What overflow boxes are good?

[dib]

I need an overflow box for a 20g reef setup. My return pump is a maxi jet 1200 that has an adjustment valve. Which one out there is a good brand/model? Researching is showing good and bad reviews. Looking for others with experience maybe. Or any other idea for getting water to my sump. I tried the DIY from YouTube, but don't like it and cant get it to keep working. Just want to buy one. I also don't want to come home to a flood.

As always,
Thanks!

 

[reeffirstaid]

Any siphon based overflow has the risk of losing siphon, and causing a flood. Most manufactures even suggest having a pre-drilled tank, over a siphon based overflow. That said, if you have to have one, I would go with CPR Aquatics and combine it with an aqua lifter pump. To be super safe, plug the aqua lifter into one of those cheap PC battery back up power blocks. If you lose power, the aqua lifter will still be running, pulling air out of the overflow's u-tube.

 

[jservedio]

I personally have been using a CPR for 2 years without any problems - however, the only reason I don't have any problems is because I set up a float-switch emergency shutoff system that will turn off my return pump if the drain stops working or I get a siphon break. I've had it save me once already, so you really shouldn't use a HOB overflow unless absolutely necessary. If you do run an HOB, you really should set up a float switch emergency shutoff.

If I had to chose an HOB overflow now, I would pick the LifeReef since it is a better design than the CPR. If you use the CPR, you MUST have an aqualifter pump on it and it will get dirty and require maintenance every 6 months to prevent it from clogging up - even with a prefilter.

It is a huge pain in the butt to have an HOB overflow and you should just do it right the first time and drill your tank. A glass-holes is a much, much better option than an HOB.

Also, an HOB is going to be very expensive. $100 for the overflow, another $20 for the pump/prefilter, and another $40 for the emergency shutoff system. Considering you can get a drilled kit for less than $50 WITH a holesaw, it is a poor option unless you have a tank stuffed to the gills with fragile SPS corals and can't break it down.

Here is mine (there is also a GRI leak detector on it too):

 

[Reefing Madness]

ESHOPPS | PF-Nano

 

[Waters]

I also use an Eshopps overflow and have never had any issues. As long as they are set up properly, they will always restart. I have used them for years, shutting my pumps off once a week for water changes, and have not had any issues whatsoever.

 

[dib]

Don't really want to tear down the tank. Setting up an emergency float would be OK. I was checking out the eshopps too. I thought about the 300 tho. Its still better to over filter? Right?

 

[Mike in CT]

I have never heard a bad thing about Lifereef overflow boxes.

 

[hart24601]

Been using the CPR on my 65 for a few years now. No problems, just clean the aqualifter every few months.

 

[Xingu]

Try to keep your overflow rating close to your pump rating. Bigger isn't always better in this case.

 

[dib]

OK can I get clarification here. My pump says in power head mode 295 max and in circulation mode 1300 max. It is sitting in my sump for a return pump. What number do I match?

 

[Xingu]

You need to know how far up the pump has to push water (how far above the pump is the return or top of tank). The pump should have a chart that says you should be getting XXX gph at Y feet. That is the number you should try to match as close as possible. It means that your pump is returning an amout of water back to the tank that the overflow is capable of handling. If they are closely matched, the overflow can be quieter and you reduce the chance of over filling the tank and/or emptying the sump. It sounds scarier than it usually is, but there is a potential for a problem, especially if the pump is too large. Hope that helps.

 

[dib]

Ok...change of plans. Im going to drill the tank. Just ordered a overflow kit from glass-holes. I dont have anything but rock and sand in the tank so I better just do it right the first time!

Any tips for this process?

 

[Pete polyp]

Determine where you want the holes and mark them on the opposite side of the glass. Get some silly putty and roll out a "snake". Make a ring out of the putty and put it around where you will be drilling. Make the ring about 1" larger than the hole you will be drilling. This will give you a place to hold water. If you can do this outside you can just use a water hose. Pour water inside the ring/turn the hose on. Start at a 45 degree angle to give yourself a groove on one side as a guide. Once you have drilled enough of a groove that the bit won't slip out of slowly turn the drill to a 90 degree angle straight on the glass. you will want to rinse out the glass shavings every few minutes so nothing will bind up the bit and crack the glass. Once you have penetrated the glass you want to constantly pour water over the hole until its all the way through. Use the drill at a LOW speed, and don't really put any pressure. The weight of the drill is enough for it to cut. If you use a drill press it can be much easier...

 

[Xingu]

Make sure you leave enough room for the flange of the bulkhead when you mark the hole locations. Take it slow and let the drill bit do the work, don't push down with excessive pressure. Don't drill tempered glass or your 1 piece glass panel will be in 1000's of pieces. Take lots of photos!