CPR overflow
- Thread starter postalj
- Start date
TWallace
New member
I've heard bad things about them due to the fact they rely on a pump to remove air from the siphon. I've been using one for about 3 months, and the hose from the pump does occasionally clog, but it hasn't proved disastrous (tank didn't overflow). Mine only partially clogs, resulting in the overflow still flowing, but going slower than the return pump. This happens until the sump gets low on water and the pump starts pumping in air and water together, which slows the pumps output down so it can't overflow the tank.
If I had it to do over, I'd get the overflow with the U-tube that doesn't rely on a pump to keep the siphon going.
If I had it to do over, I'd get the overflow with the U-tube that doesn't rely on a pump to keep the siphon going.
reefdood
New member
CPR overflow lost siphon and overflowed many times for me. Lifereef u tube overflow got clogged with algae in the tube and lost siphon for me. Last setup was drilled and worked flawlessly with no maintenence needed. And siphon will ALWAYS start back after power out, in a drilled setup.
Drilled > u tube > CPR overflow
Drilled > u tube > CPR overflow
ReeferMO85
New member
![url]](/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2F%5Burl%5Dhttp%3A%2F%2Freefcentral.com%2Fgallery%2Fdata%2F500%2F127640CR1513.jpg%5B%2Furl%5D&hash=ebc3183d45087334e59496e551892408)
Could you elaborate more please? I am thinking about purchasing one soon.
What do you mean they have to use a pump? I thought hang-on overflows were gravity operated.
Also how does it clog and where?
Would an automatic shut up that was hooked up in the main tank at high water level and to the return pump be easy to set-up?
I am gone for long periods of the day and cannot afford to have a tank overflow, or run dry and ruin my equipment.
Thanks a ton.
nathan_unsane
New member
on top of the u there where the black plasic peice is, (in the picture provided) there should be a tube that punches through. This tube will be to suck the air out from the U, which inturn will prime the unit. with out this prime there would be air traped in the U and will not work.
I have built my own hang on overflow, and up untill now i have been sucking the air out with my mouth to obtain prime. I have not built the sump yet so i'm not in any rush but I don't know anything about the pump and where to get it, so i'm curious to see where this discussion will lead.
I have built my own hang on overflow, and up untill now i have been sucking the air out with my mouth to obtain prime. I have not built the sump yet so i'm not in any rush but I don't know anything about the pump and where to get it, so i'm curious to see where this discussion will lead.
I got one about 6 months ago for my 120g and added a sump and fuge.
Mine works well, better than any of the u-tubes I used in the jurasic age.
I can't imagine that technology has improved the u- tube ):
I still get a small amout of air in the bend, but I just tilt the box up momentarily and let the pump suck out the air.
Oh yea, no sucking on an airline, or worse, and getting a mouthfull, even when the overflow is empty. the pump does it.
Mine works well, better than any of the u-tubes I used in the jurasic age.
I can't imagine that technology has improved the u- tube ):
I still get a small amout of air in the bend, but I just tilt the box up momentarily and let the pump suck out the air.
Oh yea, no sucking on an airline, or worse, and getting a mouthfull, even when the overflow is empty. the pump does it.
nathan_unsane
New member
what pump and where can you get one?
*sorry for hijacking*
*sorry for hijacking*
TWallace
New member
This is the pump they recommend for the CPR overflows. I use one on mine. It can pump either water or air safely, which makes it ideal for maintaining a siphon in the CPR style overflow. It's very low flow. Unfortunately the intake is easily clogged, resulting in reduced siphon flow.
I installed my overflow on a slight incline so that air is forced over to the left side (where the pump hose attaches). That way air can't build up very much before it gets sucked out.
I installed my overflow on a slight incline so that air is forced over to the left side (where the pump hose attaches). That way air can't build up very much before it gets sucked out.
This is what I have.
http://cgi.ebay.com/CPR-C90-Siphon-...3QQihZ018QQcategoryZ20758QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Yea mine is tilted too but I still get some air.
Probably from surface agitation.
http://cgi.ebay.com/CPR-C90-Siphon-...3QQihZ018QQcategoryZ20758QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Yea mine is tilted too but I still get some air.
Probably from surface agitation.
outy
New member
heres how to set one up
#1 put the aqualifter down by your sump so that gravity takes over this way the only time you need the pump is for power failure
#2 always use the prefilter for 2-3 bucks its worth it
#3 in my sump i built a baffle so if for some reason something goes wrong only so much water can be pumped into the tank [wont overflow] and i still have a 2-3 day window on top off,s
#4 spend a few bucks and put in a durso standpipe or a stockman if you dont now you will after listening to it gurgle and flush on you lol make sure your drain into your sump is only about an inch deep in your sump or you will get flushing
#1 put the aqualifter down by your sump so that gravity takes over this way the only time you need the pump is for power failure
#2 always use the prefilter for 2-3 bucks its worth it
#3 in my sump i built a baffle so if for some reason something goes wrong only so much water can be pumped into the tank [wont overflow] and i still have a 2-3 day window on top off,s
#4 spend a few bucks and put in a durso standpipe or a stockman if you dont now you will after listening to it gurgle and flush on you lol make sure your drain into your sump is only about an inch deep in your sump or you will get flushing
ReeferMO85
New member
Is it easy to make a shut off switch and attach it to the return pump incase the cpr overflows?
ReeferMO85
New member
nobody knows? or cares i guess : (
ReeferMO85
New member
How do you hook up a float switch to a return pump?
Sorry for being so clueless.
Sorry for being so clueless.
DaveBrader
Registered Member
I have been using CPR overflows for almost three years now. I have never had a problem with them. I use the prefilter and aqualifter pumps. I have extra pumps, and extra prefilters, and part of my monthly maintenance is to change out the aqualifter pump and prefilter. Both are very inexpensive so keeping extras onhand is not expensive. Then I have time to clean them at my leisure so they are ready the next time.
My experience is this. The flow thru the aqualifter has to be completely dead for there to be a problem maintaining siphon. If there is any flow at all thru the aqualifter it does what it is supposed to do. The discharge line from the aqualifter pump is in a location that I can see it during feeding time. So everyday twice a day I see the flow coming out of the aqualifter pump. It is very apparent when the flow starts decreasing and a monthly change out schedule seems to work very well. It only takes minutes to do this, as long as you have fresh clean aqualifter and prefilter ready to replace the dirty ones.
I still have all my original aqualifter pumps and prefilters. Regular cleaning with vinegar has kept the like new.
The required maintenance is real not much at all, and the very best part is the footprint of the overflow in the tank is awesome. Once the overflow covered in coraline it is hardly noticable in my tanks. The flow is very good for the size of the overflow. I have never regretted going with CPR overflows.
All that being said, my next tank will be drilled with a Calfo Style overflow box completely across the back of the tank.
Dave
My experience is this. The flow thru the aqualifter has to be completely dead for there to be a problem maintaining siphon. If there is any flow at all thru the aqualifter it does what it is supposed to do. The discharge line from the aqualifter pump is in a location that I can see it during feeding time. So everyday twice a day I see the flow coming out of the aqualifter pump. It is very apparent when the flow starts decreasing and a monthly change out schedule seems to work very well. It only takes minutes to do this, as long as you have fresh clean aqualifter and prefilter ready to replace the dirty ones.
I still have all my original aqualifter pumps and prefilters. Regular cleaning with vinegar has kept the like new.
The required maintenance is real not much at all, and the very best part is the footprint of the overflow in the tank is awesome. Once the overflow covered in coraline it is hardly noticable in my tanks. The flow is very good for the size of the overflow. I have never regretted going with CPR overflows.
All that being said, my next tank will be drilled with a Calfo Style overflow box completely across the back of the tank.
Dave
CoolUsername
New member
Don't worry about it. This one isn't obvious. Basically a float switch controls power to the pump switching it on or off. Check here for more info.
http://autotopoff.com/products.html
In the case of an overflow detection switch, when the float in the main tank rises to a certain level, the switch opens turning off power to the main pump in the sump. This prevents your main tank from overflowing and ruining your carpet or downstairs ceiling and potentially saving your main pump.
