prefilter box, siphon box, overflow box, siphon overflow, Eurobrace, Euro-brace, Euro-tank

4628 S. Ward Way, Morrison, Colorado 80465

Phone: 303-978-0940 and 303-719-0950 Fax: 303.973.2044

E-mail: lifereef@denver.net

Why risk thousands of dollars of fish, corals, livestock, flood damage and cleanup on a $69.00 prefilter box or any other prefilter box of questionable reliability, and there are many.

Not a single failure since this prefilter went on the market over two decades ago! If it were not for the cheap copies of Lifereef prefilter boxes (though not copied exact otherwise they'd be reliable) and the ones that are called "tubeless" the Lifereef prefilter box would not have to be defended every time one was sold.

Absolutely the finest and most reliable prefilter box in use today! Why not be 100 percent sure of a no-failure than go with any other with a guaranteed failure or poor performance.

Will not lose water from siphon tube when power goes out!

Will automatically START FLOWING WATER when power comes back on!!!

Does not rely on cheap $15.00 doser/airlifter pump that can and will fail, thus flooding your floor!

It is the cheap copies and "tubeless" designs that have given all prefilter boxes a bad reputation.

Prefilters for standard aquariums, EuroBrace rims, Red Sea Max, and BioCube, and custom too!

Not a single failure since the Lifereef Prefilter Box came on the market over 25 years ago!

Thousands sold, not one flood or failure! No cheap "suck-pump" required! Nothing to break down or wear out! No fittings to leak causing loss of siphon and flooding! Your main system pump is all that is needed, and all sump setups have a return pump. NO SECONDARY CHEAP PUMP THAT WILL FAIL IS NEEDED!

Since 1988 this prefilter has allowed the hobbyist to safely deliver water from the aquarium to the sump without fear of failure and readily resumes safe operation after a power outage, GUARANTEED!

In the 24 years that the Lifereef Prefilter Box has been sold not one has failed to re-start when the power comes back on or has failed while in operation! This is not the case with others using built-in siphon walls ("tubeless designs") which are prone to failure while in operation and prone to failure upon power coming back on. The majority of prefilter boxes I sell are to those with the tubeless design, and usually after a FLOOD! Why even risk it? The others don't want to risk it and replace their tubeless design with a Lifereef.

Tubeless designs (built-in siphon wall) are of the poorest design and their use comes with considerable risk of FLOOD! If you use one of these you are guaranteed to have a FLOOD, no matter how careful you are! These prefilters rely on a cheap $15.00 "suck-pump" to keep them working, and this pump will fail, then the prefilter will FLOOD your aquarium or your sump! This "suck-pump" can fail even while your main pump is working and cause major aquarium flooding or even fail to come on when power resumes. These prefilters are DISASTERS waiting to happen!

IF YOU GET A TUBELESS DESIGN YOU MIGHT ALSO PURCHASE A WET-VAC, IT WILL BE NEEDED.

Don't risk it! They are also impossible to clean the siphon wall and if the siphon wall is black algae will still grow as will tubeworms and other calcium building animals and you cannot clean this area. Micro-bubble are always a problem too due to the "suck pump" pumping them into your aquarium.

Another competing prefilter box which is almost an identical COPY of the Lifereef has two flaws that need to be addressed: 1. The inner box can be knocked out of alignment allowing three to four inches of your aquarium water to suddenly rush into your sump and OVERFLOW your sump. 2. Their inner box has less slots for the water to flow through which means you need an extra large sump to hold the extra water that will drain when power goes out. Less slots means your aquarium will rise higher on the slots at a given flow rate. With their prefilter you will not be able to move as many gph without raising your aquarium water much higher, and thus more water will drain back into your sump. You will be able to use LESS water out of your sump being pumped back into the aquarium for the same flow rate using a Lifereef Prefilter. Cheap may get you a similar product but it does not have the same proven characteristics and qualities as a Lifereef Prefilter. And why risk your costly investment for the sake of a few dollars, just doesn't make sense.

Do a search, you will not find a hobbyist who has had a Lifereef Prefilter Box fail. Then check the others, you will find numerous failures. So, why risk a flood and the $$$ damage caused by water, using an inferior design that might look SIMILAR but does not offer the safety and quality of a Lifereef.

Single Prefilter, Single Slimline Prefilter, Double Prefilter, and Double Slimline Prefilter
SLIMLINE VS STANDARD	The difference is the distance the prefilter box sticks out behind your aquarium: 3 1/4" for Slimline, 4 1/4" for Standard, that's it. Flow rates are identical for both, and of course the filter foam is narrower on the Slimline. The foam cannot be used if the Silencer is used.
Single Prefilter Box	The Single design is recommended for aquariums up to 48" long or flow rates up to 600 gph. There have been some incorrect test reports on the bulletin boards stating that this flow can't be acheived, they are wrong. They were making their test using another prefilter box of poor design. Lifereef Prefilter Boxes will flow the stated flow rates. Available in a Single and Slimline version. Flow rates up to 600gph for both Standard and Slimline. You DO NOT have to match your pump to the flow rate. These prefilters are self-governing meaning it will remove water at the exact same rate as you are pumping it into the aquarium. Outer box measures 6 1/2" wide x 11" tall Inner box measures 8" wide x 8" tall x 3" Required tank-to-wall clearance for Standard is 4" Required tank-to-wall clearance for Slimline is 3 1/4" 1" male threaded output, 1" hosebarb connector supplied. Vacuum hose style connector supplied upon request. Recommended pump size is 900 gph. This is because there will be some head loss and the next pump size down is usually too small. Having a larger pump gives you a wider range of flow adjustments and it does NO harm to a water pump to regulate the output. A pump too small is a pump to small, but a pump larger than needed can be adjusted to your requirements.		Features: AUTO-RESTART when power resumes, always 100%. No aqua-lifter pump or other device needed! All edges rounded so you or your fish won't harm themselves on sharp edges. Large 1 1/8" diameter siphon tube, Double Prefilters have two siphon tubes. No nipples or other connectors on siphon tube that could allow siphon to break causing flood. 1 1/2" of up/down adjustment of inner box. Inner box cannot be knocked out of vertical alignment. Long lasting and easily cleaned foam filter element. Will not overflow, even if foam element becomes dirty. 1" male thread output and included 1" hose-barb fitting, Double Prefilters have two 1" outputs Fits aquarium rims up to 1 1/2" wide and can also be made to fit acrylic aquarium rims or "Euro" style rims. Lifereef SIlencer available as an option if needed Colors available: clear, black, and blue (inner box only)	Prices: Order Single $119.00 Single Slimline $119.00 Lifereef Silencer $19.00 Double $199.00 Double Slimline $199.00 Lifereef Silencers $29.00 (includes two Silencers) Spare Siphon Tubes $13.00 HIGHLY recommended to have a spare siphon or two on hand, they will easily break if dropped on the floor and the box refuses to function without this part. The siphon tubes will need cleaned so if you drop it, it's done. Return J-Tube $12.00 Required for getting water back over the aquarim rim.
Double Prefilter Box	The Double is recommended for aquariums longer than 48" or flow rates up to 1200 gph. There have been some incorrect test reports on the bulletin boards stating that this flow can't be acheived, they are wrong. They were making their test using another prefilter box of poor design. Lifereef Prefilter Boxes will flow the stated flow rates. Available in a Double and Double Slimline version. Flow rates up to 1200gph for both Standard and Slimline Doubles. You DO NOT have to match your pump to the flow rate. These prefilters are self-governing meaning it will remove water at the exact same rate as you are pumping it into the aquarium. Outer box measures 14" wide x 11" tall Inner box measures 14" wide x 8" tall x 3" Required tank-to-wall clearance for Standard is 4" Required tank-to-wall clearance for Slimline is 3 1/4" 2x 1" male threaded outputs, 1" hosebarb connectors supplied. Vacuum hose style connectors supplied upon request. Recommended pump size is 1200-1700 gph. This is because there will be some head loss and the next pump size down is usually too small. Having a larger pump gives you a wider range of flow adjustments and it does NO harm to a water pump to regulate the output. A pump too small is a pump to small, but a pump larger than needed can be adjusted to your requirements.
Super Slim	The absolute narrowest the prefilter can be is 2". As you can see it cannot use a filter foam. Do not opt for this unless you already have your tank set up and do not want to move it.
$19.00 Order	Lifereef Prefilter Silencer for Standard and Slimline Not all prefilter boxes will run silent so a Lifereef Silencer is offered for this purpose. You are welcome to order this with your prefilter box and if not needed you can send it back for a full refund. There are a number of factors that can cause any prefilter to make noise, or run silent, or somewhere inbetween. You just never know until it is up and running, at various flow rates, plumbing runs, etc.
Nano-Prefilter, also used for the BIoCube
Nano Shown next to standard prefilter for size comparison. $119.00 Order	Nano Prefilter Perfect for small reef or fish aquariums and BioCubes. Flow rate up to 400 gph (and anything in-between 0 and 400 gph) In other words it will flow whatever gph you give it up to its maximum rate. Outer box: 5" x 3 1/8" x 9" high Inner box: 3 3/4 x 2 1/4" x 6 1/2" Output connection 3/4" male thread with hosebarb connector included		Nano Features: AUTO-RESTART when power resumes, always 100%. No aqua-lifter pump or other device needed! All edges radiused and chamfered so you or your fish won't harm themselves on sharp edges. 7/8" diameter siphon tube. No nipples or other connectors on siphon tube that could allow siphon to break causing flood. 1 1/2" of up/down adjustment of inner box. Inner box cannot be knocked out of vertical alignment. Long lasting and easily cleaned foam filter element. Will not overflow, even if foam element becomes dirty. 3/4" male thread output, hosebarb and clamps included Fits aquarium rims up to 1 1/2" wide and can also be made to fit acrylic aquarium rims or "Euro" style rims. Colors available: clear, black, and blue (inner box only) Optional Nano Lifereef Silencer	Prices: Order For all Nano, BioCube 119.00 Lifereef Silencer $19.00 Spare Siphon Tube $11.00 HIGHLY recommended to have a spare siphon or two on hand, they will easily break if dropped on the floor and the box refuses to function without this part. The siphon tubes will need cleaned so if you drop it, it's done. Return J-Tube $9.00 Required for getting water back over the aquarim rim.
Nano-Prefilter for Red Sea Max 130/130D and 250
Front View Optional Lifereef Silencer shown in right prefilter but can be used in "WEDGE" version also. Rear View "WEDGE" verson inner box shown on right	If you will be removing your RSM protein skimmer order the RSM NANO prefilter. If you will keep your RSM protein skimmer in its stock position order the RSM WEDGE.prefilter. Tank Canopy Modifications: The top rear cover of the RSM130/130D will need a modification as shown. A modified canopy is also available for $25.00. For the RSM250: Order the LRSM Nano Tank Rim Modification: The left rear fan opening will need modification as shown below.	Lifereef RSM Nano Prefilter Features: AUTO-RESTART when power resumes, always 100%. No aqua-lifter pump or other device needed! All edges radiused and chamfered, no sharp corners 1" diameter siphon tube. No nipples or other connectors on siphon tube that could allow siphon to break causing flood. 1 1/2" of up/down adjustment of inner box. Inner box cannot be knocked out of vertical alignment. Long lasting and easily cleaned foam filter element. Will not overflow, even if foam element becomes dirty. 3/4" male thread output, hosebarb and clamps included Optional Lifereef Nano Silencer You will need 3 1/4" behind your aquarium rim. A 2" version is also available.	Priced as Follows: RSM Nano $119.00 RSM Wedge $119.00 Lifereef Silencer $19.00 You might also want to order the following: Modified Cover $ 25.00 (specify color) 3/4" vinyl tubing $1.25/ft 5/8" vinyl tubing $ .95/ft Return J-tube $9.00 Mag7 pump $83.00 3/4" ball valve/barb $5.00 Spare Siphon $11.00 Return J-Tube This is how the water gets back to your aquarium.
$19.00 Order	Lifereef Prefilter Silencers for Nano, RSM, and BioCube Not all prefilter boxes will run silent so a Lifereef Silencer is offered for this purpose. You are welcome to order this with your prefilter box and if not needed you can send it back for a full refund. There are a number of factors that can cause any prefilter to make noise, or run silent, or somewhere inbetween. You just never know until it is up and running, at various flow rates, plumbing runs, etc.
Custom Euro-Rimmed Prefilters
Euro-rim Prefilter Boxes	Custom made to fit your Euro rim tank.		Euro-style aquariums typically have a 3" to 5" wide rim. Prefilter boxes can be made to fit any rim width.
Custom Prefilter Boxes and Built-In Corner Overflows
CUSTOM PREFILTER BOXES and CORNER OVERFLOWS	We can fabricate custom size hang-on prefilters or corner boxes, 3-sided, trapezoid etc to your exact requirements.		Email or fax (303-973-2044) your dimensions and requirements for a prompt same-day quote.

Details unique to all of the Lifereef Prefilter Boxes:

	Outer box utilizes a one-piece "backbone" bent from 1/4" thick acrylic. Nano boxes are 3/16" but still strong enough to handle the job.
	The inner slotted box is locked in a vertical position and cannot be knocked out of alignment by fish, waves, or water currents. Inner box can be adjusted up or down a full 1 1/2" and is held together with a strong nylon wingnut and bolt. Others use a single or multiple holes with only a few settings and making adjustment difficult and the box can be knocked out of alignment which can lead to your sump flooding.
	1" male threaded fitting is permanently bonded to the bottom and is forever leakproof (3/4" on nano-prefilters). No gaskets or o-rings that can leak. Others use gaskets or o-rings which are susceptible to salt-creep and leaks. Can also be ordered with an adapter for vacuum hose type installations.
	CNC machined slots of uniform size and spacing for even water flow. Tab on back of inner box slides in track in outer box to maintain a permanent vertical alignment.
	Nylon thumbscrew allow the entire prefilter assembly to be aligned parallel to the aquarium back.
	Colors available are blue, clear, and black. Color has no affec on algae growth. Clear only for RSM and BioCube prefilters, you can't see it so you don't need a color.
	For aquariums with wide rims such as the Euro style aquariums we can fabricate any width. The one shown will fit over a 4 1/2" wide rim.

Contrary to what you have heard or been told you do not have to match a prefilter box with the pumps gph output. The prefilter will handle from a zero flow to its maximum flow rate, and anything in-between. In fact it is better to have a pump larger than you require and then using a ball valve (does not harm a pump to cut back flow) you can adjust to your liking.

Siphon tube prefilter boxes are preferable and SAFER to use than siphon tube-less boxes for several reasons. They are easier to clean, easier to maintain, easy to start, and do not require faulty check valves or unreliable secondary powerheads or "aquapump" to remove bubbles and air from the tube.

The water velocity through a siphon tube is faster than the water velocity through a tubeless design and therefore any bubbles generated flow right through a siphon tube. Bubbles do build up in the tubeless designs, that is why they have powerheads to hopefully keep them operating. These "tubeless" designs also pump air bubbles into your aquarium ruining the view.

Once started the siphon tube will ALWAYS restart and resume flowing water after a power failure or when you turn the pump back on. There is no need to restart the siphon tube.