CPR Overflow box

So I am getting ready to setup a refugium for my 55. I don't want to drill the tank as I don't want to risk cracking it.

I have been looking at the CPR overflows as I've read some good things about them. Is anyone running one and what are peoples opinions on them. Or on other overflows if you have experience with them.

Also what size should I get for a 55 gallon tank.

Yes I know drilling is preferred but I'm not sure I want to risk it.

 

I run one on my tank and am very pleased with it. They are very quiet. The only problem I have encountered with it can be solved with regular maintenance. The small plastic nipple where the aqualifter pump hose connects to keep the constant siphon clogged up on me a couple of times and almost overflowed my tank. A quick fix of clearing the hole with a paperclip was all it took. But a good vinegar bath on the overflow itself every 6 months or so would have fixed that.

For a 55 gallon the CS50 would work. You will need a pump to match the amount of water that drains per hour.

here is there chart to explain it better.
http://www.cpraquatic.com/pdf/csselection.pdf

 

If your tank is empty- drill it
You can make a surface skimming, HOB style overflow for next to nothing

 

I agree with Todd...drill the tank.

If you must go with a HOB overflow, I don't recommend the CPR style, as they simply won't hold a siphon without an auxillary "aqua lifter" pump.

I'd go with a U-tube style, such as the Eshopps. As long as the U-tubes are cleaned every so often, they very well. I ran this type of O/F for several years before I started using drilled tanks.

 

+1 I use an Eshopps PF-1000 on my 55. Overkill, but I got a good deal on it and the dual outlets match the dual inlets to my sump. Thousands of starts and stops and has never failed to siphon so far.

 

Thanks for the responses, I know drilling is the preferred method I just don't want to risk cracking the tank and it is currently stocked.

In the future I will be going with drilled tanks though. Who knows the more I think about it the closer I get to just drilling it.

 

I'm going to be adding a refugium to my 29 gallon sooner than later and have been looking into the CPR overflow as well. I like the idea of keeping the aqualifter pump going all the time anyway as a backup for the siphon. Just in case. And I think it looks far superior to any of the u-tube models I've seen, and looks are important for hand on back anything.

 

Looks aside, I really like my Eshopps HOB overflow. Although both have a black in tank section, and clear section on the back of the tank, so I don't' know how it would look any better. Anyways, it does not need the priming pump, so one less thing to worry about and make noise. And I think they are a lot cheaper gph to gph. Just throwing it out there as another option.

 

I'm thinking of throwing on an overflow box from my LFS on that is an Eshopps PF-300 knockoff. As much as I want to drill it, I'm now thinking of waiting.
I'll hopefully move this year and that will give me the physical space for a bigger tank ;D

Sounds like many, many folks support the u tube style OF verses the others.

I'm home everyday (eventually!) and I think checking for air in the tube won't be a problem.

 

I saw a YouTube video where someone modified a standard HOB filter into an overflow