Prefilter (Overflow) Box Recommendations

[737mech]

I don't want to make one of these so I'm looking on the web for one. So far I've found Lifereef ,Sealife systems, Cpr, Tidepool s.o.s., and Marinelife Aquatics. My display is a 38gal. I also need to know the recom. for a return pump like a Mag#? The water has to go up about 4.5 ft.
Thank you kindly

 

[jonathon0883]

i had a lifereef single in my 29 gal and it was way too big. they say those are the best but it was just to big for my tank

 

[737mech]

Hey thanks.... Which hang on overflow are you using now?

 

[jonathon0883]

lol..well right now im not using one..just regular water changes until i figure what one i want to use. i want one with like a 300 gph flow but i would much rather have a drilled tank because the thought of water all over my floor doesnt sound fun at all. Well if you find one that sounds good let me know

 

[stumpdog]

737-
I have a Lifereef single and I love it. It is rated at 700 GPH, but that can be changed based on your return pump. Heck even if you left it full open that would turn your tank 19 times an hour. Plus if you ever bump up to a little larger tank you have a good overflow. Don't be too concerned about getting your floor wet. The lifereef uses a U tube, and it works the best. One person said they had never had a problem with theirs and I think they said they had it for 10 years maybe. All you need to do is drill a hole in your return line so if power does go out you will break syphon (SP?) Does that make sense? I use a Mag 9 on mine, but you could probably use a 7, but at 4.5 feet of head the 9 might be a better buy.
HTH-
Jeremy

 

[737mech]

Stumpdog-
Thanks sounds good. How long have you had your lifereef? What kind of maintenance should I expect will it? On the mag pump, I guess I am wanting to get it right the first time. You know too much or too little flow. Maybe my concern should be for too little. I can put a ball valve on to control the extra flow.
Any more thoughts would be welcome.
Thank you kindly

 

[stumpdog]

737-
Sorry for the delay. I have only been up and running for about a month. The service needed for the overflow is very small. I think every once in a great while you may need to clean the filter, but it won't be hard at all. I went with the Mag 9 and don't even use the ball valve that much. It is a great equipment for the price and the desired results.
Thanks-
Jeremy

 

[737mech]

Thanks I'll look into the lifereef. Hey do you have any pictures of the hole that you are talking about in the return line?

 

[stumpdog]

I will take some and try to post them here tomorrow. I need to do some tank work anyway.
HTH-
Jeremy

 

[stumpdog]

Here you go. Sorry the picture is sub par I have a new camera and just couldn't get the thing to focus. Anyway you just need to drill a small hole I did 1/8" right below the water level of the return line. When power goes out the return pump will start sucking water from the tank and sending it to the sump. If you put a hole in the return line it will break the loop. As the water in the display drops it will drop to the hole in the return line. At this point air will break the siphon. Does that make sense. I didn't catch it at first, but with help I saw the light. Don't do what I did and put the hole in the front. Put the hole in the back of it. That way when power comes on you don't have this little water pistol shooting water up towards your lights. If you do it in the back the water will just hit the back glass of the tank. If you need anymore help let me know.
HTH-
Jeremy

 

[737mech]

stumpdog:
Thanks for the pic and all your help.
What keeps the hang on overflow from draining the tank into the refugium?

 

[stumpdog]

737-
I don't have a fuge just a sump, but... If power were to go out the overflow would keep working until the water level in the tank is below the slots. This is why you need to leave enough room in the sump in case a power out occurs. The boxes with slots in the attached picture would go in the tank. Normally it is only one, see the slots? Those are what I am talking about. Does that make sense? If not let me know and I will try a different approach.
HTH-
Jeremy
PS: Picture is courtesy of Lifereef Products

 

[737mech]

Gotcha stumpdog!
You've been a great help to me. I'm gonna get all the parts and hopefully soon will be up and running. I'll let you know my progress.

 

[waterdog]

Hey 737mech,
I am working on an overflow system too. when you get it all set up could you drop me a line and tell me how it went and stuff. Good luck with everything, I'm looking forward to finally getting mine started.