Not just another drill the tank question

[drouner]

I just installed a CPR overflow box for a sump. Now I am afraid to go to bed. Now it is flushing every 5 minutes. And I'm worried about it clogging or failing some where down the road. Overflux boxes don't have the best reputations.

I should have drilled the tank last year before I put it up but I didn't. Hind sight is 20/20.

Has anybody ever drilled their tank with live stock in it? Of course I would drain the tank down as much as I could.

 

[flyyyguy]

Set up right with a aqualifter pump or a powerhead with a venturi, CPR's are pretty reliable. I used them for a couple of years on different systems and never had a problem. It shouldnt be "flushing" every few minutes if set up right.


That being said, drilling of course is a better way to go. I know people have drilled their tanks with water in it......but i never have and dont really think its a good idea. Someone else can give you some experienced input on that.

 

[sjm817]

The CPR is a terrible design. An Aqualfter is a band aid fix that doesnt always work. A very common problem is the air nipple clogging on the box rendering the Aqualifter useless.

People have drilled a running tank, but IMO, it is risky. I would (actually, I did) replace the CPR with a good overflow. Put a Lifereef on there and problems are gone. I had mine for over two years without even the slightest hitch. The CPR failed twice in 3 months.

 

[drouner]

Thanks flyyguy...........I guess the overflux box takes a little more TLC.

I think the flushing is caused by the flex tubing being too long with several "S" curves creating back pressure.

 

[flyyyguy]

I never actually used the aqualifter pumps...i have heard other people use those instead of a venturi like i always used.

I never had a problem with mine hooked up to a venturi in the couple years I used them on 2 different tanks. Its been a while though.

I wouldnt doubt there are better overflow boxes.

Regardless......drilling the tank would be your best bet......even if you had to empty the thing. A 58 gallon isnt so bad if that is the tank we are talking about.

 

[sjm817]

Look at people's exp with the overflows as a whole. Many people have had CPRs fail, they have a very bad reputation for good reason. Lifereef overflows have a stellar reputation also for good reason. CPR requires a pump to be added to maintain siphon. A Lifereef (or any other U Tube overflow) does not.

 

[drouner]

It is a 58 gallon tank............

 

[toungetwster]

I started with Cpr and had nothing but problems and did have a flood! Just lucky that I came home from work within just a matter of a minute after it had started to overflow. I tried changing aqualifter pumps etc. I finally wized up and bought a Lifereef! The best choice I've ever made!

 

[Rick2203]

i have a lifereef on a 58g oceanic, and its the best thing i could have ever bought, its super sturdy, doesnt lose syphon if you have a power outage, very reliable, a little pricey but well worth it.