1 way check valve.

[englishaquarist]

Alternatives to check valves and syphon breaks

Alternatives to check valves and syphon breaks

I'm interested in what approach BeanAnimal uses as an alternative to check valves and syphon breaks.

 

[uncleof6]

Sump volume sufficient to contain all power out drain down. If not possible, you need a bigger sump. Or redesign your system to minimize the drain down AND more spare sump volume.

Jim

 

[BeanAnimal]

I'm interested in what approach BeanAnimal uses as an alternative to check valves and syphon breaks.

I sized by sump to handle the backflow during a power outage. I configured my retunrs to only allow a limited amount of backflow. I use closed loops for flow deep in the tank. I would NEVER rely on either a siphon break or a check valve to prevent flooding... ever.

 

[Dustin1300]

I sized by sump to handle the backflow during a power outage. I configured my retunrs to only allow a limited amount of backflow. I use closed loops for flow deep in the tank. I would NEVER rely on either a siphon break or a check valve to prevent flooding... ever.

Exactly what I did and what Uncleof6 recommended. I experienced one small spill (2-3 gallons) while working on tank and completely revamped return plumbing and adjusted baffles in sump for some more volume. While I would have liked to add a bigger sump currently do not have the room....

 

[uncleof6]

Just for grins, some of us that say "don't use check valves" have been there done that.......

Jim

 

[Dustin1300]

...and that is the exact check valve I had I thought since I was buying a quality check valve I'd be good. Now I know better! This hobby is full of places where we can goof something up. Take the advice and don't go that route before you gain the experience in the wrong way.

 

[Dustin1300]

Actually, I still have that valve in my basement. 50% off with free shipping anyone?

 

[dublo8]

Wow thanks for all the comments, I appreciate it. Thanks for stopping by here as well bean. After all this why would I want to use a check valve? I decided against it. I adjusted the loc-line return assembly to sit higher in the tank. i only use them for surface agitation anyways. I ran power out test and only about 3 gallons dump back to the sump. didn't fill the sump all the way and no overflow. My stand can hold the rest of the water if a sump overflow ever happens (which it wont). If another problem ever occured on the tank side, the tank can hold another couple of gallons as well and the return section of the sump would run dry after about 2 gallons, so were good there. wow. thank you again.

 

[Dustin1300]

Wow thanks for all the comments, I appreciate it. Thanks for stopping by here as well bean. After all this why would I want to use a check valve? I decided against it. I adjusted the loc-line return assembly to sit higher in the tank. i only use them for surface agitation anyways. I ran power out test and only about 3 gallons dump back to the sump. didn't fill the sump all the way and no overflow. My stand can hold the rest of the water if a sump overflow ever happens (which it wont). If another problem ever occured on the tank side, the tank can hold another couple of gallons as well and the return section of the sump would run dry after about 2 gallons, so were good there. wow. thank you again.

I was just kidding about the check valve. Sounds like everything should be good now and hopefully we saved you a flood. :spin2: