HOB overflow box success stories?

JR8999 · 02/23/2014, 01:40 PM

I'm starting to get apprehensive after hearing all the potential issues with using and HOB overflow. I'm already commited to the non drilled tank I have. I am purchasing a small sump unit and plan on having an HOB overflow. Do to space constraints I'm going to order an Aqueon 34500 ProFlex Sump Model 1. I will eventually get it set up as a refugium with a skimmer. I have several recommendations on a skimmer that will fit that footprint. My main concern is all the horror stories of potential issues with the HOB overflow. I'd also appreciate any feedback and possibly sizing recommendations. I have a 56g tower set up currently with just sand, base rock and ODI with 1.024 salinity. Thanks!

Vinny Kreyling · 02/23/2014, 05:05 PM

Just get a Lifereef.
Best on the market hands down!
Ran one for 30+ years, never a problem.
As long as the flow inside the tube is fast enough to carry any air bubbles
into the box.

davidfrances · 02/23/2014, 05:11 PM

Same here. I have been running HOB overflow boxes for 25+ years, never had a single problem. Lifereef or Eshopps are the brands to trust, they are set and forget. Stay away from any that require a pump to initiate suction.

Now, if you have kids or a spouse who may tinker with the tanks, HOB overflows could be a problem for you. if they're bumped or disturbed, they could overflow.

carriej · 02/23/2014, 05:17 PM

I have ran an eshopps for 1.5 years no issues... Just keep it clean and make sure it has the right amount of flow. I turn my tank off everyday and it's never had a problem starting up.

I would stick to the U tube style overflows though... Stay away from those ones that need those crappy little aqualifters, just another piece of equipment to rely on.

Someday I plan to upgrade to a lifereef however as I feel that they are probably the best; but he was backed up when I was setting up my tank.

davidadelp · 02/23/2014, 05:50 PM

Does anyone have recommendations on how to run the pipes off the overflow down into the sump? I have mine plumbed straight down and then turns under my tank then down into the sump and it's so dag on loud! How can I make it quiet

duperdave · 02/23/2014, 06:43 PM

no problems with my toms aquatics yet

TommyP · 02/23/2014, 06:55 PM

I have the ph-800 HOB overflow made by eshopps on my 75G reef. As long as you have proper flow and no air bubbles, you'll be straight. I always worry, but that comes with the hobby.

AZBigJohn · 02/23/2014, 07:40 PM

[QUOTE=davidadelp;22471849]Does anyone have recommendations on how to run the pipes off the overflow down into the sump? I have mine plumbed straight down and then turns under my tank then down into the sump and it's so dag on loud! How can I make it quiet[/QUOTE

It depends where the noise is coming from. If it is from the top, look up "Gurgle buster" it is a simple to make drain pipe addition that quiets the gurgling from the upper pipe. If it is from within the pipe, sometimes playing with flow (more or less to eliminate or change the air in the line) will help.

To the OP, I have run my 55 with 30 gallon sump as a FOWLR for 10 years, and as a reef now for 2 with never a flood, leak or problem using a u-shaped siphon.

JR8999 · 02/23/2014, 07:46 PM

Thanks to everyone! I am ordering a Eshopps Overflow Box PF-800 for my 56g tower. I will prolly get a Lifereef eventually. I went to the Lifereef site and it looked like it was something I'd have to wait for but to be honest I wasn't really sure. I know he has a great rep but the site is not very intuitive. I ordered my sump but am waiting to see how much room I have for the skimmer and pump in the last chamber before I order my return pump. Any advice on pump sizes/brands with my setup?

JR8999 · 02/23/2014, 08:23 PM

I went back the the Lifereef site and read more. I am going to order a "prefilter" box from them... please tell me that a "prefilter box" is the same thing as an "overflow box"?
...because as TommyP states above worrying is part of the hobby. In this case I hope there will be less worry.

lcs · 02/23/2014, 08:31 PM

I've been using an Eheim 1250 on my 56 with the same HOB overflow for 4 1/2 years. You could go bigger and add a ball valve to dial it back if you need to. I also added a gurgle buster to my overflow and it's pretty quiet.

Fish_King_25 · 02/23/2014, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JR8999

I went back the the Lifereef site and read more. I am going to order a "prefilter" box from them... please tell me that a "prefilter box" is the same thing as an "overflow box"?
...because as TommyP states above worrying is part of the hobby. In this case I hope there will be less worry.

I have a LifeReef... the two are the same.. Don't worry the customer service from the company is exceptional... You will get a call and a detailed discussion of exactly what you're looking to setup, and will get all the right things! Get a Lifereef

davidfrances · 02/24/2014, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidadelp

Does anyone have recommendations on how to run the pipes off the overflow down into the sump? I have mine plumbed straight down and then turns under my tank then down into the sump and it's so dag on loud! How can I make it quiet

Run a length of rigid airline tubing down the pipe so that it bottoms out at your first turn and sticks out of the overflow by about 2". You might have to tweak the position a little bit, but it works great to stop the roar of the water.

davidfrances · 02/24/2014, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcs

I've been using an Eheim 1250 on my 56 with the same HOB overflow for 4 1/2 years. You could go bigger and add a ball valve to dial it back if you need to. I also added a gurgle buster to my overflow and it's pretty quiet.

+1 on dialing back the return from the pump.

Just to clarify, ball valves on the output of your overflow box are a recipe for disaster.

You could also bump up the pipe size from the overflow box to your sump to minimize the noise. My overflow takes 3/4" pipe, you could use a 3/4" to 1" adapter.

Vinny Kreyling · 02/24/2014, 09:51 AM

A prefilter box is only 1/2 of the setup.
It is the box that sits inside the tank.
Order the single drain unit it will handle up to 600 GPH.
You can size your pump accordingly.

tomreefer · 02/24/2014, 10:08 AM

I would for sure get a apex controller with leak detector module to be safe. This way if it detects a leak it will shut off pump

MondoBongo · 02/24/2014, 10:51 AM

i have so far had good success with my eshoppes overflows. been using one for a little over a year now.

EricBuzz · 02/24/2014, 11:30 AM

On my previous tank I had an AquaC hob overflow. It worked but was always very loud, no matter what was done to silence it. It did require an aqua lifter, but it worked. I know these little pumps take a lot of flack, but honestly I've had one running for many years on that system without an issue.

Jimmer12 · 02/24/2014, 11:37 AM

Just tagging along here as I am thinking of converting my 72 gallon tank from a canister to a sump.

kmbyrnes · 02/25/2014, 11:14 AM

I run an e-shopps pf-1000 on my 110. I use a full siphon for the main drain and run the second drain as emergency.
Dead silent all the time.
I have never had the siphion fail in 4 months and I turn my pumps off twice daily at feeding time.
Do yourself a favor and get a gate valve instead of a ball valve.
Much easier to adjust.

02/23/2014, 01:40 PM	#1
JR8999 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 345	HOB overflow box success stories? I'm starting to get apprehensive after hearing all the potential issues with using and HOB overflow. I'm already commited to the non drilled tank I have. I am purchasing a small sump unit and plan on having an HOB overflow. Do to space constraints I'm going to order an Aqueon 34500 ProFlex Sump Model 1. I will eventually get it set up as a refugium with a skimmer. I have several recommendations on a skimmer that will fit that footprint. My main concern is all the horror stories of potential issues with the HOB overflow. I'd also appreciate any feedback and possibly sizing recommendations. I have a 56g tower set up currently with just sand, base rock and ODI with 1.024 salinity. Thanks!

02/23/2014, 06:43 PM	#6
duperdave Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: fredericksburg, VA Posts: 283	no problems with my toms aquatics yet __________________ 55 gal.dt 20gal.sump.aquaeruousa 135 protien skimmer ,hydor 725 gph return,2-hydor 600 gph , and1 tunze 6045 mechanically adjustable circulating pumps, 65 lb liverock ,2AI hydra lights ,jbj ato Sq

02/23/2014, 07:40 PM	#8
AZBigJohn Usually confused... Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,091	[QUOTE=davidadelp;22471849]Does anyone have recommendations on how to run the pipes off the overflow down into the sump? I have mine plumbed straight down and then turns under my tank then down into the sump and it's so dag on loud! How can I make it quiet[/QUOTE It depends where the noise is coming from. If it is from the top, look up "Gurgle buster" it is a simple to make drain pipe addition that quiets the gurgling from the upper pipe. If it is from within the pipe, sometimes playing with flow (more or less to eliminate or change the air in the line) will help. To the OP, I have run my 55 with 30 gallon sump as a FOWLR for 10 years, and as a reef now for 2 with never a flood, leak or problem using a u-shaped siphon. __________________ John Current Tank Info: Currently a 29 gallon all-in-one frag tank and a 210 gallon tank slowly becoming my dream system!

02/24/2014, 10:51 AM	#17
MondoBongo Obligate Feeder Obsessed Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 4,061	i have so far had good success with my eshoppes overflows. been using one for a little over a year now. __________________ [Citation Needed] "You don't use science to show that you're right, you use science to become right" - xkcd Current Tank Info: A rectangular shaped money pit.

02/25/2014, 11:14 AM	#20
kmbyrnes Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 2,055	I run an e-shopps pf-1000 on my 110. I use a full siphon for the main drain and run the second drain as emergency. Dead silent all the time. I have never had the siphion fail in 4 months and I turn my pumps off twice daily at feeding time. Do yourself a favor and get a gate valve instead of a ball valve. Much easier to adjust. __________________ 125g Mixed Reef 5/26/2015; 350 Butterfly Dominated FOWLR 11/26/2015 - 11/17/20217 & 07/31/18 to ??? ; 100g Mixed Reef 11/16/2013 to 06/16/2017 Current Tank Info: Too small

02/23/2014, 05:05 PM	#2
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Just get a Lifereef. Best on the market hands down! Ran one for 30+ years, never a problem. As long as the flow inside the tube is fast enough to carry any air bubbles into the box.

02/23/2014, 05:11 PM	#3
davidfrances Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Parkville, MO Posts: 666	Same here. I have been running HOB overflow boxes for 25+ years, never had a single problem. Lifereef or Eshopps are the brands to trust, they are set and forget. Stay away from any that require a pump to initiate suction. Now, if you have kids or a spouse who may tinker with the tanks, HOB overflows could be a problem for you. if they're bumped or disturbed, they could overflow.

02/23/2014, 05:17 PM	#4
carriej Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 263	I have ran an eshopps for 1.5 years no issues... Just keep it clean and make sure it has the right amount of flow. I turn my tank off everyday and it's never had a problem starting up. I would stick to the U tube style overflows though... Stay away from those ones that need those crappy little aqualifters, just another piece of equipment to rely on. Someday I plan to upgrade to a lifereef however as I feel that they are probably the best; but he was backed up when I was setting up my tank.

02/23/2014, 05:50 PM	#5
davidadelp Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Daniels, WV Posts: 363	Does anyone have recommendations on how to run the pipes off the overflow down into the sump? I have mine plumbed straight down and then turns under my tank then down into the sump and it's so dag on loud! How can I make it quiet

02/23/2014, 06:55 PM	#7
TommyP Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 361	I have the ph-800 HOB overflow made by eshopps on my 75G reef. As long as you have proper flow and no air bubbles, you'll be straight. I always worry, but that comes with the hobby.

02/23/2014, 07:46 PM	#9
JR8999 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 345	Thanks to everyone! I am ordering a Eshopps Overflow Box PF-800 for my 56g tower. I will prolly get a Lifereef eventually. I went to the Lifereef site and it looked like it was something I'd have to wait for but to be honest I wasn't really sure. I know he has a great rep but the site is not very intuitive. I ordered my sump but am waiting to see how much room I have for the skimmer and pump in the last chamber before I order my return pump. Any advice on pump sizes/brands with my setup?

02/23/2014, 08:23 PM	#10
JR8999 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 345	I went back the the Lifereef site and read more. I am going to order a "prefilter" box from them... please tell me that a "prefilter box" is the same thing as an "overflow box"? ...because as TommyP states above worrying is part of the hobby. In this case I hope there will be less worry.

02/23/2014, 08:31 PM	#11
lcs It's Spring!!!!!!! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 1,370	I've been using an Eheim 1250 on my 56 with the same HOB overflow for 4 1/2 years. You could go bigger and add a ball valve to dial it back if you need to. I also added a gurgle buster to my overflow and it's pretty quiet.

02/24/2014, 09:51 AM	#15
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	A prefilter box is only 1/2 of the setup. It is the box that sits inside the tank. Order the single drain unit it will handle up to 600 GPH. You can size your pump accordingly.

02/24/2014, 10:08 AM	#16
tomreefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 767	I would for sure get a apex controller with leak detector module to be safe. This way if it detects a leak it will shut off pump

02/24/2014, 11:30 AM	#18
EricBuzz Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Saddle Brook, NJ Posts: 53	On my previous tank I had an AquaC hob overflow. It worked but was always very loud, no matter what was done to silence it. It did require an aqua lifter, but it worked. I know these little pumps take a lot of flack, but honestly I've had one running for many years on that system without an issue.

02/24/2014, 11:37 AM	#19
Jimmer12 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 188	Just tagging along here as I am thinking of converting my 72 gallon tank from a canister to a sump.