Check Valve issue

[chriis716]

I have a check valve with a metal spring. Does this mean it's going to rust and eventually stop working, causing a flood if the power goes out? If so, what am I suppose to change it out with? Any help would be greatly appreciated...

Chris

 

[crumbletop]

The best thing you can do to prevent floods due to backflow through the return plumbing, is to have a siphon break close to the surface of the display tank. I do this by positioning my return line about 1" below the surface. I then make sure I have enough spare room in the sump to accomodate all the backflow when the pump is shut down. This is fool proof and will always work. A check valve, no matter how it is made, can fail.

An alternative to positioning the return outlet close to the surface, is to drill a siphon break hole in the return pipe close to the surface.

 

[rcmike]

Yeah, check valves will fail eventually in salt water aquariums. Even if the spring wasn't a problem things growing inside the plumbing can prevent the valve from closing properly causing water to leak past it. I'd go with siphon breaks as well.

 

[chriis716]

Siphon break it is, thanks for the help...

 

[waynesworld]

Ya I tried the check valve thing to with out the exposed metal and still failed from a snail. I never put anything metal though in a tank as if it rust you contaminate the water

 

[montemans]

I agree with everyone the best way is a siphon break. However, I use both, a clear, all PVC check valve to reduce the amount of water into the sump and a siphon break as a backup. If you are interested in the all PVC check valve you can find them on e-bay for $15. Just search for "clear check valve" They also serve as a union to your pump, just remember to have the siphon break...

Daniel