Best HOB overflow box?

will? · Sep 23, 2026

Hey everyone, looking to get a HOB overflow box for a 150L tank, seems to be a lot of cheap copies of higher end ones, but looking for something reliable around $100-$150 AUD. Any recommendations from experience? Cheers in advance!

exnisstech · Sep 23, 2026

Not sure about best but I'm running one of These on a 40g breeder which is about 150L. It's comparable to an eshopps pf 800 which I've also used and worked well but this one's considerably cheaper.

will? · Sep 23, 2026

exnisstech said:
Not sure about best but I'm running one of These on a 40g breeder which is about 150L. It's comparable to an eshopps pf 800 which I've also used and worked well but this one's considerably cheaper.

Oh okay. How long have you had it? Have you had any issues?

exnisstech · Sep 24, 2026

The one I linked has only been running a few weeks. I have no reason to believe it will be any less reliable than the eshopps pf 800. I ran two of those in this tank for 6 years with no problems.

mcarroll · Sep 24, 2026

Aqueon or Lifereef. I've had quality issues with others, but if you have no choice just be sure you test it for leaks, test it through simulated power outages, etc......many, many times before you trust it. Any brand should be tested because defects and accidents happen.....but I trust some names for reliable build quality a lot more than others.

will? · Sep 27, 2026

mcarroll said:
Aqueon or Lifereef. I've had quality issues with others, but if you have no choice just be sure you test it for leaks, test it through simulated power outages, etc......many, many times before you trust it. Any brand should be tested because defects and accidents happen.....but I trust some names for reliable build quality a lot more than others.

Do you know of anywhere in Australia I could get one of these?

mcarroll · Sep 28, 2026

Lifereef you'd have to find used or order from their website (here in the US). Aqueon should be more widely available. What about other brands but with a similar build – do you see anything for sale like the units I mentioned?

areefer01 · Sep 28, 2026

mcarroll said:
Lifereef you'd have to find used or order from their website (here in the US). Aqueon should be more widely available. What about other brands but with a similar build – do you see anything for sale like the units I mentioned?

Lifereef is a good HOB and been around forever. As you mentioned above shipping may be more than the HOB. Solid choice, but shipping...

OP - worth your time reaching out to Jeff at Lifereef though via his web portal. May not be worth it due to shipping but a good guy to talk to never the less.