Overflow Box Comparisons ?

[427HISS]

I'm getting back into this wonderful hobby and I would love, to see everyone's opinions on overflow box's and comparisons.
Has there ever been a "vote" done ?

Anyway, I like the Shadow V3 and the Eshopps Prodigy, so far.
I would like photo's and links for everything !
The good, bad and ugly.....of every system.

How would you rate them 1 to 10 (+) and why ?

Shadow
Fiji Cube
Eshopps (the newer Prodigy)
Modular
CPR
Others ???

 

[UncommonSense]

Shadow

No experience with V3, but the design technically functions… aside from thin construction, some (myself included) complain of difficulty tuning this overflow to drain silently!

Eshopps (the newer Prodigy)

Also no personal experience… I have seen some have had issues with how incredibly thin the internal box is!

My main complaint with this example, and some other brands is that they limit drains to 1”… 1.25-1.5” drains leaves the user much more room for expansion, and allows a single overflow to be used on systems over 150-200g! (1’ drain plumbing is on the smaller end of the appropriate range for a 125g, allowing roughly 7-8 max turnovers per-hour!)

CPR

As far as I know, CPR only sells hang on back overflows… these can work, but are far from an ideal solution to get water from display tank to sump reliably! — I’d recommend sticking to drilled overflows for reliability!

 

[427HISS]

Check this dumb, dumb move. Long time ago I ordered a Synergy Reef Shadow that is 16" long and the back holes are 2-1/2" ID. ! I placed it and all the pvc kit in the aquarium. Then, my wife decided to make it a BIG glass cloths hamper ! So,....I just need to order one more and I'm set up !

It still has the serial number sticker.

I don't know why I just bought one though ? Weird.

 

[427HISS]

I'll need a second overflow box, should I see if I can get another V2 two match or get the new V3 ?

 

[UncommonSense]

I'll need a second overflow box, should I see if I can get another V2 two match or get the new V3 ?

Definitely get the V3! If nothing else, they tried to address the fragility by adding fiber reinforcement to the plastic for the V3!

 

[shepe]

I had a v2 on my old tank after a catastrophic failure of the tank I decided I wanted 2 overflows on the new tank, synergy sent me a free upgrade plate to make a v2 functionally the same as a v3. Though reading above seems the v3 may be made slightly differently (I can’t tell the difference with the 2 side by side)

 

[UncommonSense]

free upgrade plate

I’m not quite sure what this part would be…

Possibly the removable plastic weir teeth on the interior portion of the overflow?

 

[427HISS]

I’m not quite sure what this part would be…

Possibly the removable plastic weir teeth on the interior portion of the overflow?

That would be interesting to know.

 

[427HISS]

I'd like someone (and others) to help me out here on a order on what I need for a total price, so we can compare products with others.

16″ Shadow® Overflow V3 2500 GPH

What is the Shadow® Overflow? The Shadow® Overflow is a device that is used to divert water flow from your aquarium into your filtration sump. This overflow can be used on any Freshwater, Marine or Reptilian habitats. There are no limitations on where you can use this overflow system. Synergy...

synergyreef.com

 

[shepe]

That would be interesting to know.

Take the weir out and this plate sits in the box behind it. They included it free when I bought my v3

 

[427HISS]

Like Eshopps Prodigy.

Prodigy L Slimline Overflow Box - Eshopps

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

 

[shepe]

I'd like someone (and others) to help me out here on a order on what I need for a total price, so we can compare products with others.

16″ Shadow® Overflow V3 2500 GPH

What is the Shadow® Overflow? The Shadow® Overflow is a device that is used to divert water flow from your aquarium into your filtration sump. This overflow can be used on any Freshwater, Marine or Reptilian habitats. There are no limitations on where you can use this overflow system. Synergy...

synergyreef.com

You don’t “need” any of the optional extras they offer with it, however if you don’t take the internal and external pipe kits they’re offering then you’ll have to supply and size both the 1.5” pipes inside the box and glued into the bottom. So in summary with mine I bought the overflow boxes and both the internal and external pre cut pipe kits.

I had my tank builder drill the tank for me so didn’t need the diamond bits and the lock line return is nothing to do with the overflow box and the spacer rings are only needed if the tank is less than 1/4” thick

 

[Bbio]

I’m using an eshopps PF-1200 and the only issue I’m having is how noisy it is. There is a lot of turbulence in the back chamber. I think I’m going to 3D print a lid for it that the U-tubes can stick through. 7/10

 

[rtparty]

If it’s Synergy, avoid at all costs. Garbage design and horrible customer service