LF : Lifereef overflow box

[Casey8]

Originally Posted by Jakegr

I use a Life Reef overflow. It will be for sale in May/June. Probably too long of a wait, but worth a try.

Eshopps makes good quality inexpensive overflows. The build quality is obviously less than the Life Reef, but they are half of the price (my Life Reef was like $150 shipped to Vancouver). I have used both the Eshopps and Life Reef and honestly the only difference is the thickness of the acrylic.

A quick look at the Aqueon overflows look like they are the same design, but I've never used one before.

I don't recommend any non u-tube overflows. Stay away from the CPR c-siphon.

Edit: just noticed above you have had an experience with the CPR overflow! What a terrible product. JL should stop carrying them.

I have read some of the reviews from another site, some people actually got flood from Eshopps, but I have never found one review which says any negative words about Lifereef. You are right, J&L shouldn't carry that CPR, it will destroy their reputation if someone gets flood/damage their house with that product for buying from them.

[Jakegr]

Originally Posted by Casey8

I have read some of the reviews from another site, some people actually got flood from Eshopps, but I have never found one review which says any negative words about Lifereef. You are right, J&L shouldn't carry that CPR, it will destroy their reputation if someone gets flood/damage their house with that product for buying from them.

I have owned both Life Reef and Eshopps, they are almost exactly the same in design. I know Life Reef advertises that they are flood proof ("not one failure in 23 years") but they aren't. It is all about the flow rate... if the flow rate between the sump and display is too low, it doesn't matter which overflow brand you use. Air bubbles will get trapped and eventually the siphon will break.

I think the reason there are fewer bad reviews about Life Reef is because Jeff (the owner) always makes sure his clients use an appropriately sized pump to ensure air bubbles never get stuck in the u-tube.

I like my Life Reef overflow a lot, but my advice is to save the extra $80 and purchase an Eshopps. I wish Jeff would remove the "thousands sold, not one flood or failure" comment from his web site. IMO it is blatant false advertising. You can find accounts of floods with Life Reef overflows online easily.

Anyways, the bottom line is that u-tube overflow failures are not due to design flaws, they are the result of user error.

[Casey8]

If I can not find it, will you be selling yours to me ? I have no choice but wait. How many GPH do you have on the Lifereef box ?

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by gobytron

Thats a very interesting design there and one I havent seen before...
Very cool, thanks for sharing, I think I'll try one of those soon.
.

The only scenario that I could figure might cause a flood is if the overflow pipe slits become clogged. But you can add a 90 degree elbow to the end of the overflow pipe instead of a cap, and cut the open end to be just a little higher than the overflow pipe with the slits. That then serves as your emergency overflow.

I should also mention that you can handle more flow if you lower the T at the back. I needed it high on mine to drain into my sump. And I used an airline valve in the tubing to regulate the water/air flow to the return pump, or close it if I wanted to for any reason.

I don't know why people fool with these overflow boxes and U tubes. Definitely asking for a flood, sooner or later.... This PVC pipe design is a lot safer, and cheap, too.

[Casey8]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Foolproof overflow. Will not lose siphon due to micro bubbles, and will auto start even after power outage. Airline tubing is connected to return pump input. And totally quiet.

I was using an undrilled tank as a refugium for a while, and made this out of 1 1/4 inch PVC. Worked great.

Did you copy it from somebody or it was your own design ? When I look at the picture, I am not really 100% sure how it works but it looks like a very talented idea.

[Jakegr]

Originally Posted by Casey8

If I can not find it, will you be selling yours to me ? I have no choice but wait. How many GPH do you have on the Lifereef box ?

I have the 600 gph version.

I'll post it for sale in May/June. I'll send you a PM.

[RuGlu6]

Originally Posted by Jakegr

I think the reason there are fewer bad reviews about Life Reef is because Jeff (the owner) always makes sure his clients use an appropriately sized pump to ensure air bubbles never get stuck in the u-tube.

FYI Jeff is not the owner of J&L

[msjboy]

The mame over flow (google mame overflow) is quite nicethough very pricey and some one canreef did one out of plastic tube bendings... Can also be made of pvc pipe.

Msjboy

[Jakegr]

Originally Posted by RuGlu6

FYI Jeff is not the owner of J&L

I was talking about the owner of Life Reef. His name also happens to be Jeff.

[Reef Pilot]

No, can't claim it all as my idea (I am not that smart, LOL)... I adapted my design from some others I have seen on the internet.
http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects...erflow/120.asp
http://i868.photobucket.com/albums/a...owassembly.jpg

The key is the airline tubing to connect to the low pressure side of a pump. That removes the biggest risk, which is losing siphon. The idea of using the elbow at the end of the intake overflow tube as a secondary emergency overflow is mine, or at least have not seen that anywhere else.

Originally Posted by Casey8

Did you copy it from somebody or it was your own design ? When I look at the picture, I am not really 100% sure how it works but it looks like a very talented idea.