how often does your external overflow lose siphon

joesfiddy · #1 12/28/2007, 07:59 PM

i was just wondering how often if at all does your external overflow lose siphon? because im new to the overflow and dont want it to lose siphon and have the return pump keep pumping and overflow the tank.

MalHavoc · #2 12/28/2007, 08:19 PM

my siphon tube overflows made by Lifereef *never* lost siphon. Ever. They ran without incident for years. Stay away from the CPR-style overflows that require a powerhead to help clear air bubbles from the tubes. When the powerhead stops working, your overflow can fail.

joesfiddy · #3 12/28/2007, 08:21 PM

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...37;20flow&Np=1
this is the one i bought the one for up to 120 gallons

MalHavoc · #4 12/28/2007, 08:22 PM

your link is broken.

joesfiddy · #5 12/28/2007, 08:23 PM

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...low%20box&Np=1
will this one lose syphon easily

cardiffgiant · #6 12/28/2007, 08:34 PM

I use a tom aquatics dosing pump to keep a siphon on mine. Seems like it would run for a long time without it.

mspad · #7 12/28/2007, 08:36 PM

I have a overflow box on my 150 fish only tank. It has never stopped working. I think the trick is high flow of water so air bubbles don't collect in the tubes. Also, I use some foil on the outside of the upper section of the tubes (to block the light) so algae doesn't go in them. Once algae start to grow, It can reduce the flow considerably.

hyrumbradshaw · #8 12/28/2007, 08:38 PM

I built my own following the plans on melevsreef.com and it works like a charm! It does have a powerhead attached but even when that is off (i tested it) it does not loose siphon. The powerhead and return pump from the refugium are on the same circuit so if power does go out it will not drain my fuge into the display. Basically I have it setup to NEVER overflow the display or the fuge! I love it!

navychief · #9 12/28/2007, 08:58 PM

I own a SOS overflow and never had it lose siphon. It will eventually fill with some bubbles, but it never get to the point of reduced flow or loss.
http://www.aquariumguys.com/tidepool2.html

Dval · #10 12/28/2007, 09:04 PM

I've got an old ReefKeeper system and mine has only ever decreased the flow rate but never totally lost syphon. I upgraded my return pump and now with the higher water flow it doesn't collect bubbles and never decreases flow a bit. Not sure if yours operates as mine does with the in-tank bucket. with that thing I can put quite a bit of watter through that syphon tube.

nmhs2 · #11 12/28/2007, 09:07 PM

Never lost siphon in mine make sure you use correct hose from overflow box. You need a pool hose the ribbed on like 15 bucks for 3 feet its more expensive. Should run correctly

joesfiddy · #12 12/28/2007, 09:35 PM

yeah im wanting to use tubing from the overflow to the sump i never thought of pool hose is that what your using ?

Newlin · #13 12/28/2007, 09:48 PM

I have pool hose on mine. I think it's better than the clear plastic and you can bend it where ever you want it.

joesfiddy · #14 12/28/2007, 10:00 PM

where do you buy it at

USC-fan · #15 12/28/2007, 10:18 PM

I have never "lost" siphon but i had mine slow down enough to where it couldn't keep up with my return. Of course this happen when i was out of town.....

If you keep enough water moving through it so it doesn't collect bubbles in the u-tube then you shouldn't have any problems.

Art_Vandelay · #16 12/28/2007, 10:39 PM

You could use an aqua lifter pump and that should solve your problem. It cost around $15 and is well worth it. You can find it at www.marinedepot.com

joesfiddy · #17 12/28/2007, 11:29 PM

bump

woodycb · #18 12/28/2007, 11:37 PM

Never, just make sure you use the u-tube style overflow and you will never have a problem.

Altpers0na · #19 12/28/2007, 11:47 PM

i have a U style , and it stops all the time..

its never had a major incident, but i dont trust it, and am getting rid of it..

the saving grace of the whole thing is it looses siphon when my sump level gets to low, and then it dosnt have enough water to flood with...

tktodd · #20 12/29/2007, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by joesfiddy
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...low%20box&Np=1
will this one lose syphon easily

I use one of these on my new mangrove tank. It has been running for about a month now with no problems. I turn my pumps off alot to clean things, and it starts back up with no problems (holds the siphon). I also have a cpr overflow on my display tank. It works well, but you will need the aqualifter pump so you don't lose the siphon. I would go with the eshopps, it is cheaper and simple.

USC-fan · #21 12/29/2007, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Altpers0na
i have a U style , and it stops all the time..

its never had a major incident, but i dont trust it, and am getting rid of it..

the saving grace of the whole thing is it looses siphon when my sump level gets to low, and then it dosnt have enough water to flood with...

Something is not right. It should work fine. How do you have it setup?

brickbreaker33 · #22 12/29/2007, 10:51 AM

I'd love to know how to prevent water accidents all together.

Newlin · #23 12/29/2007, 11:58 AM

I have one of the CPR's on my fuge and I only have a problem when I shut the water off to the fuge and if the lifter stops, your going to make a mess. But, it was free so I use it

. As for the others on the back of the main tank, I get air bubbles in the tubes but it you will up the flow, the bubbles will come out and it will flow like new. I just put a 1200gph pump on mine with two overflows and I have not had a problem yet

joesfiddy · #24 12/29/2007, 01:14 PM

bump

sjm817 · #25 12/29/2007, 01:33 PM

A GOOD U Tube overflow should never lose siphon. Never. Not all overflows are the same. There are principles that make a good siphon that some mfrgs pay attention to (Lifereef), some that dont such as Eshopps. CPR? Forget it. They are a poor design. If you need to use a vacuum pump such as an Aqualifter on your overflow for it to work, it is either a poorly designed overflow, or it is not set up correctly.