Does the osmolator pump need a check valve?

[Kirk_M]

Does the osmolator pump require the use of a check valve when it is hooked up to a Nielsen reactor to prevent backflow of kalkwasser into the pump and then into the freshwater supply?

Also, how much head loss does the addition of a Nielsen add to the equation? I am looking to get a GEO brand reactor, and am trying to determine exactly where I am going to place my freshwater reservoir.

Thanks, Roger...

Kirk

 

[rvitko]

I can't say for sure as I have never done it but our calcium dispenser includes the check valve that Hagen sells which is spring loaded.

 

[bureau13]

When I was talking to the Reeftek guy about using his Nilsen reactor in this same configuration, he said it would require one...I would imagine the Geo would be the same.

jds

 

[Kirk_M]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7098552#post7098552 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bureau13
When I was talking to the Reeftek guy about using his Nilsen reactor in this same configuration, he said it would require one...I would imagine the Geo would be the same.

jds

I would wonder if I were to place my freshwater reservoir in my garage (tank room is on opposite side of garage wall), elevated, then have the Nielsen, say, on the garage floor, with the ouput line from the Nielsen passing through the wall, and into my sump if this would prevent any backflow.

Does that sound logical?

 

[Horst]

You may have a siphon issue with that configuration. I have been using a John Guest check valve like this one in between the osmolator and my reeftek reactor for more than a year without any problems.

 

[aurorahokie]

I had to add one to my setup. Now everything functions perfectly.

Chip

 

[rvitko]

It is best to avoid this by pumping up hill to the tank and not the sump- a check valve can and will fail, if gravity ever does your tank is the least of your concerns.

 

[Bryan89]

I believe you would need a check valve. A simple alternative is to put the kalk line discharge in the air above the main aquarium; the height of water will prevent a siphon. I have used my osmolator in this configuration for 6 months with no issues, but you do need to put a valve between the kalk reactor and the pump to prevent floods when changing kalk.

HTH

Bryan

 

[Bryan89]

I believe you would need a check valve. A simple alternative is to put the kalk line discharge in the air above the main aquarium; the height of water will prevent a siphon. I have used my osmolator in this configuration for 6 months with no issues, but you do need to put a valve between the kalk reactor and the pump to prevent floods when changing kalk.

HTH

Bryan