CPR overflow & aqualifter question

[krak256]

For users of CPR overflows and aqualifters, do you keep your aqualifters running all the time (in case there is an outage)?

I've been keeping mine running all the time and notice that over time the suction/flow starts to wane. I've tried cleaning the aqualifter but I generally have to replace it every 1-2 years.

Does anyone else have the same issue? Are there recommendations for aqualifter alternative that has a longer service life?

 

[Ron Reefman]

I used a CPR overflow for years and at first I used aqua lifters. But I found then less than adequate if you run them 24/7. So I switched to a very small fountain pump which wored much better.

 

[Aquavaj]

Yes over time the internals wear out and performance goes down, similar to peristaltic pumps. Brs sells a kit to change out the wear parts.

 

[CALI2949]

KEEP MINE RUNNING ALL THE TIME NO ISSUES YET.

 

[Peace River]

Yes over time the internals wear out and performance goes down, similar to peristaltic pumps. Brs sells a kit to change out the wear parts.

This is my experience as well. I changed out the pump twice and now I use the kit. They seem to perform well for 1-3 years before they need attention when running them 24/7.

 

[Peace River]

I used a CPR overflow for years and at first I used aqua lifters. But I found then less than adequate if you run them 24/7. So I switched to a very small fountain pump which wored much better.

@Ron Reefman I agree they are "less than adequate" - how did you set up the small fountain pump?

 

[Ron Reefman]

@Ron Reefman I agree they are "less than adequate" - how did you set up the small fountain pump?

I set the pump up on the center brace of the tank. I had it suck water (and air) out of the CPR and dump it back into the inside of the tank section of the CPR. I had to 'create' a hose as the CPR is a small nipple and the fountain pump had a bigger intake. So I 'married' 2 different size hoses together by sliding the smaller one about an inch inside the bigger one and bonded them together with silicone.

 

[Peace River]

I set the pump up on the center brace of the tank. I had it suck water (and air) out of the CPR and dump it back into the inside of the tank section of the CPR. I had to 'create' a hose as the CPR is a small nipple and the fountain pump had a bigger intake. So I 'married' 2 different size hoses together by sliding the smaller one about an inch inside the bigger one and bonded them together with silicone.

I like it! It is about time for me to replace/repair the aqualifter again so this good timing. Do you know the size of the small fountain pump that you are using? The smallest AC powered pump that I found with a quick search was 80 gph and that seems oversized for the application.

 

[Saveafish]

I had one years and years ago. More than 10yrs ago. I changed it out for a life reef and placed it under my truck tire and crushed the piece of junk. Best crushing noise I ever heard.

 

[Peace River]

I had one years and years ago. More than 10yrs ago. I changed it out for a life reef and placed it under my truck tire and crushed the piece of junk. Best crushing noise I ever heard.

LOL. That’s one approach!!! I certainly won’t disagree with the frustration toward aqualifters.

 

[krak256]

Haha thanks for the responses. Similar to Saveafish, I'm debating about switching to a Lifereef overflow so that I don't have to depend on an aqualifter any more.

 

[Pntbll687]

If you're looking for a new over flow, check out the pokpo overflow

https://www.ebay.com/itm/POKPO-AQUA...0GPH-INCLUDES-TUBE-AND-FITTINGS-/292312197366

 

[Ron Reefman]

I like it! It is about time for me to replace/repair the aqualifter again so this good timing. Do you know the size of the small fountain pump that you are using? The smallest AC powered pump that I found with a quick search was 80 gph and that seems oversized for the application.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Algreen...VEcDICh30Rg_1EAQYAyABEgJXhfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Peace River]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Algreen-30-GPH-Statuary-Fountain-Pump-for-Water-Features-92501/206704089?cm_mmc=Shopping|G|Base|D28I|28-29_WATER+GARDENING|NA|PLA|Fixed|71700000041090942|58700004390909257|92700037109467129&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsIah_dX84QIVEcDICh30Rg_1EAQYAyABEgJXhfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

30 gph - that makes a lot more sense! I'll get one this week. Thank you!!!

 

[madweazl]

Are you sure there isn't a kink in the hose somewhere? I've had Aqualifters running for years without issue.

 

[krak256]

I've replaced the air lines and cleaned the components inside and out. I think over time the rubber caskets just cant pump as much air. Read a few other people that have had the same issue.

 

[Peace River]

Are you sure there isn't a kink in the hose somewhere? I've had Aqualifters running for years without issue.

I’m glad your pump has worked well for you. Yes, I have replaced the hose and there is still an issue with performance. This is the 3rd or 4th aqualifter that I have had (plus multiple rebuilds) - one died and the performance of the rest declined over time where after 1-3 years they were longer useful. I am open to the fact that I may not be aware of some type of preventative maintenance or other detail. I like the pumps when they are new, but I have not had long term success with any of these pumps that I have used.

 

[krak256]

I’m glad your pump has worked well for you. Yes, I have replaced the hose and there is still an issue with performance. This is the 3rd or 4th aqualifter that I have had (plus multiple rebuilds) - one died and the performance of the rest declined over time where after 1-3 years they were longer useful. I am open to the fact that I may not be aware of some type of preventative maintenance or other detail. I like the pumps when they are new, but I have not had long term success with any of these pumps that I have used.

Same. I'm on my 3rd aqua lifter at the moment.

 

[Losthawk69]

Them for boxes are crap never seen then tried it out they are horrible back to the old pipe flow. Don't buy them