Which Ghost Overflow?

IUfan · 08/27/2017, 01:54 PM

Which Ghost Overflow do you recommend?

The Reef Savvy Ghost Overflow?

Or

The Synergy Reef Ghost Overflow?

Anyone have experience with either of these?

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WLachnit · 08/27/2017, 03:57 PM

I have experience with the Synergy Reef Ghost Overflow and have been pretty happy with it. Can't comment on the Reef Savvy one.

Lsufan · 08/27/2017, 04:30 PM

I built my own so I don't have experience with eighther, but by looking at them they both would be a good choice & are the two best manufactured ones I have seen along with modular marine. I would look at the small details on both of them & see if there is something one has that the other doesn't that u would like to have. I know on some have the option of the removable wier & small things like that. The other thing I would look into is the different sizes that they make & how they would fit your setup.

The biggest issue I see with them is people getting to small of a version for there size tank. I would get as big of one that u can fit in your tank. U will get better surface skimming but in a lot of cases it will make the overflow more consistent with your drains. So the longer the interior wier is the better surface skimming u will get & the bigger the exterior box is the more consistent it will stay without having to try & mod the bean animal drains.

They are making the exterior boxes larger on them now but one of the issues when they first came out was the exterior box wasn't big enough. It was big enough to cram the plumbing into the box but not big enough for the bean animal drain to work properly & be consistent.

WLachnit · 08/28/2017, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lsufan

I built my own so I don't have experience with eighther, but by looking at them they both would be a good choice & are the two best manufactured ones I have seen. I would look at the small details on both of them & see if there is something one has that the other doesn't that u would like to have. I know the synergy has the option of the removable wier & small things like that. The other thing I would look into is the different sizes that they make & how they would fit your setup.

The biggest issue I see with them is people getting to small of a version for there size tank. I would get as big of one that u can fit in your tank. U will get better surface skimming but in a lot of cases it will make the overflow more consistent with your drains. So the longer the interior wier is the better surface skimming u will get & the bigger the exterior box is the more consistent it will stay without having to try & mod the bean animal drains.

They are making the exterior boxes larger on them now but one of the issues when they first came out was the exterior box wasn't big enough. It was big enough to cram the plumbing into the box but not big enough for the bean animal drain to work properly & be consistent.

Those are both very good points. Another option might be Modular Marine.

neilp2006 · 08/28/2017, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lsufan

They are making the exterior boxes larger on them now but one of the issues when they first came out was the exterior box wasn't big enough. It was big enough to cram the plumbing into the box but not big enough for the bean animal drain to work properly & be consistent.

Any idea when this decision was made? I bought one in May (synergy shadow) and was wondering if I have a smaller box.

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Lsufan · 08/28/2017, 04:39 PM

On some designs the exterior box is not as long as the interior wier. If they are the same length then I'm sure u are fine. The problem comes when people try to use a 16" overflow on a big tank that they are running 1000 to 1500 gph through the overflow.

I really like the looks of the modular marine overflows to. I'm not sure of all the sizes but I know modular marine makes one 36" long which is what I would use on a tank 4' or longer. They will also make a custom one for u the size u need from what I have read.

JaySchulz · 08/28/2017, 04:50 PM

Modular Marine will custom make any size and I highly recommend him. He just built me an overflow and a sump and both were very good quality.

JaySchulz · 08/28/2017, 04:54 PM

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Lsufan · 08/28/2017, 05:24 PM

Yea, I edited my first post because I completely forgot about modular marine. I do really like them & if I bought a manufactured one I would go with them. I built mine with a acrylic internal wier & a glass external box. I wanted a glass external box so I didn't have to rely on the gaskets but I also wanted my box to be 52" long because I have a 60" tank. I figured it would be expensive getting them to build that size box. All of that plus me building things for a living I decided to just DIY.

Jay, what size box did they make for u. It looks to be about a 60" wier with around a 36" box. It looks perfect for your tank. The bigger the box the better & I always recommend people to get the biggest one that they can fit.

JaySchulz · 08/28/2017, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lsufan

Yea, I edited my first post because I completely forgot about modular marine. I do really like them & if I bought a manufactured one I would go with them. I built mine with a acrylic internal wier & a glass external box. I wanted a glass external box so I didn't have to rely on the gaskets but I also wanted my box to be 52" long because I have a 60" tank. I figured it would be expensive getting them to build that size box. All of that plus me building things for a living I decided to just DIY.

Jay, what size box did they make for u. It looks to be about a 60" wier with around a 36" box. It looks perfect for your tank. The bigger the box the better & I always recommend people to get the biggest one that they can fit.

52" toothless weir and 28" external box. The box is taller than his normal design though. Bulkheads for the pass throughs and uniseals for the drains.

IUfan · 08/28/2017, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaySchulz

52" toothless weir and 28" external box. The box is taller than his normal design though. Bulkheads for the pass throughs and uniseals for the drains.

Looks great Jay!

Can you share more pictures? The toothless weir, is it just a flat edge on top? Or is it a slit so there is still something to limit fish from going over the Overflow?

What steps did you take to ensure the waterline was hidden behind the frame?

And I'm concerned that the external box does not sit flat on the back of the tank, I think this would create leverage with the weight of water in the box and could compromise the box over time? Have you noticed any issues with that, does it feel solid?

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IUfan · 08/28/2017, 06:06 PM

**** Jay, just read your build thread, your in Houston? Hope your doing somewhat okay considering the flooding in Houston

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JaySchulz · 08/28/2017, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IUfan

Looks great Jay!

Can you share more pictures? The toothless weir, is it just a flat edge on top? Or is it a slit so there is still something to limit fish from going over the Overflow?

What steps did you take to ensure the waterline was hidden behind the frame?

And I'm concerned that the external box does not sit flat on the back of the tank, I think this would create leverage with the weight of water in the box and could compromise the box over time? Have you noticed any issues with that, does it feel solid?

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The toothless weir is a notch and he includes a removable lid. He does toothed weirs as well but I wanted to increase skimming efficiency.

My tank is framed as well and he actually creates a notch at the top of the external box to put the overflow high enough to hide the waterline.

As you know I don't have water in my tank yet but I will say that the box is extremely sturdy and it feels very solid. I've read other members post that the Modular Marine felt more solid than other ghost overflows but I don't know that from personal experience. I've also never read any one complain about any long term issues with their Modular Marine overflow.

Thank you by the way. Im fortunate to not have any flooding concerns at my house yet but I'm also an hour north of Houston. Hopefully this rain starts to go away.

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JaySchulz · 08/28/2017, 06:46 PM

Oh I did want to say that you have to let him know to notch the top of the external box to fit flush with the frame. All he will need is how much the frame sticks out from the tank.

I also forgot to mention that he will build the overflows with thicker acrylic should you feel you want a sturdier and stronger overflow.

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neilp2006 · 08/28/2017, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lsufan

On some designs the exterior box is not as long as the interior wier. If they are the same length then I'm sure u are fine. The problem comes when people try to use a 16" overflow on a big tank that they are running 1000 to 1500 gph through the tank

Hmmm, I'm kinda stuck with the 16inch on a short end of a aqueon 180, since I'm setting it in wall with both long sides visible. But I'm only planning on 6-700 gph through the overflow. Rest of the flow will be a couple xf250 gyres.

Cheers

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Tom39 · 08/28/2017, 07:32 PM

My current build utilizes a Synergy Reef Ghost overflow and my over review of the overflow is good. However, my only suggestion would be choose a return pump that was no more than 1000gph at discharge.

neilp2006 · 08/28/2017, 07:36 PM

Yeah, it was going to be a tough one. Need a head of 14 feet (basement sump) - so I'm picking up a jabao dcs 18000. Hopefully I can tune it in perfectly for that overflow .

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IUfan · 08/28/2017, 08:07 PM

Jay, thanks for all the info. I just dropped them a message and going to see what I can sort out.

I too went with Custom Aquariums to build my 220, they are just waiting on dimensions for the Overflow, so hope I can get it all coordinated. Your tank looks great!

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ca1ore · 08/29/2017, 11:35 AM

Went with the stock 36" MM model for my impending 400. I do think that the practical capacity of them is less than the theoretical capacity. Mine is rated at 3,000 gph, but I don't plan for much more than half of that.

WLachnit · 08/29/2017, 01:46 PM

I would have gone with modular marine Had I known about them when I ordered my tank.

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FLSharkvictim · 08/30/2017, 11:07 AM

I am getting ready to set up a SC-150 that's pre-drilled for a External Overflow box. I am going with the 20'' Synergy Reef External Overflow instead of the Reef Savvy! I have added a pix of my tank and a pix of Overflow box.

GQsmooth · 09/01/2017, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLSharkvictim

I am getting ready to set up a SC-150 that's pre-drilled for a External Overflow box. I am going with the 20'' Synergy Reef External Overflow instead of the Reef Savvy! I have added a pix of my tank and a pix of Overflow box.

Great choice!

IUfan · 09/20/2017, 12:50 PM

Going to go with the Modular Marine Overflow. Any thoughts on whether I should go with there removable weir box or leave standard with the fixed weir box?

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JaySchulz · 09/20/2017, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IUfan

Going to go with the Modular Marine Overflow. Any thoughts on whether I should go with there removable weir box or leave standard with the fixed weir box?

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Hopefully ca1ore will chime in. I'm pretty sure he knows the big differences between the two.

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sfsuphysics · 09/20/2017, 02:00 PM

The biggest problem I originally had with MM was that cleaning out the internal weir box was very difficult, where as Synergy & Ghost both had the magnetic weir teeth to access the inside of the box. With the removable weir box it makes it possible to get in there and clean it out, but the tank will drain to the bottom of the bulkhead holes if you're not careful which might be a problem if you have a sump that barely has capacity. There are ways around that but it is something to keep in mind.

FYI, I remember seeing the Synergy overflow at MACNA and they were all happy about the single piece injection process, but damnit if it didn't feel flimsy as all hell, like seriously would worry the thing would bulge out if it was actually full of water.

08/27/2017, 01:54 PM	#1
IUfan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 841	Which Ghost Overflow? Which Ghost Overflow do you recommend? The Reef Savvy Ghost Overflow? Or The Synergy Reef Ghost Overflow? Anyone have experience with either of these? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08/27/2017, 03:57 PM	#2
WLachnit Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,722	I have experience with the Synergy Reef Ghost Overflow and have been pretty happy with it. Can't comment on the Reef Savvy one. __________________ (1) 300g mixed reef (Starfire DT) + 100g Sump (2) 100g Softie tank (Starfire DT) My Build Thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=263472

08/27/2017, 04:30 PM	#3
Lsufan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 1,410	I built my own so I don't have experience with eighther, but by looking at them they both would be a good choice & are the two best manufactured ones I have seen along with modular marine. I would look at the small details on both of them & see if there is something one has that the other doesn't that u would like to have. I know on some have the option of the removable wier & small things like that. The other thing I would look into is the different sizes that they make & how they would fit your setup. The biggest issue I see with them is people getting to small of a version for there size tank. I would get as big of one that u can fit in your tank. U will get better surface skimming but in a lot of cases it will make the overflow more consistent with your drains. So the longer the interior wier is the better surface skimming u will get & the bigger the exterior box is the more consistent it will stay without having to try & mod the bean animal drains. They are making the exterior boxes larger on them now but one of the issues when they first came out was the exterior box wasn't big enough. It was big enough to cram the plumbing into the box but not big enough for the bean animal drain to work properly & be consistent. Last edited by Lsufan; 08/28/2017 at 04:47 PM.

08/28/2017, 04:39 PM	#6
Lsufan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 1,410	On some designs the exterior box is not as long as the interior wier. If they are the same length then I'm sure u are fine. The problem comes when people try to use a 16" overflow on a big tank that they are running 1000 to 1500 gph through the overflow. I really like the looks of the modular marine overflows to. I'm not sure of all the sizes but I know modular marine makes one 36" long which is what I would use on a tank 4' or longer. They will also make a custom one for u the size u need from what I have read. Last edited by Lsufan; 08/28/2017 at 04:45 PM.

08/28/2017, 07:32 PM	#16
Tom39 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Spotsylvania, Virginia Posts: 435	My current build utilizes a Synergy Reef Ghost overflow and my over review of the overflow is good. However, my only suggestion would be choose a return pump that was no more than 1000gph at discharge. __________________ 150g cube, 40g sump, Rapid led, Neptune controller, LR, sandbed, ATS, PS Current Tank Info: 150g Marineland Cube

08/28/2017, 04:50 PM	#7
JaySchulz Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 440	Modular Marine will custom make any size and I highly recommend him. He just built me an overflow and a sump and both were very good quality.

08/28/2017, 04:54 PM	#8
JaySchulz Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 440	Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08/28/2017, 05:24 PM	#9
Lsufan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 1,410	Yea, I edited my first post because I completely forgot about modular marine. I do really like them & if I bought a manufactured one I would go with them. I built mine with a acrylic internal wier & a glass external box. I wanted a glass external box so I didn't have to rely on the gaskets but I also wanted my box to be 52" long because I have a 60" tank. I figured it would be expensive getting them to build that size box. All of that plus me building things for a living I decided to just DIY. Jay, what size box did they make for u. It looks to be about a 60" wier with around a 36" box. It looks perfect for your tank. The bigger the box the better & I always recommend people to get the biggest one that they can fit.

08/28/2017, 06:06 PM	#12
IUfan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 841	**** Jay, just read your build thread, your in Houston? Hope your doing somewhat okay considering the flooding in Houston Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08/28/2017, 06:46 PM	#14
JaySchulz Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 440	Oh I did want to say that you have to let him know to notch the top of the external box to fit flush with the frame. All he will need is how much the frame sticks out from the tank. I also forgot to mention that he will build the overflows with thicker acrylic should you feel you want a sturdier and stronger overflow. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08/28/2017, 07:36 PM	#17
neilp2006 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 312	Yeah, it was going to be a tough one. Need a head of 14 feet (basement sump) - so I'm picking up a jabao dcs 18000. Hopefully I can tune it in perfectly for that overflow . Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08/28/2017, 08:07 PM	#18
IUfan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 841	Jay, thanks for all the info. I just dropped them a message and going to see what I can sort out. I too went with Custom Aquariums to build my 220, they are just waiting on dimensions for the Overflow, so hope I can get it all coordinated. Your tank looks great! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08/29/2017, 11:35 AM	#19
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Went with the stock 36" MM model for my impending 400. I do think that the practical capacity of them is less than the theoretical capacity. Mine is rated at 3,000 gph, but I don't plan for much more than half of that. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

08/29/2017, 01:46 PM	#20
WLachnit Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,722	I would have gone with modular marine Had I known about them when I ordered my tank. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ (1) 300g mixed reef (Starfire DT) + 100g Sump (2) 100g Softie tank (Starfire DT) My Build Thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=263472

09/20/2017, 12:50 PM	#23
IUfan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 841	Going to go with the Modular Marine Overflow. Any thoughts on whether I should go with there removable weir box or leave standard with the fixed weir box? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09/20/2017, 02:00 PM	#25
sfsuphysics Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Francisco Posts: 9,103	The biggest problem I originally had with MM was that cleaning out the internal weir box was very difficult, where as Synergy & Ghost both had the magnetic weir teeth to access the inside of the box. With the removable weir box it makes it possible to get in there and clean it out, but the tank will drain to the bottom of the bulkhead holes if you're not careful which might be a problem if you have a sump that barely has capacity. There are ways around that but it is something to keep in mind. FYI, I remember seeing the Synergy overflow at MACNA and they were all happy about the single piece injection process, but damnit if it didn't feel flimsy as all hell, like seriously would worry the thing would bulge out if it was actually full of water. __________________ Mike