LF : Lifereef overflow box

[gobytron]

JL just got some good looking utube based overflows in...
They appear to be based on the lifereef design.

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/aq...el+110%29.html

[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.

[gobytron]

Any utube based overflow, IME is foolproof.
Microbubbles should never be an issue if set up properly relative to your flow.

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.

for 65-70 bucks though, hard to go wrong with the Aqueon at JL.

[ALang]

I still run one.
Can't afford a new build, so re-used ol'cichlid tank as reef.

[Casey8]

I had tried CPR before and I got a flood about 5 gallons of water on the floor because the stupid pump stopped running. Thank God, nothing serious damaged. Since then I am using a Lifereef overflow box until now. It is a very reliable one, never failed as they say. I was ordered a 300GPH overflow box from Lifereef, I didn't realize it was way too small for my tank. I need a bigger one, but I don't want to order a new one again because its expensive plus the shipping, it is a little bit over priced for me. I am hoping I can find a used one, because as I can see people today is having a RR tank instead of using an overflow box. When I bought the tank it was not drilled - my stupidity - I have no choice but to use an overflow box for now until I change to a new tank in the future if I need to move again.

[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.

[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.

[Casey8]

Originally Posted by gobytron

JL just got some good looking utube based overflows in...
They appear to be based on the lifereef design.

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/aq...el+110%29.html

It is so new, I am afraid to use something new without any reviews and flood my floor again

[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.