Siphon Overflow Users: A Poll

[itstheantitang]

I am curious as to how reliable over the tank overflows are versus what everybody says.

So, has your HOT overflow ever broken siphon?

Thank You

[jcpatella]

It may not be the prettiest thing, but it sure is reliable. www.lifereef.com

[itstheantitang]

Anyone else?

[monti1]

life reef all the way. I can sleep at night now

[da1jewfish]

there are some variables that come into play here... overall it has not been a big issue for me and I have used them a lot and still do. The biggest thing is if there is an air bubble you havve to stop the siphon and do it again until that air is gone; if not it will only get bigger.

[jcpatella]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11365530#post11365530 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by da1jewfish
there are some variables that come into play here... overall it has not been a big issue for me and I have used them a lot and still do. The biggest thing is if there is an air bubble you havve to stop the siphon and do it again until that air is gone; if not it will only get bigger.

Part of the reliability of a siphon overflow depends upon the flow that is going through the u-tube. I constantly have bubbles going through the tube, but the flow is high enough that the bubbles get pushed all the way through.

This is basically how i set up my lifereef. I didn't want 500gph going through my sump, but I needed a minimum gph to push those bubbles through (which ended up being around 300 gph).

[Blown 346]

In the last 6 years, I have never had a problem with my U tube overflow breaking siphon. If you maintain the U tube and keep it and the overflow box clean you wont have a problem. Like said above as long as you have the right amount of GPH going thru the overflow you will be fine.

[demonsp]

Mines been banged around , drilled , and removed for cleaning often.(knocks on wood) With no breaks. Just not happy with screen in the inlet.

[siropa]

I agree with jcpatella. I've used many of these devices over the years and the only times I ever had any issues is when there hasn't been enough flow. bubbles slowly accumulate and eventually the siphon breaks. keep that flow going and i've found they can be chock full of algae or anything and still work like a champ.

[sjm817]

All overflows are not created equal.

Use a U Tube overflow, not a C Channel.

Use a good U Tube overflow. They are not all the same. Lifereef has already been mentioned. They are the best out there.

This has also been mentioned, keep adaquite flow through the U Tube to keep bubbles clear. Minimum of ~ 200 GPH or so.

[jhuggins]

I have a U tube that has never had any problems.
The C channel has broke 5 or 6 times. I think they are all my fault due to allowing the water to get to low but I am not 100%. Can I replace the C part with a U tube? If so where would I purchase one?

[jcpatella]

I don't know if you can replace the C channel, as the overflow itself is crafted by this design...

If you can, post a picture of your current overflow and maybe we could offer some suggestions.

[mg426]

U tube all the way.

[Rick2203]

lifereef here not 1 problem in over a year

[miwoodar]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11366254#post11366254 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jcpatella
Part of the reliability of a siphon overflow depends upon the flow that is going through the u-tube. I constantly have bubbles going through the tube, but the flow is high enough that the bubbles get pushed all the way through.


That's how I set mine up and I never had a problem. Since then though, I got a new tank and used bulkheads instead. It's only $20 more to ditch the box for bulkheads. Less if you drill the tank yourself with a bit (got my bits from THK).

[jcpatella]

Yeah - lifereef overflows sell fast. Even if you do drill in the future, you'll be able to make your money back by selling the HOB overflow. I hope.....