External Overflow Options 2024

Razorbacks · Sep 26, 2024

I don't really have a question, just putting this out for other people's benefit. I've been doing my homework looking for an external ghost overflow for a new system. I can offer no opinion on quality as I have not owned any of them. This is just a reference guide if you're looking for something in the 800gph range. I found this to be a somewhat frustrating product to shop for because many of the options on the market are only sold through their own website or limited other outlets which makes them hard to find. This also means they don't have a ton of customer reviews.

I initially was leaning towards ESHOPPS largely due to it's broader availability and large amount of positive reviews. However, I'm now most likely going to go with Modular Marine. It seems to have better features at the same price point.

If you feel like I missed a major player let me know!

Brand	Price	Max Flow	Comment
Modular Marine	$150	800	Will also make custom boxes
Tideline 10" Overflow	$150	800	I was told Planet Aquarium uses them for external
Fiji Cube	$155	800	Second most widely available
ESHOPPS Eclipse M	$150	800	Seems to be the most widely carried/distributed, but not sure the internal weir is removable like many others
Synergy Shadow Overflow	$225	2,500	Only sells the one model. Hole saw and removable weir cost extra (others have standard).
Exotic Marine Systems	$200	1,200 GPH	Cheapest model on site. Website has said "not taking any orders" for months. Nothing instock.

Razorbacks · Sep 30, 2024

Well shoot, now I learn that the smallest modular marine boxes only have 1/2 drains by default though he can custom make one with 3/4 inch. He can't do a full 1 inch drain unless you get the third largest size. Most of the competitors have 1 inch drains. On top of this MM shipping charge is $32 which changes the value equation.

Since I'm pretty set on only drilling one hole I'm probably gonna have to go with a different brand that offers 1 inch drains on a unit that only requires one hole.

Reading more I'm also starting to see removable weirs as more of a potential failure point (leak during power outage into sump and flood it) vs a convenience.

Back to the drawing board on picking one.

~MD~Reefs~ · Oct 15, 2024

I love my Modular Marine Plus. Would highly recommend. Their customer service is also great. If you’re already drilling one hole, it’s not that much more work to do another. It was my first time drilling anything. I didn’t even own a drill I had to go buy one lol. Just go slow.