Surface skimmers/ overflows

[Henryreef]

I have a 55 gallon reef and am looking to add a sump to it. It is not plumed and i was wondering what you thought was the best way to get water from my tank to the sump. which type/brand of overflow is best. I have always found the overflow box fairly confusing so any explanation on how it works would be nice.

[mfinn]

While I prefer drilled, I have not heard any bad reviews about lifereef products.


http://www.lifereef.com/siphon.html

[Henryreef]

This usses a u-tube to draw water right?

[mfinn]

They all have a inside-the-tank water skimming box, u-tubes that go to a outside-the-tank collection and drain box.
Lifereef products are suppose to be one of the best.

[dallast]

i have been using a cpr overflow for 9 years (the same one) and have had zero problems. it says on the lifereef sitre that u-tubes are better, but i have used a u-tube setup previously and i found that it was not reliable at all.
if you have to go with an overflow, use a cpr like one!

[mfinn]

Do a search on cpr overflows and lifereef overflows and judge for yourself.

[stevensun]

also not crazy about the U tube. It was a PIA to suck the air out of the tube to restart the siphon after every water change.