@Retro Reefer @piranhaman00 nice setups guys! Not going to lie, I’ve been checking out the build threads you both have posted and love how the final results came out. Did you both do the plumbing yourself? Or did you guys hire someone?
I guess that’s what I’m most intimidated with, going with a HOB overflow. I bought an eshopps pf300 off of eBay, brand new, for $50! Now I’ve got the tank, the stand, the overflow, and the sump. So plumbing will be the next step, I’m just not sure about where to start with it and how to create any “fail safes” (preferably without purchasing another overflow) should something go wrong. I was thinking of paying someone to install it, but even then it’s not guaranteed it won’t fail. Any info is helpful!
the pf300 is a fantastic HOB overflow, no need to hire someone it’s a 5 minute instal.. simply plug overflow flex hose into your HOB overflow (you can glue these but I typically just friction fit and sometimes a few wraps of electrical tape to keep the connection together if I absolutely feel it’s needed) then hang it on your aquarium and plug the other end of flex hose into sump (I don’t use glue on sump connection either just push flex hose hard and twist to seat into bulk head) and your done
there are no fail safes with this kind of set up but if you use the right equipment and set it up properly they are just about bulletproof just remember any kind of overflow can potentially fail. here are some of my recommendations (not promoting brands or dissing others methods, just my opinions).
* buy a quality overflow such as life Reef or eshopps
* buy overflow to match flow rate you desire for your tank
* do not use a overflow that depends on another piece of equipment to keep it going
* return pump needs to be able to meet or exceed recommend flow rate of overflow (critical) and a valved return line or DC return pump to control water flow is highly recommended.
* to prevent bubbles from forming air pocket in U tube and causing a failure water flow needs to be sufficient (critical).. watch the U tube, bubbles should should just blast through it, if they are “dancing“ in the arch of tube or at the outlet of tube your flow is insufficient (this is critical to prevent failure)
* to prevent snails or other things from potentially blocking U tube and causing a failure use something like gutter guard in the overflow box (this is critical to prevent failures). I use this, it can be cut to fit and works fantastic..
* If you happen to be fighting algae issues make sure U tube doesn’t get clogged by algae that may grow inside it. This may mean pulling it every few weeks and cleaning if necessary (Purchasing a extra U tube simplifies this). You can cover the U tube to block light and help prevent algae growth if needed.
* probably not going to cause failures but clean foam prefilter every few weeks or as desired/needed (I keep extras to simplify this)
Just take a minute to visually inspect overflow from time to time and you will be fine. look for air pocket in U tube and any potential blockages.. following these guidelines I have never had a failure of any kind with HOB’s including one tank that ran for over 13 years.
I figured I’d just replace the HOB overflow with a new one. But wanted to do some research beforehand. Photos are appreciated!
