Overflow issue

[3rdMoon]

So I got a CPR Aquatics HOB overflow w/Aqua Lifter pump (I bought a tempered glass tank before I knew you can’t drill them) In all the pictures the aqua lifter pump is sitting on top of the overflow box. Is that necessary for proper operation?The overflow is bulky enough as it is and I’d rather not have the pump sitting right out in the open also. I know it’s not a very strong pump, and only comes with about a foot of tubing out of the box. So it seems the manufacturer intends it be placed on top of the overflow. Can I just add longer tubing and hang the pump on the back of my stand? It’d be about 4 extra feet of tubing combined. This is probably a stupid question but I’d hate to go ahead and try it and come home to a flooded house.

 

[dank reefer]

It doesn't have to sit on top of the overflow box, and don't even know why they picture it that ways the lid is not entirely secure. It can be hung on the side of the box or aquarium.

EDIT: I do use the CPR overflow with the Tom's Aqua Lifter pump. I have mine hanging on the side of the tank as I had to constantly fiddle with the lid having the pump sitting on top of it.

 

[crusso1993]

So I got a CPR Aquatics HOB overflow w/Aqua Lifter pump (I bought a tempered glass tank before I knew you can’t drill them) In all the pictures the aqua lifter pump is sitting on top of the overflow box. Is that necessary for proper operation?The overflow is bulky enough as it is and I’d rather not have the pump sitting right out in the open also. I know it’s not a very strong pump, and only comes with about a foot of tubing out of the box. So it seems the manufacturer intends it be placed on top of the overflow. Can I just add longer tubing and hang the pump on the back of my stand? It’d be about 4 extra feet of tubing combined. This is probably a stupid question but I’d hate to go ahead and try it and come home to a flooded house.

While I am not familiar with the lifter you have with the CPR overflow, I do know that a Tom Aqua Lifter pump will do what you are hoping to do with the CPR unit. Maybe we'll hear from someone with your specific unit or you can always contact CPR and ask them. Probably better to get the answer right from the manufacturer.

Good luck!

 

[3rdMoon]

It doesn't have to sit on top of the overflow box, and don't even know why they picture it that ways the lid is not entirely secure. It can be hung on the side of the box or aquarium.

EDIT: I do use the CPR overflow with the Tom's Aqua Lifter pump. I have mine hanging on the side of the tank as I had to constantly fiddle with the lid having the pump sitting on top of it.

Its a relief to hear that. I really appreciate you replying. Another question tho (since you have the same set up) The rear chamber with the bulkheads doesn’t fill much at all. At most it has maybe 3 inches of water in it. Is that normal?

 

[W1ngz]

It doesn't matter where the pump is physically located. Concern yourself more with it moving over time because of vibration. There's a hang-on bracket available that will keep it out of the way and secure.

 

[dank reefer]

Its a relief to hear that. I really appreciate you replying. Another question tho (since you have the same set up) The rear chamber with the bulkheads doesn’t fill much at all. At most it has maybe 3 inches of water in it. Is that normal?

The rear chamber where the bulk head is at does not need to be filled all the way to the top. If the water coming from your tank is overflowing to the chamber to where the bulk heads are at, then that's good. What you need to keep an eye on is if any debris gets stuck on the strainer portion of the bulkhead. I keep a toothbrush near the tank and regularly brush the strainer to clear it from any junk that didn't pass through.

You will also want to make sure you keep the lines cleared of junk also since a small piece of algae might clog it. Keep extra tubing handy as well so that you can replace the lines often.

 

[dank reefer]

As @W1ngz said, they do make a bracket to hang the aqualifter to the side of the tank.

I just used a ziptie and looped it through the the top of the aqua lifter and attached it to one of the leveling screws on the overflow.

 

[mfinn]

Hang it on the wall behind the tank, with a screw.

 

[3rdMoon]

The rear chamber where the bulk head is at does not need to be filled all the way to the top. If the water coming from your tank is overflowing to the chamber to where the bulk heads are at, then that's good. What you need to keep an eye on is if any debris gets stuck on the strainer portion of the bulkhead. I keep a toothbrush near the tank and regularly brush the strainer to clear it from any junk that didn't pass through.

You will also want to make sure you keep the lines cleared of junk also since a small piece of algae might clog it. Keep extra tubing handy as well so that you can replace the lines often.

That’s great information. Thanks man! Btw, is yours quiet? The reviews said it was quiet but mine gurgles constantly and burps every few minutes. I didn’t install gate valves on the overflow tubing just hoping they wouldn’t be necessary. Now I’m starting to think I need to.

 

[dank reefer]

Mine is not quiet. I am using the corrugated gray tubing running to the sump. Not sure if hard plumbing it would quiet it down much.

 

[3rdMoon]

Mine is not quiet. I am using the corrugated gray tubing running to the sump. Not sure if hard plumbing it would quiet it down much.

Yeah but being able to pull a full siphon would probably help right? I’m running that 1 inch shiny black flex hose from BRS. If I add gate valves with barbed fittings, shouldn’t that help quiet it down? Sorry to ask so many questions. I’ve only been in the hobby for about 6 months and this is my first build/start up.

 

[dank reefer]

If you're hearing gurgling from the aqualifter pump, then you might be getting air in the lines. Might want to use a zip tie to where the line goes attached to the CPR.

 

[dank reefer]

Here are a couple of pics of how I have my aqualifter set

 

[Viscount]

Adjacent topic, how do you have the hose attached to the overflow? I can’t seem to get the black hose to keep from leaking where it attaches to the bulkhead.