Overflow box and return pump

jefferzbooboo · #1 12/20/2007, 08:52 AM

I was looking at the Aquatraders.com website and came across this Odyssea Overflow Box and for a return pump this Return Pump.
I'm going for a 20L refugium/sump to sit next to my 55 gal. I only have room for a 10 gallon under the tank, hence the ref/sump besides the aquarium. I already have the Odyssea PS75 skimmer (which I'll upgrade to the PS160) and 48 inch 260 watt PC lights, and have been happy with both.
Anyone have any thoughts on the overflow and return pump?

mg426 · #2 12/20/2007, 10:17 AM

I dont care for those type of overflows they are prone to loss of siphon, the pump I dont know either. Look here for the best overflow made. www.lifereef.com and here for good pumps www.liveaquaria.com

mdelcomyn · #3 12/20/2007, 11:45 AM

Those "weir boxes" will tend to accumulate bubbles and fail. That doesn't mean it's guaranteed to fail; just that they are more likely to fail than traditional "u tube" style overflow boxes.
I would recommend either a Lifereef, Hurricane or Amiracle overflow box. They aren't guaranteed to never fail (although I think all three are guaranteed to automatically restart after power loss), but they are generally more reliable.

sjm817 · #4 12/20/2007, 12:16 PM

Stay away from that overflow box unless you enjoy wet floors. Stick with a quality U Tube based overflow. Lifereefs are the best of the best. Amiracle or Hurricane if you want to spend less.

Dont know anything about that pump. If you want a good budget pump, look at the Ocean Runner 2500.

kdblove_99 · #5 12/21/2007, 02:46 AM

I would get a Lifereef as well and a Oceanrunner 2500 return pump

jefferzbooboo · #6 12/21/2007, 07:53 AM

Well I've decided on the Amiracle Overflow 600gph overflow box and a Quiet One 3000 780gph aquarium pump. I plan on putting a T in the return to plumb in my UV sterilizer and 2 phos-ban reactors.
Any thoughts?

sjm817 · #7 12/21/2007, 08:01 AM

One thing to be aware of with the Amiracle, its a very good overflow (I've owned them), but it cant actually handle 600 GPH. More like 350. That is very common with HOB overflows (except Lifereef). They dont really flow what the "rating" states. I've never had a QO pump. Some people like them, I see many complaints of restart problems. Using it to run the UV and reactors as well as return flow is fine.

kdblove_99 · #8 12/21/2007, 02:06 PM

Should have got the Lifereef and OR.

Don't expect that Quiet one to actually be Quiet either