Overflow Box Discussion

[E.intheC]

I'm thinking of adding a Christmas Tree stand to my 30 gallon cube tank, but I don't want to drill it.

I'd like to use an overflow box, but Im concerned about their reputation to cause flooding.

Any tips/suggestions/models/etc. that you'd like to share will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

PS.. please don't say 'just drill it'..

 

[MatthewLaw]

i have an eshopps 800 and am very pleased. took some time to get everything setup but works very well and no issues!

 

[E.intheC]

funny, I was actually looking at those eshopps overflows. Even though I've read a ton, I still feel like such a noob with overflows, plumbing, and sumps..lol..

 

[screwtape]

I've heard good things about the lifereef overflows as well as eshopps. No personal experience, but probably worth looking into.

 

[E.intheC]

I wonder if it'll help to double up on the overflow boxes..?

 

[patsfan1130]

I have Lifereef overflows on all of my "un drilled" customers tanks. I have never had one fail....ever

 

[E.intheC]

patsfan.. do you have any tips as to why they haven't failed? I have heard a lot of them do, so I'm just trying to get a handle on the 'why' so it doesn't happen to me.

Thanks!

 

[MatthewLaw]

no fail = sufficient flow throw the U tube so no bubbles develop. development of bubbles usually results in loss of siphon.

 

[patsfan1130]

Agreed, providing the proper size return pump is utilized. But lifereef does offer a nano overflow for smaller applications. I believe the minimum flow for their non nano product is 200 gph.

Life reef is a simple U tube design, no pumps, no nipples, no moving parts to fail. there are other U tube design overflows but IMO..Lifereef's quality is 2nd to none when it comes to overflows. I always would much rather prefer a RR tank. but since that isnt an option here....

 

[sjm817]

There are also design differences between Lifereef and other U Tube overflows that make them work better.

 

[E.intheC]

I took a few mins tonight to take a look at their web page. They look good. I mean.. I can't really tell the difference, :lol: but they <i>look</i> good. They're a bit pricey though.. $110 for the single?

 

[Jayhawker518]

I have a lifereef overflow on my 120. I love it, i was skeptical like you were as well since i didnt want the ocean all over my floor. I tested it numerous times before i put everything in and not once did it fail. The U tube design is amazing and keeps siphon really well because of the blocked wall on the non-tank side.
I would suggest making the purchase it will make your life much easier, instead of drilling.

 

[E.intheC]

[welcome]

Jayhawker518; I notice you're from Saratoga.. I just moved here from Albany.. lived in two sep towns up there (Latham and Guilderland).

I liked it, and miss the good LFS's like Eddies and the one in East Greenbush.

Thanks for the advice on the overflow. It seems like everyone loves these things.

Is it worth it to get the dual overflow?

 

[bayoupr]

I run a Eshopps 1000 dual on my 125 with a quiet one 6000 for my return pump. Never had any flooding problems. I run my water level 1" from the top of my tank in case my siphon ever stopped (never has), this is my safe zone. I have also tested my sump fill by killing my pump and have plenty of room for the extra water that drains back.

 

[Toddrtrex]

I have a LifeReef in my 75, and an Eshopps on my 30 cube.

The Lifereef has been with mine for 7+ years, and has never once given me an issues. The eshopps had to be modified so that it wouldn't lose siphon when the main pump was shut off. Sure it works now, but if I had to do it all over again I would get another Lifereef.

 

[sjm817]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14746237#post14746237 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by E.intheC
Is it worth it to get the dual overflow? [/B]

Only if you need more than the 600 GPH of the single.

 

[MatthewLaw]

i have not had any issues with my eshopps 800, using a mag 5 as a return.

 

[bayoupr]

The only difference I see from the Ehopps and the Lifereef is a huge price difference. My eshoppes has been running for about a year now and two hurricanes later I have yet to lose the siphon except when I pull the u-tubes to clean them.

 

[MatthewLaw]

how often do you need to pull the overflow's U tube??

 

[sjm817]

There is a design difference between the Eshopps and the Lifereef that is not apparent unless you know what you are looking for.

Every U Tube overfflow has an inner box, outer box and a U Tube between them. There is more to it than that. There are physics that determine how strong a siphon is. Lifereef paid more attention to this in their design than others.