Synergy Reef Overflow vs. Others

[VSVP bet]

Hello,

Just received my synergy 16 inch shadow overflow. But after inspecting the unit, it seems to be made out of really flimsy and brittle plastic. I watched the 'how to video' on how to install the unit, and it said not to dry fit the pipes, etc. However, my concern, Im doing sump work and i accidentally knock a drain line and it cracks my unit. Im wondering if this concern is valid. I was hoping this unit was acrylic (it is not) and if i read the BRS description closely, i might have gone with a different overflow, (something not injection mounded) Looking for any insight. Thanks.

 

[dugthefish]

I went with an EMS overflow after reading all the negative reviews of the Synergy. If you can afford to wait a couple more weeks, return the one you have and order a higher quality.

 

[beaslbob]

I would make overflows from pvc pipe.

 

[VSVP bet]

I went with an EMS overflow after reading all the negative reviews of the Synergy. If you can afford to wait a couple more weeks, return the one you have and order a higher quality.

I was thinking about getting one from modualr marine, cheaper and all acrylic. I will check out EMS.

Separate thought: Does synergy reef have an R2R account? wondering if they can weigh in.

 

[dantimdad]

Check out Fijicube.com and my build.

Built like a tank and all acrylic with lids.

 

[ajhudson15]

I HAVE THE ESHOPPES ECLIPSE AND LOVE IT

 

[VSVP bet]

Check out Fijicube.com and my build.

Built like a tank and all acrylic with lids.

Thanks, looks good and seems to be what im looking for, wish I did more research before purchasing my current unit. What size do you have?

 

[VSVP bet]

I HAVE THE ESHOPPES ECLIPSE AND LOVE IT

Also, what size eshopps unit do you have?

 

[dantimdad]

Thanks, looks good and seems to be what im looking for, wish I did more research before purchasing my current unit. What size do you have?

I have the 600gph. I don't like a ton of flow through my sump. 4x is plenty to me.

I will finish my write up about it when I water test in the next couple days.

Oh, if you order, tell Will I sent you please.

 

[ajhudson15]

Also, what size eshopps unit do you have?

I bought the medium for my 75 gallon reef. It just has one hole for the drain into the box but two tubes to drain to the sump. The I have two returns. Its pretty quiet and the box on the inside is super slim.

 

[ReeferBean]

I've been running two 16" Shadows for about a year now and haven't noticed any durability issues. You should support your plumbing if you think you'll be bumping into pipes during maintenance.

 

[Foothill Corals]

No personal experience with any of these but I have seen a lot of complaints about the Synergy. One observation I have after looking at the boxes mentioned is that the Modular Marine is the only one where the external box is not lower than the internal. This will make it easier to keep the system quiet.

 

[Foothill Corals]

DP

 

[VSVP bet]

I've been running two 16" Shadows for about a year now and haven't noticed any durability issues. You should support your plumbing if you think you'll be bumping into pipes during maintenance.

I plan on supporting the plumbing, and im glad to hear you have no issues.

 

[VSVP bet]

I've been running two 16" Shadows for about a year now and haven't noticed any durability issues. You should support your plumbing if you think you'll be bumping into pipes during maintenance.

do you have pics of your overflow setup ?

 

[Fin]

Rick of Synergy Reef is an R2R user (and sponsor). His username is mixer911, if you want to call him into the discussion.

 

[skihard1234Anth]

I have had the 16” shadow for two years. It’s good. I did have the u shaped pipe crack on the dry fit and they replaced immediately. I’m mostly happy although it’s currently noisy and I’m about to make a post on how to quiet it down.

 

[Deezill]

This is good because I am looking into upgrading my tank and the Synergy overflow 16" is what I was gonna go with.

 

[VSVP bet]

I have had the 16” shadow for two years. It’s good. I did have the u shaped pipe crack on the dry fit and they replaced immediately. I’m mostly happy although it’s currently noisy and I’m about to make a post on how to quiet it down.

As far as durability goes no issues? do you have any pics of how its plumbed ?

 

[skihard1234Anth]

I can snap a pic from behind. Durability is fine. When I started out it was dead silent. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong at this point, I read something about drilling a hole in the top of one of the pipes? Plumbing is pretty self explanatory. If I recall they even had a video. I put unions on all 3 down below just underneath. DSA 105 neo and it’s great. Again, I know it needs tuning because it’s not silent anymore. I’ll do a separate post on that.

 

[Deezill]

I was planning on running double durso with an emergency drain. I wouldlove to see how you have it plumbed as I hear the bean animal is good too.