Lifereef Overflow Advice Needed

[Mtown]

ANyone know about the lifereef overflow box?

I know one of its benefits is its partition on the outside box which allows the utube to be submerged in water when the power goes out, thus not losing siphon when the power goes back on,

however what about air bubbles? Wouldn't the Utube lose siphon when the tube gets alot of air bubbles?

Also is the Amiricle overflow box similar to lifereef because I don't want to spend so much on the lifereef version.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[sjm817]

The bubbles dont accumulate in the U Tube. They just get blown right through. I've owned both the Amiracle and Lifereef. Both are very good, but the Lifereef will flow ~ 2x what the Amiracle will. What pump are you using?

 

[reefkeeper1]

You just need a pump strong enough to produce sufficient water velocity through the tube to blow out any bubbles that might accumulate at the top of the tube.

 

[luke33]

Here's where i got my overflow. Same setup as a lifereef and very nice. And i wouldn't spend $200 on some cheap acrilic. http://yhst-66907246933688.stores.yahoo.net/index.html

 

[sjm817]

That Hurricane is no Lifreef. Big difference in quality and actual flow capability. The single LR is $120.

 

[bpulmano]

I have the Hurricane overflow too.. But I'm ready to start looking around for a new one. I don't like the size of the pre-filter box and I wonder if it actually does 600 GPH..

 

[sjm817]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8943205#post8943205 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bpulmano
I wonder if it actually does 600 GPH..

It doesn't

 

[luke33]

Great Opinions! Its all a personal preference. If i'm pushin 300gph, do i want to pay 40 or 120? If i'm pushin 800 to i want to pay 60 or 200? I understand you get what you pay for. But its an argument that will go around in circles. Mtown, get what you want.

 

[Paulairduck]

lifereef

lifereef

The lifereef is better in all area's and it is worth every penny. It flows more than other hang on skimmers, the construction is top notch, the customer service is also great and 1 big thing that has not been mentioned is the skimmer box is deeper than all the others, so you get a better surface layer skim, and if you run a protein skimmer, this is a must.

 

[luke33]

To some yes, to others no.

 

[sjm817]

The design that gives the LR overflow better flow than other makes is also what makes them so reliable. In a siphon overflow, nothing is more important than that.

 

[dhnguyen]

The LR units do flow more BUT.... Why on earth do you need to flow THAT much through your sump? Lower flow throughput will increase your skimmer efficiency as well as reduce any micro bubbles throught eh sump and fuge.

Don't get me wrong I think LR makes very nice overflows but they are ridiculously expensive for not much more than a plastic box and a u tube.

 

[rleechb]

When I purchased my LR overflow, the only reason I purchased it over a knockoff, was peace of mind. I've never heard anyone having a single flood while running a LR, and for a HOB overflow, that's the most important thing, imo. As low tech as it is, I'd pony up an extra 50 bucks to not have to worry. Furthermore, they come with black or blue acrylic for the prefilter box, which is kinda nice

 

[Paulairduck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8945830#post8945830 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by luke33
To some yes, to others no.

Nothing in this hobby that is the best, is CHEAP!!

This is one thing my bank account learns every month.

 

[dhnguyen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8946049#post8946049 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Paulairduck
Nothing in this hobby that is the best, is CHEAP!!

This is one thing my bank account learns every month.

The "best" is open for interpretation IMO.

I have seen and use many DIY reef equipments that are much better built and designed than the so called "best" commercial units. That and they were cheaper to build even.


D.

 

[luke33]

Yes, there is no such thing as best in this world, only preference, and my preference isn't a piece of plastic that costs $200. If it were a skimmer or something like that i'd pay but not for an overflow.

 

[sjm817]

Why do you keep posting that they cost $200? The one that most people use is the $120 model. There are lots of posts of people with siphon overflow issues. They are not from Lifereef owners. I have personally used CPR, Amiracle and Lifereef. I have a friend that has a dual Hurricane. The LR is far and away the best one out of them.

Use what you like. The small difference in price for a quality, reliable overflow is a drop in the bucket.

 

[46bfinGA]

Lifereef products are worth the money.well built and will not have any issues down the road. yes they may cost more then others but once you get your hands on one then you can feel the difference in quality IMO. Yes DIY may be cheaper or whatever ,but the point is most people dont have the time or the tools to DIY everything. Look for a used lifereef overflow on the sale forum they are on there all the time.

 

[luke33]

SMJ, here's the site. For the dual overflow. 199.99 http://www.lifereef.com/siphon.html This is what i'm talking about. For a large tank, there's a huge difference in price. I'm sure the lifereef is better, i'm just letting Mtown know there are other options as he/she is looking for a cheaper alternative, it sounds. It doesn't matter to me if its better, i know it is, but i don't need that much flow, and with other u-tube overflows, you won't lose a syphon either, and if you do, you should be prepared for the extra water syphoned out in your sump. That way you never have a mess.

 

[sjm817]

Yes, I realize that and there is a single $120 too. Why do you only post the expensive one and pretend the other one doesn't exist? You are trying to make it look more expensive than it really is.

The single will flow 700GPH. Using the 3 - 5x display formula, That would suffice for a 140 - 230 G tank.