[wkahwkah]

That's what I was wondering.. even though CPR requires pump, where I live is very stable in terms of electricity loss, might be almost bulletproof. and the reason I prefer CPR was I heard Eshopps is bit loud during operation?

 

[sjm817]

The CPR needs that pump to run all the time. A failure scenario is not limited to during a power failure. If the pump fails, air nipple clogs (very common, airline clogs or leaks, it will cause a problem. A reliable overflow has no moving parts, no active components, nothing that needs to be "plugged in".

The EShopps do also get mixed reviews. Some people have great luck with them. Some do not. Which model is it?

 

[cnaegler]

Do yourself a favor and get a u-tube design. I have CPR's on all three of my tanks and i wouldn't waste the effort to throw them in the yard. They are junk. I've had all three lose suction because of the stupid aqualifter and flood everything more than once! It doesn't matter if you lose power or not, these things are junk. Do yourself a favor and get a Lifereef overflow... I just ordered mine. I've heard many good things about them here on RC. After 20 + years in business they've never had a failure to re-start.

 

[wkahwkah]

alright thanks guys
I will go w/ U tube overflow

 

[E.intheC]

I would actually suggest getting a Lifereef overflow. They have nothing but great reviews. I just got mine and it looks really well built.

 

[staninct]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15029327#post15029327 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by E.intheC
I would actually suggest getting a Lifereef overflow. They have nothing but great reviews. I just got mine and it looks really well built.

What he said. Sell them both and buy a Lifereef. Great build quality, easy to use and clean, and have a zero failiure rate (no lifter pump ever required either).

 

[dj9264]

You need a good amount of water going though the Eshopps units otherwise air biulds in the U-tubes.

 

[Uncle Salty 05]

CPR's or Weir styles are better looking, quieter and more efficient.
I have been using a CPR for over 10 years without a single problem.
U tubes on the other hand are a royal PIA, they trap bubbles and in most cases you wind up needing an aqualifter anyway.

 

[Toddrtrex]

I have been using my LifeReef (( U-tube )) for 7+ years, and have never once had an issue with it.

I have never found it to be a PITA, and using an aqualifter on it would defeat the whole purpose of getting an U-tube.

If I ever get another tank that isn't reef-ready, and drilling isn't an option, I would get another LifeReef without even thinking about it. You couldn't pay me to use the CPR one.

 

[mg426]

If you intend to run a CPR model overflow, I would buy flood insurance.

 

[catfisher]

I've used a U-tube overflow for about 3 years and never had a problem with it losing suction.

 

[rhkingsfan]

I have the Eshops single bulkhead 800gph running on my 100 gallon. I've had it for over a year and although it doesn't ever lose suction, you have to clean the U-tube every so often because of algae buildup.

I got it on sale at Dr. Fosters for like $50. The problem with Life Reef is that they are soo expensive. I know you get what you pay for, by Eshopps has not failed me. I bought a CPR a couple of years back and used if for a week. It was fine, but then I started reading that it would fail if the aqualifter failed, so I shelved it.

 

[au01st]

I've been running an Eshopps on my 75 since September. It has never lost suction unless I remove the tube for cleaning. I installed a Hofer Gurgle Buster and the sound from the overflow is less noticeable than the fan in my light fixture.

 

[sjm817]

You absolutely DO NOT need an Aqualifter with a U Tube overflow. In fact, you should never need one, nor should you ever use one if you want a reliable system. A vacuum pump to remove air accumulation is a band aid. If your U Tube collects air, it doesn't have enough flow through it, or is a very poorly designed unit, or both.

A CPR on the other hand ALWAYS requires a vacuum pump because it ALWAYS accumulates air.