ReefMeister2
Premium Member
Modified dual "Lifereef Overflow" (slimline model) 2,000 gph and TOTALLY silent!
Well....
I've had some unbelievable luck lately with my customized systems (see "The Lazy Reefkeeper" series) so I want to continue sharing my experiences as they are presented, tested and proven in battle. Though I don't think this thread justifies the title of "Episode IV" of the Lazy Reefkeeper series, (because of its specialized nature) nonetheless, I do know that alot of people out there are still having major overflow noise issues; so I want to help by showing the modifications that worked for me.
Issue #1:
I wanted more flow capabilities than the stock Lifereef overflow(1400 gph) was designed for.
I am running dual Quiet One 6000 pumps, each rated at 1500+ gph. I estimate an approximate net flow (after head loss) of around 2,000 gph, in aggregate, when both pumps are wide open.
Issue #2:
Noise suppression
So... please allow me to present some modifications I have done to my overflow to combat these issues. Yes, I have considered both the "Durso" and "Stockman" devices, but neither of these mods would address issue #1 above.
Ironically, I found that the more flow that I was able to achieve, the quieter my overflow became. Eventually I was able to fine-tune the device to the point where it is now ABSOLUTELY SILENT!
Sooooo, here we go:
Here is a standard view showing the overflow box as it is seen from the front of my reef. Notice that the drains are completely stock with the lifereef risers provided by the manufacturer. There was no need of any type of noise suppression device.
Here is a top view showing the first obvious modification: I Added a second pair of U-tubes to the filter to accomodate faster water transfer from the inner box to the outer box. Only three tubes were neccessary to provide the results I was looking for...the fourth tube is a redundant backup. I am a HUGE believer in redundancy!
Here is a close-up view showing the overflow with all four tubes in action. Notice the white bulkhead-looking device in the upper left corner. This is the second modification that I added.
This is a closeup of the drain/vent that I created for the outer box. Remember how the "vent" in a standard bathroom sink or tub drain works?: not only does it increase velocity by venting the drain, thus preventing a vacuum effect, but also provides an axilliary overflow should the water level rise to a dangerous height. Same exact thinking is incorporated here.
And here is the backside view of the overflow showing 1-1/2" ABS pipe and fittings that were used to create the vent/auxiliary overflow drain. This is attached to the bulkhead-type fitting seen in the previous photo; it then merges into the manifold going to the sump
This is a lower view showing the third and final modification: a common manifold constucted from 1-1/2" ABS fittings. The lifereef comes standard with dual 1" drains glued to the bottom of the outer box. I adapted these drains to attach to 1-1/2" ABS which then merges into a single 1-1/2" drain heading out to the sump in my garage. The ABS sweeps completely eliminate any sharp 90s and elbows. Any potential backflow is greatly reduced by these fittings, (as opposed to using standard white PVC parts: Ts, elbows, etc).
And this is another regular view showing the dual Lifereef Overflow box doing its job....
only better!:
Well....
I've had some unbelievable luck lately with my customized systems (see "The Lazy Reefkeeper" series) so I want to continue sharing my experiences as they are presented, tested and proven in battle. Though I don't think this thread justifies the title of "Episode IV" of the Lazy Reefkeeper series, (because of its specialized nature) nonetheless, I do know that alot of people out there are still having major overflow noise issues; so I want to help by showing the modifications that worked for me.
Issue #1:
I wanted more flow capabilities than the stock Lifereef overflow(1400 gph) was designed for.
I am running dual Quiet One 6000 pumps, each rated at 1500+ gph. I estimate an approximate net flow (after head loss) of around 2,000 gph, in aggregate, when both pumps are wide open.
Issue #2:
Noise suppression
So... please allow me to present some modifications I have done to my overflow to combat these issues. Yes, I have considered both the "Durso" and "Stockman" devices, but neither of these mods would address issue #1 above.
Ironically, I found that the more flow that I was able to achieve, the quieter my overflow became. Eventually I was able to fine-tune the device to the point where it is now ABSOLUTELY SILENT!
Sooooo, here we go:
Here is a standard view showing the overflow box as it is seen from the front of my reef. Notice that the drains are completely stock with the lifereef risers provided by the manufacturer. There was no need of any type of noise suppression device.
Here is a top view showing the first obvious modification: I Added a second pair of U-tubes to the filter to accomodate faster water transfer from the inner box to the outer box. Only three tubes were neccessary to provide the results I was looking for...the fourth tube is a redundant backup. I am a HUGE believer in redundancy!
Here is a close-up view showing the overflow with all four tubes in action. Notice the white bulkhead-looking device in the upper left corner. This is the second modification that I added.
This is a closeup of the drain/vent that I created for the outer box. Remember how the "vent" in a standard bathroom sink or tub drain works?: not only does it increase velocity by venting the drain, thus preventing a vacuum effect, but also provides an axilliary overflow should the water level rise to a dangerous height. Same exact thinking is incorporated here.
And here is the backside view of the overflow showing 1-1/2" ABS pipe and fittings that were used to create the vent/auxiliary overflow drain. This is attached to the bulkhead-type fitting seen in the previous photo; it then merges into the manifold going to the sump
This is a lower view showing the third and final modification: a common manifold constucted from 1-1/2" ABS fittings. The lifereef comes standard with dual 1" drains glued to the bottom of the outer box. I adapted these drains to attach to 1-1/2" ABS which then merges into a single 1-1/2" drain heading out to the sump in my garage. The ABS sweeps completely eliminate any sharp 90s and elbows. Any potential backflow is greatly reduced by these fittings, (as opposed to using standard white PVC parts: Ts, elbows, etc).
And this is another regular view showing the dual Lifereef Overflow box doing its job....
only better!:
Last edited:
We'll have to agree to disagree. Just wanted to make that point, do with it what you will.
