Overflow and Sump/fuge for refugium

[thesauce]

I'm thinking about putting a cpr overflow box on my nano (29g biocube) that will drain to a CPR pro sump/fuge. I've never tried any sort of 'plumbing' mods and I'm a little concerned about whether or not this is a good idea; that it might cause more problems than its worth. Has anyone done anything like this? I'd love some input. Is it a good idea? Feasible? Difficult?

 

[Craig]

do NOT use a hang on overflow. drill it.
rstimeout just did a similar mod. search for this thread.

 

[Psycho graphic]

Here I go again disagreeing with people. There is absolutey nothing wrong with using a properly designed OFB. The problem most people have is they really don't understand how and why they work.

That being said, I would not recommend a CPR OFB. You want a OFB that uses J-Tube(s). The reason You want to use this type over the CPR is that air will get trapped in the corners of the CPR not allowing them to pass all the way through and out of the chamber. As they build up, eventually they will create a large enough air pocket to either slow the flow rate through it or stopping the flow completely.

 

[noodleman]

if you use a hob overflow, stay away from cpr overflows!!! i used to have one and boy it was a PITA, air gets traped, algae grows inside

 

[grknyer]

I have been using a cpr overflow for almost 4 yes 4 years and not once has there been an issue with air getting trapped,algae or slower flow rate!I use a aqua lifter pump(still using th same one) with it which the other type of hob overflows don't and that would cause a slower flow rate.I did experience this with the jtube type.My friend has been using the cpr for 2 years and not once has he complained about it as well

Here I go again disagreeing with people. There is absolutey nothing wrong with using a properly designed OFB. The problem most people have is they really don't understand how and why they work.

That being said, I would not recommend a CPR OFB. You want a OFB that uses J-Tube(s). The reason You want to use this type over the CPR is that air will get trapped in the corners of the CPR not allowing them to pass all the way through and out of the chamber. As they build up, eventually they will create a large enough air pocket to either slow the flow rate through it or stopping the flow completely.

 

[grknyer]

Did you use a aqualifter pump? As for algae you must mean coraline right?

if you use a hob overflow, stay away from cpr overflows!!! i used to have one and boy it was a PITA, air gets traped, algae grows inside

 

[thesauce]

Thanks for all the advice. One of my biggest fears in the event that I use an OFB or drill is the reprecusions of a pump failure or power outage. Although I suppose the effects of this on the tank would be no different with or without the mods. The tank has been up and running for over a year, so I am a little concerned about drilling. I suppose I could put some of the inhabitants in a 5 gallon bucket with a pump and heater for a few hours and lower the water level. It seems like I'd really be rolling the dice with this though.

 

[noodleman]

Did you use a aqualifter pump? As for algae you must mean coraline right?

yea i did use a aqualifter pump, and yes coralline algae, but when it flakes off and along with various diturus it'll clog that little air nipple. Not if they made the air nipple a little bigger, i think it would be better.

 

[newly salted]

I have a cpr ofb every month or so I take a paper clip and stick it in air nipple to clean it out, just another part of maintenance