Overflow box opinions

[Rijinals]

I am looking for an OVB for my tank. I have seen loads for over £100 but have recently seen this on ebay. I have 3 inch clearance on the back of my tank so this one looks perfect for the job. However its pretty darn cheep. Is it a bargain?

Cheers!



http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OVERFLOW-BOX-M...QQcmdZViewItem

[serpentman]

That is pretty cheap. It looks to be constructed similar to the CPR models and should work. My only hesitation on this design is that should the syphon break, you have to rely on a lifter pump to restart. For that reason, I prefer the "U" Tube designs.

http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-OVERFLO...QQcmdZViewItem

[AllenFord_SC]

I second the U-tube models. I had one on my 55 for over a year and a half without ever losing a siphon.

[Rijinals]

how does the U tube design work? If the pump stops in the sump will this stop aswell?

Does any one have a CPR model?

[piscivorous]

Check out :
http://www.aquacrylics.com/new_acryl...ox_and_ski.htm

I've read plenty of great reviews on these. I just picked two up for my tank...I haven't gotten it set up yet, but I expect good results.

[serpentman]

The advantage to the U-tube design is that the siphon usually doesn't break in the event of a pump shut down. Its been a long while since I ran one but if memory serves me correctly, the siphon only broke on a handful of occasions in 3-4 years usually during water changes when the tank level dropped.

With the CPR-style setup, the siphon will break whenever the pump stops. If you use a aqualifter pump, it ceases to be an issue, unless that fails.

[SaltyDr]

If the pump stops, the U tube does not loose suction. It will continue to drain until the water level in the tank equals the water level in the inside box. You therefore need to have adequate reserve in the sump to handle the extra overflow or you will have a flood. Once the pump is restarted and water is returned to the tank, the overflow will start draining again with no need to prime the U tube.

[Rijinals]

Right, that link to ebay serpentman put on (cheers for that dude) says he will defo deliver to me. So is this the one in your eyes? Worth every penny (oooops, cent) and all?

It sounds good to me, I like the U tube design alot!

[rooroo]

I used two U-tube overflows on my tank for 2 years and never had a flood or lost siphon without me intentionally breaking the siphon. Actually, I lost siphon once, but that was because the return pump was off for 4 days and the water level within the box evaporated too low. I highly recommend these.

I have one Lifereef 700 GPH. Fantastic design and worked very well. Hopefully this is not too big for you.