CPR continuous siphon overflow box

[DUFFY]

OK, I i just recently acquired an CPR continous siphon overflow box from an e-bay auction. I was looking on a wholesale website and it stated that a rio pump would be necessary. Is this so? Must a rio be run or is there any other ways to bypass the pump.

Are there any other threads that are available on the cpr overflows?

[new2]

http://amekaaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=PUMPS_OSCAR


http://www.cpraquatic.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=3

I use one and iy wotks great. Quiet and stays out of the tank too...

[BigDaddy]

It is a poorly designed overflow, you will have siphon problems even w/ a rio pump, a pump is a must w/ this overflow to prevent siphon breaks. You will have to watch the line to the pump clogging w/ debris.

I think you will end up going to a U tube overflow like Lifereefs. It is much much better. I used a CPR for about 6 mts w/ nothing but problems.

[Reefologist]

Throw it in the garbage and save yourself alot of headache...trust me,there is a reason the seller was indeed the seller!Get life reef overflow.

[dkh0331]

I used a CPR on my 55 for a year. First I used a maxi-jet then switched to the above mentioned Oscar. Never had any problems with it and did have several power outages.

I know a lot of people have a bad taste in their mouth with the CPR. I never had any problems with mine.

HTH

David

[DUFFY]

well thanks for all the info. I am very weary of using the aqualifter if it is going to end up dumping water on the floor! I may opt to sell the unit and get the tank drilled. Thanks for everything.

Brian

[Alaskan Reefer]

I have a bad taste in my mouth with CPR and their customer service...

[cb747]

I highly recomend the aqualifter pump---i have a cpr overflow box and the pump has been working flawlessly for over 3 months :) dont even mess around with a rio or other pump. Its not worth taking the chance :)

[new2]

Ditto CPR w/ Aqualifter works great !

[Froggy]

I have a cpr overflow on my 75 gallon reef. The fact that a pump IS required for operation is unfortunate but I have never had a problem with mine as long as you do occasional maintenance on the pump. I personally use a maxi-jet 1200,which is a very reliable pump. The pump is in my sump and I have it connected to the nipple on the overflow using airline tubing. The pump constantly pulls out any air that may accumpilate and keeps the overflow running smoothly and silently.

Things you need to watch for is keeping the nipple clear of debris by poking a paperclip through it occasionally. I have had mine for 3 years and have never lost syphon during a power outtage after restart. The maxi-jet pump pulls the air out and automatically restarts ths syphon. A reliable pump hooked to the cpr is a must as it will not likely restart its syphon without the pump after losing power.

[Reefologist]

With the aqualifter the only thing between a wet floor and a dry floor is airline tubing,which is small diameter and in theory could clog easily and does indeed harden overtime. if you use the aqualifter replace the airline regularly. Keep in mind the aqualifter has only been around for a short time so no one ,not even cpr knows how extended performance will be. I currently have 1 cs-90 and it is on the way out. I have tried both a rio and aqua lifter they both work but cs design sucks. I use the cs-90 on my small mantis tank, i use a j tube style(lifereef)on my larger reef tank,it is far superior.

[DUFFY]

Well, I am now at a loss. Should I try to sell the unit and have the tank drilled or should I keep it an try to run it with a pump? Unfortunately for me I acquired this overflow from someone who has broken the nipple off flush with the overflow box. I could drill it and use another kind of nipple to put the pump on but I am not sure if that is the right way to go. Has anyone had any experience with the nipples breaking on these? (The nipple I am referring to is the one on top of the overflow that you use to suck the air out and start the siphon)

[new2]

Should pop right out (push up from the bottom)

Replacements can be purchased at www.amekaaquatics.com (they have the Oscar Airlift too...

[reefmarker]

I have 2 of the CPR overflows. I don't use a pump. I use a piece of airtube that I fold in half and rubberband closed. Every couple of weeks suck the air out by mouth or with a rubber bulb.

The pumps just gave me a false sense of security and the air bubble in the overflow is a pretty obvious thing to notice.

[aznlmpulse]

Looks like I've purchased yet another POS. :P

would it be possible to hook the up the nipple on top of the cpr to the sir suction line on my seaclone? it uses a maxi-1200.

I purchased the cpr cs50 without the rio pump...last week...and haven't put it to use yet...I guess I'm trying to figure a way to "ghetto rig" it so that it's fool proof.

any suggestions?

[allykahn]

I started out with a CS-90 then purchased a CS-100. I initially used the rio pump and I did not have any problems. I recently tried the Oscar pump and it worked fine for a while. It decided to stop sucking air so I bought another one. Again, worked for a few months, then quit. I went back to a spare rio that I had.

Bottom line: I never really had too many problems with the CPR overflow, just annoyances here and there. If you decide to keep it, do as the others have posted by checking the tubing and air nozzle periodically.

[aznlmpulse]

I didn't buy a rio pump with it...would it be possible to put my maxi jet to use?

[allykahn]

I assume that as long as it siphons, it shouldn't be a problem. I never used a maxi-jet so I can not give you a definitive answer.

[aznlmpulse]

I think I'm just going to return it..minus the shipping and restocking fee...and shell out the extra cash for a lifereef overflow.

has anyone had any trouble with lifereef?

please share your experiences with it before I spend another $100...is the lifereef website the only place to get them?

Do I need the stockman pipe to have it running quitely?

[ShadowViper]

Stating from experience and not from what I have read or been told unlike "most" CPR C-syphon bashers, I think they are great overflowboxes. I have one on my tank for over 5 years w/o one single flood, started with a cs90 upgraded to a cs202dx last january. The cs90 was running a mag24 with a swcd for about a year, the scwd creates lots of head preasure especially with all the 3/4 in ID tubing on the mag so i removed it. Realized the cs90 couldnt handle the mag fully open so that was my reason for upgrading.

Originally used the rio which i kept inside the tank, to prevent bubbles it was placed inside a bakpak bubble trap. Used that with little maintenance on it for 3+ years then decided to switch to the aqualifter($10) to gain back some tank space. I have the output line of the lifter going down to my sump, I have noticed when turning off the main pump the airline still drew water down to the sump never losing syphon. The aqualifter ran for about 3 months then stopped. Found out it should use a prefilter ($3). Bought the filter cleaned out the lifter and been up and running since and even though i got a new aqualifter with my cs202dx set i still use the original. I have yet to replace the prefilter i just remove it and clean it once in a blue moon. I use durso style stand pipes in both units, yes durso not stockman and they are dead silent. The 202 came with a lid which helps with sound but its not needed with my standpipes.

People are always ready to point out the flaws of the C-syphon which is it gathers air, which is easily fixed with the add on pump/lifter. The j/u tube style HOB overflows have this same problem but not as bad (not that the cpr is horrible at collecting air), why some people mod theirs to use an nipple to draw out air like the cpr. The other problem is the tube is highly more likely to get clogged by something then the cpr which will lead to a flood, screens help but arent always 100% i still find fish & snails in my overflow and sump.

Lastly, if that design was so bad why has melev (near 12k posts) who has done alot of Do It Yourself projects use that design on one of his tanks http://www.melevsreef.com/ (under 29 gal sump and refugium)

[aznlmpulse]

Thanks for the informative reply ShadowViper!

I actually stopped by the LFS today to pick up an Amiracle U-tube HOB overflow, but decided not to due to its large size. I have a 29gal tank and would like to minimize the cluttering inside.

I'm going to try to rig the air suction nipple to the suction of my MJ1200 which is connected to my skimmer and to see if that works.

Have you tried to simulate a power outage?

I'll have to look into the aqualifter as insurance for when I go on vacations.

thanks again!

[ReefMeister2]

Originally posted by DUFFY
Well, I am now at a loss. Should I try to sell the unit and have the tank drilled or should I keep it an try to run it with a pump? Unfortunately for me I acquired this overflow from someone who has broken the nipple off flush with the overflow box. I could drill it and use another kind of nipple to put the pump on but I am not sure if that is the right way to go. Has anyone had any experience with the nipples breaking on these? (The nipple I am referring to is the one on top of the overflow that you use to suck the air out and start the siphon)

Yes, that has happened to me.
Go to HomeDepot and head for the isle that has drip irrigation equipment (lawn sprinklers) Amongst all the little black plastic parts that they sell is a "double-ended nipple" that is used for attaching two ends of a drip tube together. Cut or sand one of the nipples down to match the thickness of the CPR acrylic (probably 1/8")
In other words: one end will be a full nipple and the other will be a stub only about 1/8" long. You will have to drill out the hole in the CPR just a tiny bit to match the exact diameter of the stub, but be careful not to bore too large a hole...you want the new nipple to fit snug. After dry-fitting the new nipple a few times, use standard superglue to weld it in place. The idea is to make the fitting flush INSIDE the CPR so as to not to create a small bubble trap inside if the nipple were to protrude.
Hope this helps

[new2]

Since this thread was revived, thought I'd chime in...

Posted on 12/31/2003 "Ditto CPR w/ Aqualifter works great !"

Still the same today - did replace the Oscar once though -

[aznlmpulse]

where's the cheapest place to get an aqualifter?

[new2]

http://www.bigalsonline.com/search/?type=catalog&method=all&collection=sitebuilder%2Fcatalog3-1&keywords1=aqua-lifter

[ShadowViper]

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=KTALP may be cheaper depending on shipping. They also carry the prefilter which I highly recommend for 3 bucks.

[aznlmpulse]

yeah..I just ordered an aqualifter and a filter from them yesterday. hopefully the pump doesn't die prematurely like some have experienced.

[saltykirk]

I have used these things for years & like them over J tubes overflows. I think they suck. I've had more flood problems w/ them. I maintain my CS's & don't have problems as long as I don't get lazy. They are hard to clean vermitid snails or aiptasia's out of though. put a piece of 1/2 cpvc in bottom of Maxi Jet 1200, drill w/ an 1/8 bit, place an airline nipple ( Petsmart ) in the hole. Use some silicone or superglue to hold nipple in place. Hook airline tubing to it. Clean pump once in a while. It will work fine. The aqua lifter can pick up trash. Watch it

[mjstech]

i have the cpr cs102 overflow with aqualifter. tank has been up for 7 months now, have not had a single issue yet.

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