Which overflow box is best?

christhereefer

christhereefer

New Member
Hello friends. I am looking to buy equipment to set up a sump and maybe a fuge for my 54 corner reef. In the past, I have been reluctant to use a sump for fear that I would flood my living room. I need to generate a lot of flow through my return (using pvc behind the rocks). Have any of you used multiple types or brands of overflow boxes? If so, which type have you found to be the most reliable. Is there a type that you have found to be unreliable?
 
aquaguy24

aquaguy24

Active Member
I have a pro clear overflow box. Up and running for about 15 months. Never failed once. Just make sure no bubbles get trapped in the u-tube. This can slows the flow of water down. If the sump is built correctly with the correct water level it should not overflow even if the return pump fails. U can test by running the flow box and turning off the return pump. Wait untill the water stops skimming and check yr sump to see if it's gonna flood. Then adjust the sump water level orbi can raise the skimming box part of the overflow box. LOL confused yet. U'll see wat I'm talkin about when u get the overflow box. Stay away from airlift types of overflow box as the airlifter pump can fail and flood yr tank.
 
aquaknight

aquaknight

Active Member
I've had CPR (600gph), Hurricane Filters overflow (600gph), eshopps (600gph) and a FLAquatics (1200gph). The only I've had problems with was the CPR. There's a reason their poor design strongly suggests you run an airlift to prevent air from building up. We lost suction on the CPR a couple times. The eshopps replaced it.
All the rest are 'U-tube' style and have only failed when I've been an idiot. Put a snail inside the box to clean algae, which he went into the tube and blocked the flow
. Through repeated stops and starts, the others haven't let me down. The Hurricane was running for 4 years and the FLAquatics will hit 3 years in August.
The only catch to U-tubes is that you have to have a strong return pump, which it sounds like you want. Get one above 600gph and buy a ball valve to add to the return plumbing. Leave it about 3/4 open, and set everything up. if water in the tank starts to climb too high, close the ball valve some more. Don't worry you won't burn up your pump this way.
 
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