WTB HOB Overflow

[reefscape15]

I'm looking for something to run on my 54g. I don't have a sump made yet, but I'd like to at least get the ball rolling and pick up an overflow. I'm looking for something with a single 1" drain. I'd like one in the CPR/Reef Octo/LifeReef style, without a U-tube like the Eshopps style. If there's anything out there please let me know. Thanks!

 

[treefer]

from my experience the u tube overflows are worth their weight in gold, due to pump malfunctions on the aqua lifter pumps, i don't know how many of those stupid little pumps Ive burned threw, the u tube keeps the prime, so during water changes/ power outages you don't need to worry about it loosing its siphon. just my 2 cents.

 

[jacksonpt]

FWIW (and I'm not just trying to push my eshopps on you)...

I've used both a CPR (no u-tube) and an eshopps (u-tube). In my experience, the eshopps is a far better product. It's quieter and more reliable than the CPR. The u-tube types (at least the higher flow models) don't allow air to build up inside the u-tube. The CPR style do, so you're dependant on an aqualifter, which means a flood is somewhat more likely.

The only real advantage the CPR has over the eshopps is a much smaller in-tank box.

 

[reefscape15]

hmmmm.......Thanks for the input guys! I definitely want something that is quiet, if that's possible for an overflow box. Jackson, what is the drain size on your overflow?

 

[daveverdo]

Jim,

Mine is also an eshoppes. I have it running two years never broke siphon or had any problem. It did take a little while to get it adjusted at first though.

Dave

 

[reefscape15]

ok well I guess I would go with anything then! I have the PVC for a 1" drain and 3/4" return. I can get my hands on a PVC bender (hot box) from work so I shouldn't have to make any joints except for cutting in a union on both the drain and return. Let me know what's out there please. Thanks again!

 

[jacksonpt]

Jim -
Internal box is 10(l) x 2.5(w) x 6(h)
External box is 10(l) x 3(w) x 9.5(h)
U-tube is 1.5" ID
Drains are both 1.5"

I ran one drain at full siphon, the other with a gurgle buster and found it to be plenty quiet for my taste.

 

[reefscape15]

This has 2 1.5" drains? I would really like to try and find something with a single drain, but this may be an option. Thanks for the info.

 

[jacksonpt]

lol... here I go again.

Something to keep in mind: the more drains you have, the easier it is to get quiet, and the safer it will be. With 1 drain, all the water has to flow down that 1 drain. As it mixes with air, it sloshes and gurgles and everything else. Also, with 1 drain, what happens if a snail gets caught in the plumbing?

Multiple drains allow you to run 1 at full siphon (higher flow, dead silent) and the other at a much slower rate - less water = less gurgling. Plus, if 1 drain gets plugged, you always have the second as back up. Ideally you want 3 drains, but I've never seen a HOB box with 3 drains.

 

[Newreeflady]

lol... here I go again.

Something to keep in mind: the more drains you have, the easier it is to get quiet, and the safer it will be. With 1 drain, all the water has to flow down that 1 drain. As it mixes with air, it sloshes and gurgles and everything else. Also, with 1 drain, what happens if a snail gets caught in the plumbing?

Multiple drains allow you to run 1 at full siphon (higher flow, dead silent) and the other at a much slower rate - less water = less gurgling. Plus, if 1 drain gets plugged, you always have the second as back up. Ideally you want 3 drains, but I've never seen a HOB box with 3 drains.

I have a durso for my Lifereef u-tube overflow with 1" drain, along with a bubble u-tee in the sump and it is dead! silent. You can mod any overflow for this (I can take pictures if you have questions.)

Best,
-A

 

[reefscape15]

Well let me get my hands on whatever overflow I end up with, then I'll definitely have some questions on how to make it quiet! And thanks for the additional input Jackson!