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 ?

[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.

[gobytron]

Originally Posted by Casey8

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

Its not new.
This is the exact same design as Lifereef.
It's the same design all utube based overflows have.

Lifereef is small and they need to charge more for their product.
It may be superior in build quality and reputation, but the results will be the same.

FYI, if it will fit, you could always try adding one moe utube to your current overflow.

[Casey8]

If I ever get flood again with this Aqueon, can I blame you for that ?

[gobytron]

depends on if you set it up right.
Honestly, you wont have any issues if you set it up right.

I would never run an overflow with just one utube or just one drain unless I was very sure I had blocked access to any inverts...like snails or crabs.

I diy'd my current overflow based on lifereef design to add a couple tweaks just for peace of mind.

You can blame me if you like, but the whole point Im trying to make here is that if it does fail (which they can) its because you didnt set it up right.