Overflow boxes - opinions?

T

Twill

AC Members
Jan 5, 2007
102
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0
Davenport, Iowa
Hi all,

I'm in the process of starting my first SW tank - a 29g (with either a 10g or 15g sump) - and I'd like your opinion on overflow boxes.

Are there particular brands you've found to be better or worse than others? From my research, I've seen some bad comments about CPR, but so far nothing else.

I also noticed a comment saying that overflow boxes might have too much of a flow for smaller systems. Will this affect my setup? If so, wouldn't there be simple ways to reduce the flow? (Sponge on the intake, or something similar?).


TIA!
 
Well I would get the tank drilled if it was me but if thats not an option then get the overflow. Overflows do have some adjustment so if you dont get a pump rated at or above the rating of the overflow box then you should be OK because the overflow can only take what the return pump puts back up to the main tank do to the level you set the overflow at IMO. I would run the largest sump/fuge you can get under your tank the bigger the better
 
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...matchallpartial&Ntk=All&pc=1&N=0&Ntt=b&r&Np=1

This is what I use. I have 1 of the Large and one XL w/drivder. They both say they are rated highe than they are but they work good. As with all 1" outlets they are restricted to a max 600 which more realistally is around 450-500. I got the XL w/divider from my LFS. I did add a small piece of PVC to raise the outlet in turn reducing my noise. It ran around 60 at the LFS. The large one I got off of ebay (search for pre-filter should find it) for around 30 dollars + 7 dollars or so shipping.
 
Thanks for the replies so far!

I should also include that I have read a suggestion of keeping turnover in the sump around 3-5 times the tank volume, which would mean about 90-150gph. Is this correct?
 
archer772 said:
Well I would get the tank drilled if it was me but if thats not an option then get the overflow. Overflows do have some adjustment so if you dont get a pump rated at or above the rating of the overflow box then you should be OK because the overflow can only take what the return pump puts back up to the main tank do to the level you set the overflow at IMO. I would run the largest sump/fuge you can get under your tank the bigger the better
Click to expand...


I agree. I have an acrylic overflow (it is a german brand but I forget the name and I bought it used) and although it works my future tanks will be drilled.
 
Twill said:
Thanks for the replies so far!

I should also include that I have read a suggestion of keeping turnover in the sump around 3-5 times the tank volume, which would mean about 90-150gph. Is this correct?
Click to expand...

That is the rate I always shoot for so I would suggest a pump rated for about 300-400 GPH at zero head if the head heigth will be no more than 3-4 feet
 
Thanks so much for the replies! After some advice from folks here and through my local reef society, I've decided to have the tank drilled. I think that will be simpler and a better choice in the long run.
 
If you don't go with a drilled tank I like the LifeReef overflow.. It has NEVER failed, it doesn't ever get air bubbles in it and it works like a champ. It is one of the highest recommended overflows that I've seen.
 
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