Shadow Overflow

[AlexVFR]

Hello all out there!

I am planning to get a Synergy Reef Shadow overflow for an 80g tank. I've seen some threads about it, but I couldnt read any experience after the installation. Although it seems for me the best option, with the one piece external box, but I would like to hear opinions from owners.

So, is there somebody who has it running? Any issues? Clogging?

Keep reefing :deadhorse1:

[Elricsfate]

I have it, and it's been running for about 6 weeks. No mechanical or functional issues thus far. However, I have to say I like the heavier feel and construction of the 20 in overflow they make. The Shadow feels a little flimsy when you're trying to connect PVC to it. But it definitely works.

Just my two cents.

[AlexVFR]

Thanks for the reply! The 16 in would be good for me I guess.

[ashish]

I ordered the 16" ghost overflow. Price seems high at $160 but when you factor in the other overflows actually end up costing the same or more, its a good deal.
I also wanted something quiet, fail safe, easy to clean, and low footprint.

I can't wait to set it up!!!

[SoLiD]

Any other input fellas?

[bobt2]

am watching this thread. I want to buy one for my new 75. however, can I really use it when all I want is 2 1" lines to the sump? this almost seams like overkill. or do I change my sump to 1 1/2" drains? but I only have 1 1" return line to the tank.

[TUNDRA_85]

I am in the process of setting up a 265. I am looking at a Reef Savvy 21" Ghost overflow. I believe it said it was good for 2000GPH flow. Would that be enough for a 265 with 75G sump?

[LQT]

am watching this thread. I want to buy one for my new 75. however, can I really use it when all I want is 2 1" lines to the sump? this almost seams like overkill. or do I change my sump to 1 1/2" drains? but I only have 1 1" return line to the tank.

I think you'll be fine, you can use a bushing on the unions to reduce the overflow box drains lines to 1" (see video). That's what I intend to do. If you want to only use 2 drains (Herbie style) then just cap off the one of the unions so you can still have the option of switching back to using three drains if you change your mind later. I will also be drilling either a single 3/4" return or dual 1/2" returns, I haven't decided yet.

https://youtu.be/vXIllsPD8-w

[mmonkey]

I have an 16 up and running on a 55 gallon tank. It has been over with no problems. The system works as advertised. plumped correctly the system makes very little noise.

I would agree that the Shadow is very flimsy. I also found that the tolerance with the plumbing fittings made for a tough install. 1.5 PVC does not fit the U pipes or return box fittings as easily as standard over the counter fittings.

Maybe this has to do either a size patent or Intellectual Property?

I had problems getting the U fittings to fit on a 1.5 PVC. I went as far as purchasing two different brands of PVC from two different stores. Both did not fit. At this time I got the calipers out! With sanding I got the U fittings to slide into the PVC, but only to about an 1/4 inch in depth. The female fittings on the return box had the same problem. Inside the return box I could not get the PVC pipe to insert more then a 1/8 of an inch without filling like the flimsy box was going to crack. In the end I settled on wobbly fittings inside the return box. The fittings on the bottom of the return box had the same problem. 1.5" PVC would not slide into the fitting. do not try to dry fit these fittings. It will not work! Even with glue my return pipes did not bottom out in the fitting. Warring! Keep this in mind when measuring your tube lengths. My did not turn out how I wanted it because 1/4 remaining in the fitting. In my option the tight fittings sucked to deal with, but the system is working.

Tom

[SoLiD]

Anyone heard of the Eshopps Overflow Box Eclipse - L. Im thinking that's the route I'm gonna go on my 37 Gallon Tall. The Shadow seems way too big for such a small aquarium.

http://www.f3images.com/IMD/1000/QH95862/Eshopps-Overflow-Box-Eclipse-L-99.jpg

[LQT]

On the Eclipse, make sure you mount the internal box as high as possible. The teeth are cut pretty deep on the internal box so you risk having the waterline below the plastic trim of the tank.

[SoLiD]

Ahhh good to know. Thanks LQT

[ashish]

am watching this thread. I want to buy one for my new 75. however, can I really use it when all I want is 2 1" lines to the sump? this almost seams like overkill. or do I change my sump to 1 1/2" drains? but I only have 1 1" return line to the tank.

You should definitely get the overflow box especially if you want something quiet. I have 2 1" drain inlets in my sump and the overflow has 3 X 1.5 drains. I reduced the 2 drains to 1" into my sump. The emergency drain I hope never to use so I have it 12" above middle chamber. However you have to do it make it work as this overflow box will last a lifetime and be good for future upgrades.

[ashish]

Anyone heard of the Eshopps Overflow Box Eclipse - L. Im thinking that's the route I'm gonna go on my 37 Gallon Tall. The Shadow seems way too big for such a small aquarium.

http://www.f3images.com/IMD/1000/QH95862/Eshopps-Overflow-Box-Eclipse-L-99.jpg

This is the exact same design as the ghost overflow so I am sure its just as efficient if plumbed the same way. 16" is not that much surface area to skim especially since the box is only few inches deep. good luck

[iiismet]

I have the eclipse L overflow box, it works well, but if I had known about the shadow one I'd have gone with it.
My problems with the eclipse: I have slight bowing in the part that is outside the tank on the back side after a little less than a year of use, and the lid just kind of sits in place

[JoeyBagadonuts]

I have the 16" Shadow on my 75 gallon. Absolutely love it. I highly recommend it. Had to play around with the height of the non siphon tube to tune it but it's quiet now. As far as PVC pipes fitting tightly, DO NOT try to dry fit the pipe. Once you put cement on, it will slide easily up to the stop. They also say in one of their videos to bevel the edges of the pipes to help with fit, both on the internal and external. I saw this after I had already glued my external but had zero issues. I stayed with the 1.5" all the way to the sump. If I were to do it again I would probably reduce to 1". With an Eheim 1262 return pump I have the valve on the siphon at about 25%.

[ReefCowboy]

I own both 16" and 20" syndergy overflows. Great products, no leaks. The ghost seems very nice also

[JoeyBagadonuts]

On the Eclipse, make sure you mount the internal box as high as possible. The teeth are cut pretty deep on the internal box so you risk having the waterline below the plastic trim of the tank.
As to what LQT said, my tank has pretty thick trim on it and I had to mount the Shadow with the external box all the way up in the back with only enough room to squeeze the lid on it. And the water line is just high enough to not see it. I would not have been happy if the water line was visible.

[Lsufan]

I love these type of overflows but I would get as big of one as u can. It's not about the gph they can handle it's about the length of the internal weir to get as good of surface skimming as possible. I actually made one instead of buying one & I made the internal box 50" long on my 60" tank. I left just enough room on each end for my returns

[tenpercenter]

Old thread, are people still liking these overflows? I used the search tool but didn't see much in terms of recent opinions.

Additionally, if you were custom making a tank, would you go this route?

[JoeyBagadonuts]

I still love mine. I haven’t had to mess with it all except changing out the weir every couple weeks to clean. If I had gone with a different brand that didn’t have that removable weir, I would not have been happy.

[tenpercenter]

Nice, that's a win!

If you were custom designing a new tank would you use one?

[ca1ore]

Got three of these overflows, of various sizes, across three tanks. They've all worked flawlessly. Current best practice in overflows.

[tenpercenter]

Got three of these overflows, of various sizes, across three tanks. They've all worked flawlessly. Current best practice in overflows.

Thanks! This style or this brand specifically? What sticks out as the big benefit vs the traditional "in-tank" overflow?

[ca1ore]

I'm using a 36" modular marine on my big 450, the eclipse large on my 120 refugium and the eclipse small on a QT tank. Smaller in tank profile, one larger overflow is ALWAYS better than dual corner overflows, much easier to implement high flow siphon drains ......

BTW, Leon is exactly right about mounting the internal skim box of the eclipse versions as high as possible. If you follow the supplied template you run the risk of seeing the water line below the trim. UUUUUgly.

[tenpercenter]

I'm using a 36" modular marine on my big 450, the eclipse large on my 120 refugium and the eclipse small on a QT tank. Smaller in tank profile, one larger overflow is ALWAYS better than dual corner overflows, much easier to implement high flow siphon drains ......

BTW, Leon is exactly right about mounting the internal skim box of the eclipse versions as high as possible. If you follow the supplied template you run the risk of seeing the water line below the trim. UUUUUgly.

thanks, ca1ore!

[Ed_J]

I've read this thread and many others about how to get an Eclipse L quiet. I am running my attempt at a bean and I think the flow is silent. What is not silent is the noise coming from the 2 1.5 inch drains from the DT to the external box.

I've tried multiple height tubes, turned down elbows, turned up elbows, one down, two straight (trickle and emergency) and I can't get it dialed in and like many others, this tank is in my family room so the noise matters.

I have a couple different pumps on it, but the latest I have is the Cor 20, so I have the ability to adjust the flow if necessary.

I would welcome any/all advice.
Ed

[nycman]

I have two Reef Savvy Ghosts - a 21" and an 18". When plumbed properly they are silent. The one challenge is their low water volume, by design. It requires a perfect equilibrium between return pump and drain rates, else the outer box volume gets too high or low, creating a slurping sound or worse (overflow).