I have used this exact overflow for over a year. It works great. You will need either a Toms uplift pump, or even more simple use a powerhead to maintain a siphon in case of power failure. I have had zero problems.
A drilled tank is optimal, but in cases you can't do that, the CS overflow offers a secure system that makes it easy to add a sump to any system. We also promote drilling your tanks if planning ahead, but sometimes that's not an option. Thanks!
The unit will kick back on in the event of a power outage and should work just fine. Tip: Plug the AquaLifter into the same power strip as the return pump. Also, simulate a power outage to see it work for yourself. Thanks!
@jamgabem Yes, the overflow will only process and overflow what the return pump is feeding. There is no matching up that you have to do (besides choosing the correct pump at the beginning) since the overflow has a reasonable amount of tolerance built into the unit. It is very easy to set up once you choose the correct equipment.
This depends on the adjustment screws on the sides. Since the height of the overflow will dictate the water level in the tank, you can adjust it to the level you would want it at.
Water evaporation will not lower the water in the display tank only in the "Under tank filter". Evaporation does not have any effect on the function of a siphon overflow.
@TimWFishes Yes, the CS Overflow will only flow the water that is fed to it from the return pump due to it's passive-flow design. The CS overflow design has alot of tolerance built into the unit, so that it can run slightly different flow rates than the optimal one listed for each model, but for the best/safest (and recommended) installation, you want to match your return pump flow rate up with the optimal flow rate listed for that unit. Be sure to account for head pressure.
@pyekhine Sometimes a MJ1200 will hold the siphon, but I think venturi is stronger and more consistent on other pumps, like our modified accela pump or the Rio600PT. As long as the back pressure on the pump is not too great, it will do a great job of holding siphon. Re: Noise, No, when installed correctly, these usnits operate very quietly. I would recommend purchasing the DX unit which includes a cover to help mitigate the splashing and noise, which is minimal after proper installation
@rockinbewbs Usually, canopies will have an opening in the back (for air flow/cooling) along the bottom. If you have a 1.5" gap between the top of the tank and the bottom of the canopy, usually somewhere along the back, you can fit the height of most all CS overflows. If you find that your canopy is completely enclosed on all sides, you would have to modify the canopy to have a 1.5" tall (at minimum) gap with the same width as the overflow you want to install.
@desmondskyers1 You can set up the CS Overflow a few ways...the AquaLifter in the video is a simplest method, though the other methods are pretty simple too. One is to use a venturi pump and set it up inside of your sump with the airline running from the overflow to the pump. Alternatively, you could use a check valve and initially manually suck the water out (the siphon will hold, but air can collect if being run at a lower rate than recommended.) Using a pump (regular or aqualifter) is best
@krustykrimpets The AquaLifter will not be able to work against all of the head pressure to suck the prime dry in the case you described. Most people place the outlet portion of the AuqaLifter in a convenient location that is submerged...some opt for the backside of the CS Overflow while others lead the outlet to the tank or the sump. Making sure the outlet on the AquaLifter is submerged is one of the most important safety measures when it comes to set up.
i have an overflow like this. the connection for vacuum on the syphon snapped off . can plug the hole and just stick the vacuum up into that section will that work?
No, the design works "passively" in that the flow that goes through the overflow is determined by the return pump. It is possible that the overflow can handle more than the pump is rated for, but it will only "overflow" the same amount of water that the return pump is pushing.
@pyekhine Each pump works against head pressure a little bit differently depending on how it was designed and built. Each pump will have a head pressure chart for that specific pump which tells you what the performance is at the different head pressure you may have. On the Support page of our website, you will find a a PDF doc to help you mate the correct pump to your CS unit.
How far above the lip? Make sure that the overflow tube is not restricted (inside of your sump) in any way. Also, be sure that overflow sponge is not clogged. If you happen to see the water level higher again, take note of the water level in the overflow box, check to see if any air has started to collect in the siphon section and contact us for further support. Thank you
The overflow box only draws as much water as the sump pump pumps in? Is it hard to keep the same amount of water going out coming in or is it one of those things that are tricky?
@TimWFishes The greater the difference between the flow rate of your return pump (after accounting for head pressure) and the optimal flowrate for your overflow, the potential for problems with your installation goes up. For a quiet and reliable overflow, just match the correct pump for your installation with the CS overflow that matches it best.
Okay so the suction of the metoring pump goes to the box obviously, but where do you send it too? It seems to me that if the box stops(aka tank level drop below) wouldn;t the pump pump your prime out? unless you had it going back into the prime/seal area.
Yes, this will help ensure that the siphon will be constant even if something like the flow rate changing (from your return pump) occurs. If possible, have your aqualifter pump connected to the same power strip as your return pump and also have the outlet from your aqualifter submerged somewhere in your overflow, tank or sump.
@lenny491 I would keep it on all of the time (timer is just another thing that could malfunction), but generally-speaking (for most set ups), setting it on a timer at that kind of rate would probably be fine in terms of the functionality and amount needed.
What happens if i have the CS90 Specifications: Flow Rate: 600gph and my return pump can only do 500gph? Will the CS90 push 100gph extra and overflow my sump? Or will the CS90 adjust to the return pump flow rate which is 500gph?
A neat tool to consider are the Mag Fox and the Nano Mag made by Two Little Fishes. They are small magnetic scrubbers that are small enough to fit inside of the overflow. Cleaning it regularly will help prevent that kind of build up.
I'm planning to get a CS102 model for my 125g tank and i have few questions. What happens if the aqua lifter stop working? Is siphon gonna break? I heard these pumps don't last long. Is Maxijet 1200 strong enough to maintain the siphon? In the vid, the water is falling pretty hard into the back part of the overflow where the prefilter sits... Does it make a lot of noise? What gph pump would you recommend for 5ft head pressure?
@pyekhine If the aqualifter stops working, as long as the outlet from the aqualifter is submerged, there shouldn't be more air allowed into the weir from the tubing/AquaLifter so your siphon will be alright until/unless air gets into the system another way. Over time, air may enter another way (and removing it is the Aqualifter's job, so the broken AquaLifter needs to be resolved asap).
How to build a overflow sump for my aquarium whose length -30 inch, height -18 inch and breadth -14.5. . Tell me how much should be length breadth and height sump aquarium which is located under the table. ..
I can't find any of these videos that explain how the water gets back into the tank. Is there a suction pump needed or extra plumbing? The overflow box videos just show the box, the sump videos just explain what the sump is for, but none of them explain the last part needed to let the water flow back into the tank. I've only ever used canister filters and i'm really trying to learn how to set up a sump fr my next tank.
You will need to place a return pump into the sump. The return pump will return water from the sump back into your display tank. I would also recommend getting a return pump that moves 5-10 times your water volume per hour. I would suggest getting a submersible pump that moves 10 times water volume so you don't have to worry about calculating the head pressure that the pump experiences. If any of that sounds to complicated I would be more than happy to point you in the right direction and get you the most optimum results.
hi, i have a wet dry filter and i cant get the water level steady. the pump either doesnt suck the water out fast enough or when i adjust it, it slowly the pump the water level slowly decreases. i cant get it still. HELP ME!!!!!
@ollieflp The overflow size (flowrate) should depend on how much flow you want going through your sump/filter. For a tank that size with those requirements, you would have to order a custom overflow, but ones in that size range have been made. email us at cpr@cprusa.com for more information
ive been running a 3/4 pvc overflow 4 over 2 years and it works beyond satiafactory (no cleaning)(just flow)and if it gets cloged thers an emergency overflow normal lvl and restricted lvl
@cprusa95521 Nice one ive got one 5000lph im going to have a wet dry filter setup for this would it be better to use flex hose or pvc? (I dont want to drill the sump though).
Add the web address to the description so lazy people can copy and paste, hehe. Thank you for the info, I'm buying this thing for my new gold fish tank.
WARNING: do not buy this overflow box the toms aqualifter pump failed after a couple months but the biggest problem is THERE IS NO WAY TO CLEAN INSIDE THIS BOX there is a large area in which there is absolutely no way to get to, I give CPR credit for trying but there is a design flaw........ just google you will see nothing but complaints from people that have been running these for any amount of time
@monsterman1122 It doesn't sound like you are using a CS Overflow, but nonetheless, the flowrate for many overflows (including ours) is predicated by the return pump only. The flow rate on the CS Overflow will not fluctuate unless the flowrate of the pump changes. If you more questions on this, please call us at 707-826-9636 since it will be easier to help you over the phone for more complicated issues like this.
it also often requires expensive tools, is difficult to design and build, is very time consuming, and is not gauranteed to work.. to save 30 to 40 percent just isnt worth it to me
@monsterman1122 Sorry, I can't help you with that U-tube overflow because I'm am not familiar with it. You would not have that issue with a CPR CS Overflow, but unfortunately, I'm not sure what might be wrong with your current set up. Sorry.
Darrin Hawkey Have you checked out the Nano Mag or Mag Fox made by Two Little Fishes? They can be used as very small magnetic scrubber pads that can help with this task though if the build up is significant, you may be best served to soak the system first and then clean it.
@monsterman1122 Let me try and understand...you can't get the water level steady in youside of your wet/dry filter? How much and how often does it change? If you need general tech support with another product of ours, please call 707-826-9636 or email us at cpr@cprusa.com. Thank you.
U WOULD BE BETTER OFF JUST BUILDING ONE OUT OF PVC PIPPIN AND U DONT NEED NO BS TOMS PUMP,I BUILD MINE AND TESTED IT A MILLION TIMES POWER ON,POWER OFF AND THA OVERFLOW ALWAYS STARTED RIGHT BACK UP,AS LONG AS U HAVE UR PIPES RIGHT!!! AND IF UR WORRIED ABOUT IT NOT STARTING BACK UP THAT ONCE IN A MILLION TIMES BUY A SIMPLE FOUNTAIN SMALL PUMP AND TUBBING STICK IN IN UT TANK AND RUN TUBBING INTO THA TOP OG UR PVC PIPE AND UR GOOD.
I have used this exact overflow for over a year. It works great. You will need either a Toms uplift pump, or even more simple use a powerhead to maintain a siphon in case of power failure. I have had zero problems.
A drilled tank is optimal, but in cases you can't do that, the CS overflow offers a secure system that makes it easy to add a sump to any system. We also promote drilling your tanks if planning ahead, but sometimes that's not an option. Thanks!
The unit will kick back on in the event of a power outage and should work just fine. Tip: Plug the AquaLifter into the same power strip as the return pump. Also, simulate a power outage to see it work for yourself. Thanks!
@jamgabem Yes, the overflow will only process and overflow what the return pump is feeding. There is no matching up that you have to do (besides choosing the correct pump at the beginning) since the overflow has a reasonable amount of tolerance built into the unit. It is very easy to set up once you choose the correct equipment.
Looks good.
This depends on the adjustment screws on the sides. Since the height of the overflow will dictate the water level in the tank, you can adjust it to the level you would want it at.
Water evaporation will not lower the water in the display tank only in the "Under tank filter". Evaporation does not have any effect on the function of a siphon overflow.
@TimWFishes Yes, the CS Overflow will only flow the water that is fed to it from the return pump due to it's passive-flow design. The CS overflow design has alot of tolerance built into the unit, so that it can run slightly different flow rates than the optimal one listed for each model, but for the best/safest (and recommended) installation, you want to match your return pump flow rate up with the optimal flow rate listed for that unit. Be sure to account for head pressure.
@pyekhine Sometimes a MJ1200 will hold the siphon, but I think venturi is stronger and more consistent on other pumps, like our modified accela pump or the Rio600PT. As long as the back pressure on the pump is not too great, it will do a great job of holding siphon. Re: Noise, No, when installed correctly, these usnits operate very quietly. I would recommend purchasing the DX unit which includes a cover to help mitigate the splashing and noise, which is minimal after proper installation
Thank you very helpful
Chris Carne
@rockinbewbs Usually, canopies will have an opening in the back (for air flow/cooling) along the bottom. If you have a 1.5" gap between the top of the tank and the bottom of the canopy, usually somewhere along the back, you can fit the height of most all CS overflows. If you find that your canopy is completely enclosed on all sides, you would have to modify the canopy to have a 1.5" tall (at minimum) gap with the same width as the overflow you want to install.
@desmondskyers1 You can set up the CS Overflow a few ways...the AquaLifter in the video is a simplest method, though the other methods are pretty simple too. One is to use a venturi pump and set it up inside of your sump with the airline running from the overflow to the pump. Alternatively, you could use a check valve and initially manually suck the water out (the siphon will hold, but air can collect if being run at a lower rate than recommended.) Using a pump (regular or aqualifter) is best
@krustykrimpets The AquaLifter will not be able to work against all of the head pressure to suck the prime dry in the case you described. Most people place the outlet portion of the AuqaLifter in a convenient location that is submerged...some opt for the backside of the CS Overflow while others lead the outlet to the tank or the sump. Making sure the outlet on the AquaLifter is submerged is one of the most important safety measures when it comes to set up.
i have an overflow like this. the connection for vacuum on the syphon snapped off . can plug the hole and just stick the vacuum up into that section will that work?
No, the design works "passively" in that the flow that goes through the overflow is determined by the return pump. It is possible that the overflow can handle more than the pump is rated for, but it will only "overflow" the same amount of water that the return pump is pushing.
@pyekhine Each pump works against head pressure a little bit differently depending on how it was designed and built. Each pump will have a head pressure chart for that specific pump which tells you what the performance is at the different head pressure you may have. On the Support page of our website, you will find a a PDF doc to help you mate the correct pump to your CS unit.
How far above the lip? Make sure that the overflow tube is not restricted (inside of your sump) in any way. Also, be sure that overflow sponge is not clogged. If you happen to see the water level higher again, take note of the water level in the overflow box, check to see if any air has started to collect in the siphon section and contact us for further support. Thank you
The overflow box only draws as much water as the sump pump pumps in?
Is it hard to keep the same amount of water going out coming in or is it one of those things that are tricky?
@TimWFishes The greater the difference between the flow rate of your return pump (after accounting for head pressure) and the optimal flowrate for your overflow, the potential for problems with your installation goes up. For a quiet and reliable overflow, just match the correct pump for your installation with the CS overflow that matches it best.
@dzungh Yes .. it is best to.. if there is a power failure the aqualifter will re-establish the siphon.
Okay so the suction of the metoring pump goes to the box obviously, but where do you send it too? It seems to me that if the box stops(aka tank level drop below) wouldn;t the pump pump your prime out? unless you had it going back into the prime/seal area.
What overflow will i need for a 12'33"33" and do you do them with a arch for a tank with 5"+ brace?
Yes, this will help ensure that the siphon will be constant even if something like the flow rate changing (from your return pump) occurs. If possible, have your aqualifter pump connected to the same power strip as your return pump and also have the outlet from your aqualifter submerged somewhere in your overflow, tank or sump.
will the over flow box pump faster than the pump
so you leave the aqua lifter on the over flow all the time ?
I just bought one today for $179, same one as in the video. Only thing different was the color of the sponge was white, mine is black.
@lenny491 I would keep it on all of the time (timer is just another thing that could malfunction), but generally-speaking (for most set ups), setting it on a timer at that kind of rate would probably be fine in terms of the functionality and amount needed.
What happens if i have the CS90 Specifications: Flow Rate: 600gph and my return pump can only do 500gph? Will the CS90 push 100gph extra and overflow my sump? Or will the CS90 adjust to the return pump flow rate which is 500gph?
A neat tool to consider are the Mag Fox and the Nano Mag made by Two Little Fishes. They are small magnetic scrubbers that are small enough to fit inside of the overflow. Cleaning it regularly will help prevent that kind of build up.
I assume the glass on my 75 tank is tempered. Can I drill a one inch or so hole in tempered glass? I've done it several times with common plate glass.
I'm planning to get a CS102 model for my 125g tank and i have few questions. What happens if the aqua lifter stop working? Is siphon gonna break? I heard these pumps don't last long. Is Maxijet 1200 strong enough to maintain the siphon? In the vid, the water is falling pretty hard into the back part of the overflow where the prefilter sits... Does it make a lot of noise? What gph pump would you recommend for 5ft head pressure?
@pyekhine If the aqualifter stops working, as long as the outlet from the aqualifter is submerged, there shouldn't be more air allowed into the weir from the tubing/AquaLifter so your siphon will be alright until/unless air gets into the system another way. Over time, air may enter another way (and removing it is the Aqualifter's job, so the broken AquaLifter needs to be resolved asap).
How to build a overflow sump for my aquarium whose length -30 inch, height -18 inch and breadth -14.5. .
Tell me how much should be length breadth and height sump aquarium which is located under the table. ..
where can I get one of this?
I can't find any of these videos that explain how the water gets back into the tank. Is there a suction pump needed or extra plumbing? The overflow box videos just show the box, the sump videos just explain what the sump is for, but none of them explain the last part needed to let the water flow back into the tank. I've only ever used canister filters and i'm really trying to learn how to set up a sump fr my next tank.
You will need to place a return pump into the sump. The return pump will return water from the sump back into your display tank. I would also recommend getting a return pump that moves 5-10 times your water volume per hour. I would suggest getting a submersible pump that moves 10 times water volume so you don't have to worry about calculating the head pressure that the pump experiences. If any of that sounds to complicated I would be more than happy to point you in the right direction and get you the most optimum results.
hi, i have a wet dry filter and i cant get the water level steady. the pump either doesnt suck the water out fast enough or when i adjust it, it slowly the pump the water level slowly decreases. i cant get it still. HELP ME!!!!!
I have the deluxe kit and it came with the aqualifter. After I primed the siphon, do I still keep the aqualifter plugged in and connected?
dzungh yes. other wise it allows air in.
what are the chances of water draining all over the floor. im really aprehensive about running a sump because of this
Ryan Davis same here and I don't fancy drilling my tank either
can you use an overflow like this for a canister filter
No
How u will clear a bottom fish dust by using these method because fish dust will be at bottom level it won’t float on top...
@ollieflp The overflow size (flowrate) should depend on how much flow you want going through your sump/filter. For a tank that size with those requirements, you would have to order a custom overflow, but ones in that size range have been made. email us at cpr@cprusa.com for more information
Looks like it would be very loud - like a water fall in the house - true?
not true.
Make your own for next to nothing
Just installed mine, flawlessly quiet
I am interested in the items, where I can buy them
ive been running a 3/4 pvc overflow 4 over 2 years and it works beyond satiafactory (no cleaning)(just flow)and if it gets cloged thers an emergency overflow normal lvl and restricted lvl
and 4 the emergency overflow to get cloged it would take way to much disruption
@cprusa95521 Nice one ive got one 5000lph im going to have a wet dry filter setup for this would it be better to use flex hose or pvc? (I dont want to drill the sump though).
ok where can i get these at
@jamgabem call us if you have any detailed questions you need answered. Thank you.
Add the web address to the description so lazy people can copy and paste, hehe. Thank you for the info, I'm buying this thing for my new gold fish tank.
is there any retailer in Europe?
@cprusa95521 im not im using the eshopps with the "U" tube
WARNING: do not buy this overflow box the toms aqualifter pump failed after a couple months but the biggest problem is THERE IS NO WAY TO CLEAN INSIDE THIS BOX there is a large area in which there is absolutely no way to get to, I give CPR credit for trying but there is a design flaw........ just google you will see nothing but complaints from people that have been running these for any amount of time
Cee Cee paint the box black and you won’t have to worry about cleaning the inside..
You are absolutely right. We have had the same problem. Agree also that it is better to not buy.
Paint it and kill all the livestock.
check out AQUARIUM I.D. video next :)
Where can l buy it?
@monsterman1122 It doesn't sound like you are using a CS Overflow, but nonetheless, the flowrate for many overflows (including ours) is predicated by the return pump only. The flow rate on the CS Overflow will not fluctuate unless the flowrate of the pump changes. If you more questions on this, please call us at 707-826-9636 since it will be easier to help you over the phone for more complicated issues like this.
I like DIY stuff better. It's often very innovative and always less expensive.
how can i buy this "overflow" on brazil?
Amazon
Mercado livre amigo
it also often requires expensive tools, is difficult to design and build, is very time consuming, and is not gauranteed to work.. to save 30 to 40 percent just isnt worth it to me
@monsterman1122 Sorry, I can't help you with that U-tube overflow because I'm am not familiar with it. You would not have that issue with a CPR CS Overflow, but unfortunately, I'm not sure what might be wrong with your current set up. Sorry.
great.... but cant clean the alge out of it.... we all know alge grows everywhere
Darrin Hawkey Have you checked out the Nano Mag or Mag Fox made by Two Little Fishes? They can be used as very small magnetic scrubber pads that can help with this task though if the build up is significant, you may be best served to soak the system first and then clean it.
@monsterman1122 Let me try and understand...you can't get the water level steady in youside of your wet/dry filter? How much and how often does it change? If you need general tech support with another product of ours, please call 707-826-9636 or email us at cpr@cprusa.com. Thank you.
'Congratulations, you have just guaranteed that your tank WILL overflow at some point in the near future'.
Don't waste your money, drill your tank!
U WOULD BE BETTER OFF JUST BUILDING ONE OUT OF PVC PIPPIN AND U DONT NEED NO BS TOMS PUMP,I BUILD MINE AND TESTED IT A MILLION TIMES POWER ON,POWER OFF AND THA OVERFLOW ALWAYS STARTED RIGHT BACK UP,AS LONG AS U HAVE UR PIPES RIGHT!!! AND IF UR WORRIED ABOUT IT NOT STARTING BACK UP THAT ONCE IN A MILLION TIMES BUY A SIMPLE FOUNTAIN SMALL PUMP AND TUBBING STICK IN IN UT TANK AND RUN TUBBING INTO THA TOP OG UR PVC PIPE AND UR GOOD.
you are right sir, but why are you yelling?
Just wait till you have water evaporate. You will be messing with it every couple hours!