overflow needed?

[rigby]

I'm looking to build a sump/fuge combination below my tank. I was hoping to use just a siphon effect down to it but I've gotten the advice that I needed an overflow for this purpose, do you agree? If so what overflow do you recommend? I cannot drill the tank. Please and thank you for your help!

 

[zippy]

Yes you will definately need an overflow. This will keep the siphon effect in the event of a power failure. As to which kind it's purely up to you.

 

[bang guy]

If you try using a siphon you're just going to end up with a wet carpet. If you don't have a reef ready tank then you absolutely must use an overflow.

 

[slofish]

Originally posted by Zippy
Yes you will definately need an overflow. This will keep the siphon effect in the event of a power failure.
In order to keep the over running after a powerfailure, you have to have a powerhead hooked up to your overflow to start the sipon flow again.
Im using a CPR overflow rated at 300 gph, but personally, if i knew better, i would have gotten my tank drilled. This way, you dont have to worry about power failures. If you still can, get the tank professionally drilled(especially if its glass)

 

[nm reef]

In order to keep the over running after a powerfailure, you have to have a powerhead hooked up to your overflow to start the sipon flow again.
Not if you use a LifeReef designed overflow...I run a pair of 700 GPH slimline models and they always start right back up!
In answer to the origional question...yup you'd be best off to use a quality overflow and not rely on a simple syphon...LifeReef makes the best overflows that I'm aware of.

 

[slofish]

Originally posted by NM reef
Not if you use a LifeReef designed overflow...I run a pair of 700 GPH slimline models and they always start right back up!

Just curious, how does the LifeReef keep running after it loses siphon. Also, about how much did your 700gph cost. I might wanna look into one.

 

[bang guy]

Most overflows don't lose siphon at all during a power outage. Only the CPR does that.
For the rest the water simply stops flowing once the water level in the tank is the same as the lip on the inside overflow box. Once power is resumed the water once again flows into the overflow.

 

[phoenixrising]

I've had a problem with my CPR overflows recently. I used to love them, but the airline hole gets clogged easily and results in loss of siphon. I think it may be time to replace them with a better model. I'll look into lifereef. Soon. I'm getting sick of the periodic floods due to loss of siphon.

 

[nm reef]

If I remember right the 700 GPH slimeline overflows ran about $129.00 each...expensive but worth it.
They stop when the water levels balance...but once the water level in the display rises then they start right back up again. The key is to have enough flow thru them to prevent air from collecting in the tube....neither of mine have ever had air in the tube...I run a magdrive 1200 with about 5-6 foot of head...I'd guess I get about 900-1000 GPH out of the pump...so currently I run maybe 450 GPH in each overflow.

 

[attml]

I agree w/NMReef 100% on this one! I have had many powerfailures and my Lifereef oveflow has never failed! A very quality overflow!!! This is usually the single point of failure in a system so don't go cheap here or you will pay in the long run!!!!!

 

[slofish]

Sorry for stealing the thread.
But do any of you know where i can get one for a decent price. Also, ive only got a 26 gallon, do you know if they make a 300gph model.