U-Tube hang-on overflows?

[jpeggerling]

I found a guy on Craigslist here in AZ that is selling hang-on overflow boxes. I have heard alot of bad thing about the U-Tube styles. Do any of you guys/girls have any luck with them? Its going to be for my 20 gal. With a 10 gal fuge.

 

[1SickReefer]

I believe you have that backwards, U-tube style overflows are far more reliable than models such as the CPR's that require a small pump to keep syphon... I had a U-tube ov for ever and not once did it loose syphon due to a power outage etc.

 

[jpeggerling]

Really? So in a power outage it will keep it syphon? Thats good to hear.

 

[1SickReefer]

Absolutely, the U-tube style overflows will definitely keep their syphon in a power outage, when you turn it off to feed etc..

Lifereef makes one of the best overflows in the hobby, check em out!

 

[1SickReefer]

Here is a link.

http://www.lifereef.com/frame.html

 

[jpeggerling]

This is what the guy has to offer. What do you think? They are real cheap.

 

[1SickReefer]

I stopped using U-tube overflows along time ago. Been RR tanks for some time. Perhaps some current U-tube OV users could chime in with their thoughts?

 

[clowninaround74]

it might be true that during a power outage the u tubes will keep their siphon, but your pump will be off so you have no return. If for any reason your sump is full or a little undersized it can flood very easially. The CPR overflows are more convienent for the fact that all you have to do to get siphon again is suck on this littke tube that is on the top of the overflow or purchace their luft pump that does that for you. Again the u tubes might keep syphon during an outage...might....they also are known for loosing siphon randomly, and then you have a flooded tank which is no good. The CPR is guaranteed a continuious siphon. IMO i would avoid any and all u tube overflows.... just my .02

~Randall~

 

[1SickReefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8355856#post8355856 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clowninaround74
it might be true that during a power outage the u tubes will keep their siphon, but your pump will be off so you have no return. If for any reason your sump is full or a little undersized it can flood very easially. The CPR overflows are more convienent for the fact that all you have to do to get siphon again is suck on this littke tube that is on the top of the overflow or purchace their luft pump that does that for you. Again the u tubes might keep syphon during an outage...might....they also are known for loosing siphon randomly, and then you have a flooded tank which is no good. The CPR is guaranteed a continuious siphon. IMO i would avoid any and all u tube overflows.... just my .02

~Randall~

The CPR is guaranteed a continuos syphon? That's is a new one to me and many other reefers!! Loosing syphon randomly??? This forum is littered with folks that have had floods with the CPR, can you point me to one post that a U-tube failed and lost syphon?

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=674808&highlight=CPR+flood

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=866940&highlight=CPR+AND+Flood

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=883250&highlight=CPR+AND+flood

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=791781&highlight=CPR+AND+flood

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=776607&highlight=CPR+AND+flood

Again, jpeg, get a U-tube, there are way more accounts of CPR's having problems. Any experienced reefer will tell you than any overflow that requires a pump to keep its syphon is junk.

 

[roader247]

I used a U-Tube for about 5 years and then I switched to CPR both were OK I liked the CPR better. But I really prefer RR now good luck

 

[RFC]

I have been using a Lifereef hob U tude overflow for the past 5 months. I shut off my sump 2 times a day for feeding and never had a problem with losing syphon. Lifereef boxes are expensive but the quality is there.

 

[clowninaround74]

sick....you have your opinions and i have mine. I feel the CPR is a better quality overflow but you can think what you want

 

[1SickReefer]

It's not about what "I" think. CPR's track record speaks for itself. Have you looked at the 5 links above, that is what I found on this board in less than 10mins? It's a simple fact that more floods are caused by the poor design of the CPR than the U-tube.

 

[dgin]

I've used the Amiracle U-tube overflows for a few years and they worked flawlessly for me. You do need to have decent flow going through the tube so bubbles can't accumulate in the U-tube.

I never used the CPR units but have heard many horror stories on the boards here about them. With a pump to suck the air out, its just another possible point of failure. I'm sure some folks have used them successfully but many have not.

The pics of the overflows you posted look like they should work fine. The one to pick would depend on how much flow you want to support. A standard single U-tube with single 1" drain can support about 600-700GPH.