CPR CS100 Overflow Box

[Reeferz412]

Whats a good return pump to use for a CPR CS100 Overflow Box? Has anyone used this box before? I got it at a garage sale for cheap and was going to use it for my newly bought 29 gallon reef tank project. I will be switching my precious 20 gallon reef tank to the 29 due to a leak so incoming threads in the near future.

[Donkeykong]

I have used one of these, had one on an old 80 gallon reef I use to have. They require secondary pump to make sure there is no build up of air in the overflow, if this happens you will loose siphon which can lead to a flood. The key to preventing this is regular maintenance. The overflow has to be cleaned out regularly as well as the pump and hosing needs to be checked and cleaned regularly. As for a good return pump, as long as it is less then 800gph after head pressure is calculated you will be fine. I recently got a Tunze Silence retunr pump and I am very happy on how well it is working and how quiet it is. If I were you and this 29 gallon was not setup yet I would look at glass holes . com think about drilling this tank. Yes it is a little scary to drill a tank if you have never done it but will make your life alot easier then have to always worry about the overflow box and all the extra work they are. Plus there are tons of videos of how to drill and as long as you are patient you will be fine

[Reeferz412]

I was afraid you would say that, I have looked on that site before, I am considering it. Should I get the nano set? Or go up a level? What would you recommend?

[TimeConsumer]

Or if you want to continue using a HOB overflow, ditch the CPR and get a Lifereef. I haven't had to touch mine for months. There's never any air buildup inside the tubes. It's never lost a siphon, once it got clogged with a lawnmower blenny, but it still kept draining, just at a lower rate.

[Reeferz412]

I see nothing but good reviews on that, I was looking at that as well. Perhaps I will ditch the CPR and just go with that. I have my hands on a 38 gallon now so upgrade for me! Thank you for your input guys.

[TimeConsumer]

I saw a post in the used equipment section for a Lifereef Nano, might be worth looking into.

And these Lifereef's are the best at what they do. But, I still recommend some form of redundancy, regardless if it's a HOB overflow or a drilled tank. Rig up a diy float switch alarm system, use a controller like an RKL or an Apex Jr with switches. You could even design your sump so the return section holds less water than the tank can fit before it overflows. But you'll need to top off by hand daily. Just do something to help prevent a flood in case you lose a siphon or the drain line clogs.

[Reeferz412]

Been there done that, I have ended up with water on the floor. I am taking necessary precautions. My project is on hold until I get some funds for a decent overflow box like Lifereef. Thank you TimeConsumer and Donkeykong. I will take the necessary precautions.

[jmn111080]

If you decide to sell it let me know

[Reeferz412]

I already sold it to another reefer a while back. Went another route, thank you for your interest.