slim overflow shootout: REEF SAVVY, SYNERGY, ESHOPPS

[Gary Majchrzak]

Emerging overflow designs that have some faithful followers running them well past their break-in periods at this point in time.
GOT ANY SALT CREEP BY NOW?
Are any of these designs more efficient (or silent) than others?
What about installation woes...running headaches and maintenance challenges?
Pros, cons , SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS or considerations for future installations POST THEM HERE

[africangrey]

I would like to know this too.

[twitchy]

I have a eshopps, works pretty good. little loud, but I built a hofer gurgle buster and that fixed it. Highly recommend the gurgle buster

No issues with salt creep or it losing prime, only problem is algae growing in the clear overflow tube. It's no big deal though, just take it out every couple months and run some bleach water through it.

[ca1ore]

Just bought the 36" modular marine version - build quality is impressive but it won't be getting wet for a while still.

[LQT]

I'm really bummed that I just had to sell my Synergy Reef Shadow overflow. The 16" length was too wide to accommodate the Kessil tank mount arms for my AP700. Trying to decide between the 12" Modular Marine model or the Eshopps Eclipse Large.

[ca1ore]

Originally Posted by twitchy

I have a eshopps, works pretty good. little loud, but I built a hofer gurgle buster and that fixed it. Highly recommend the gurgle buster

No issues with salt creep or it losing prime, only problem is algae growing in the clear overflow tube. It's no big deal though, just take it out every couple months and run some bleach water through it.

OP is talking about the thru tank ghost overflows not the HoB models.

[LQT]

Originally Posted by twitchy

I have a eshopps, works pretty good. little loud, but I built a hofer gurgle buster and that fixed it. Highly recommend the gurgle buster

So I just looked up the hofer gurgle buster... It looks like a stockman standpipe that I have for one of my old HOB overflow boxes. Do you use the gurgle buster for the full siphon or the open channel? Do you have any pictures of the plumbing arrangement in the rear box of your Eclipse overflow?

* Edit - oh never mind didn't catch the losing prime comment...

[twitchy]

Originally Posted by LQT

So I just looked up the hofer gurgle buster... It looks like a stockman standpipe that I have for one of my old HOB overflow boxes. Do you use the gurgle buster for the full siphon or the open channel? Do you have any pictures of the plumbing arrangement in the rear box of your Eclipse overflow?

* Edit - oh never mind didn't catch the losing prime comment...

My bad, I should've read OPs question better

[iiismet]

i have the eclipse L for about a year now and ive not had any issues with salt creep. my only complaint is that i have a slight bow on the outside box

[Gary Majchrzak]

Originally Posted by ca1ore

Just bought the 36" modular marine version - build quality is impressive but it won't be getting wet for a while still.

looks like good stuff.
Did you get a dual box model... do they include a cover for the outside box?
Is the weir removable?

[ca1ore]

Yes, dual box in the sense that there's an internal and an external box. Both come with covers. On their new models the entire inner skim box can be removed. I opted for non removable as I was having a bit of trouble getting my head around the notion of removable. Internal and external boxes are both 36" long.

[Desert Sea]

If your looking for an external overflow, check out Elite Aquatics. I have the 16" model. It has a removable weir as well as covers and inspection windows for the rear box. The workmanship is excellent and they can build other sizes as well. They offer it in either a two or three drain configuration.

[BigBlueTang]

I have the synergy reef overflow, and I have salt creep on the top of mine. I do like my overflow, but the only problem I have with it is that the stencil they gave with the overflow is woefully off. My water level is around 2-3" below the trim and it looks awful. I'm planning on fixing that soon. Otherwise, it's been great. I built a bean animal overflow into it, and while it may not be a true bean, it does the job.


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[Syntax1325]

24" Modular Marine dual box. Weir is not removable but this is the only box with beveled teeth. I do get some salt creep at the top of the box. Covers for external
and internal box were extra.
IMG_0019.jpgIMG_0020.jpg


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[terry4505]

Not sure what the problem with the stencil for the Synergy Reef overflow was? I used it with absolutely no problem. The waterline is hidden behind the plastic trim.

I have both the Synergy Reef and Eshoppes Eclipse. The Eshoppes is a bit loud. The Synergy Reef works flawlessly. Dead silent with a basement sump.

[BigBlueTang]

Originally Posted by terry4505

Not sure what the problem with the stencil for the Synergy Reef overflow was? I used it with absolutely no problem. The waterline is hidden behind the plastic trim.

I have both the Synergy Reef and Eshoppes Eclipse. The Eshoppes is a bit loud. The Synergy Reef works flawlessly. Dead silent with a basement sump.

Interesting. I'm 99.9% sure we drilled it right, what size is your tank? Mine is an aqueon 75... I'm very happy with it otherwise, and will be glueing a piece of acrylic to the teeth in order to raise the water level in a couple days.


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[terry4505]

180 Perfecto. Lined the stencil up with the trim:

[BigBlueTang]

Gorgeous tank... Not sure man, maybe I did it wrong, but I don't think so. Whatever, it'll be fixed soon.


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[africangrey]

Originally Posted by terry4505

180 Perfecto. Lined the stencil up with the trim:

Nice den for the puppy.

[JoeyBagadonuts]

Only had the 16" Synergy Reef overflow for a couple months, but I have had no issues with it so far. As far as installing it on my Aqueon 75, I had to put it as far up as possible, while barely being able to remove the back cover. If I had put it just a millimeter lower you would be able to see the water line below the trim. Luckily I got it just right. The trim on those tanks are very big. Other than that, I would highly recommend it. Plus, good customer service, I called them with some install questions and they were extremely helpful.

[Rick55555]

Is anyone willing to provide any insight with respect to their tank's overall water level (from the top of the tank) using the Reef Savvy, Synergy or Eshopps overflow systems? I am not sure which of the three to purchase given that I want my tank's overall water level to be as high as possible.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rick

[ca1ore]

It's a function of how high you drill the holes, not so much the actual overflow. Also the amount of water going through will dictate water level.

[Syntax1325]

Originally Posted by Rick55555

Is anyone willing to provide any insight with respect to their tank's overall water level (from the top of the tank) using the Reef Savvy, Synergy or Eshopps overflow systems? I am not sure which of the three to purchase given that I want my tank's overall water level to be as high as possible.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rick

Don't dismiss Modular Marine without thoroughly checking them out, they have a quality product.


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[LQT]

I just ordered the newer style 12" Modular Marine overflow that now comes standard with a removable front weir box and lids for both the front and rear boxes. I upgraded from the 3 x 3/4" uniseal drains to 3 x 1" bulkhead drains. I'll post pictures of it when it comes in. Everyone's positive reviews about Modular Marine are encouraging.

[ca1ore]

Very interested to see that - though it presents an opportunity for me to have buyers remorse since mine is the old style, well, sort of ....