Exotic marine systems ghost overflow vs synergy reef overflow ?

[427HISS]

Which of these overflows are better and why ?

Shadow

Visit the post for more.

synergyreef.com

32" Overflow Kit with 1.5" Drains

This is our standard 32" slimline overflow kit. The weir openings are 0.5" tall, with a total distance from the top of the box only 1". The external box utilizes 1.5" drains for increased flow capability. If you are flowing over 1500 GPH through your sump, this is the system we recommend. The...

www.exoticmarinesystems.com

 

[dugthefish]

I've got the EMS and it works great. I've heard of issues with the Synergys exterior box being located too low and causing problems.

 

[JoshH]

Which of these overflows are better and why ?

Shadow

Visit the post for more.

synergyreef.com

32" Overflow Kit with 1.5" Drains

This is our standard 32" slimline overflow kit. The weir openings are 0.5" tall, with a total distance from the top of the box only 1". The external box utilizes 1.5" drains for increased flow capability. If you are flowing over 1500 GPH through your sump, this is the system we recommend. The...

www.exoticmarinesystems.com

Do a quick search for noisey/loud Shadow overflow here and you'll find numerous threads about the noise and salt creep issue from the synergy. This all boils down to what was mentioned above. The outer box is too low. The issue arises when you try and go above 7-800 GPH with your flow atleast that's what seems to be where the problem shows up. If you're not going to be pushing over that with flow, the synergy is a great option, anything over that, I'd look into EMS, Modular Marine or Fiji Cube

 

[fcmatt]

I have a synergy. The older model. Works for my smaller tank just as the above person states. Works beautifully actually.

I would go with what people use and like on the tank size u want. Get opinions from others once u know your tank size for sure.

Some people say synergy sucks on larger tanks with greater volumes of water being pushed through it.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

EMS is vastly superior. It is well made, well designed and supported with excellent customer service.

Synergy reef shadow is none of those.

 

[TheHarold]

I really like Modular Marine overflows. Never tried EMS.

Would not recommend Synergy. Quite flimsy and does not handle the rated flow.

 

[ca1ore]

As noted the dropped down external box is a problem if you try to push significant flow through an overflow. Synergy is also short at 16” wide. Maybe ok on a shorter tank, but 32” length is much better. I use the 32” modular marine on my current 450 and bought a couple of boxes from EMS for a future project. I slightly prefer the build quality on the MM, but prefer the overflow slots on the EMS.

 

[427HISS]

I'm not sure what I'll do. I bought a synergy from them a while back for $110 for my glass 125g mixed reef tank. I felt the 16" for a 72" long may,...not be enough. What's your thoughts ?

I spoke with a local store a long time ago, before this type of overflow was marketed.
His looks like the grate in basements, including mine. It might be made by Line Lock, like their adjustable return line's. If I can put a photo here, you'll see the grate.

The possible problems are the cut line's may not be wide enough to get good water flow to the sump ?

They could get blocked from food, especially flake food, nori, and other debris ?

Could be loud ?

The tank is drilled with two drains and two returns. Those are 1-3/4", and but the Synergy holes need 2.5". So I'd need to drill them over the top of the existing holes, and cover the other with a piece of glass. So going with that, maybe it would not be worth it ?

I'll check out the other threads, but what do you think ?
Kevin