Filled my tank for plumbing test

[sage_commander]

OK, a couple of questions about this. I filled my tank to test the HOB overflow and return pump. I will be getting an RO system before I attempt to stock this tank, but to test the plumbing I used Brita water. Was that being too anal? I just don't know what's in the tap water and didn't want to take a chance that something would stay behind.

Second question is about my plumbing setup. I was excited to see the overflow working. I stopped and restarted the pump a few times and it works pretty good. But I shut the whole thing off to eat supper. I came back to see that the tank had siphoned back into the sump and flooded it. Not a big deal; it's currently in the garage. But I seem to remember two things to prevent this. First is one (or more) check valves. The other had something to do with drilling a small hole in the return line to break the siphon. Could someone point me to where exactly to do this and the angle and so forth? Any other advice or comments is welcome, but I have to get to bed so I'll check this thread in the morning. Good night.

 

[reefbuzz]

A small hole anywhere near the top of the returns an inch or less into the water. Good luck with the new tank.

 

[meco65]

Just drill a hole in the return line on the back if you can just below the surface of the water, be sure they are inside of the tank LOL. I put two in mine to be on the safe side, and you will want to clean them ever now and then so they do not stop up.

 

[old salty]

What meco65 said; drill two holes. They will clog!!

 

[sage_commander]

OK, dumb question here: "Just below the surface" of the display tank water or sump water line? It would seem to make sense to put the hole just below the surface of the tank water...is that right?

 

[Shagsbeard]

the hole is there to stop water from being pumped from your tank back into the sump (backwards from normal). The hole is in your pipe in your display tank as close to the surface as you can get. During normal use, water will be coming out of this hole, so you don't want it too close to the surface, it promotes salt creep. When the power is turned off all the water above the hole from your tank will be drained into your sump, so you don't want the hole too deep.

 

[sage_commander]

Got it. That makes perfect sense. Thank you, sir Shags.

 

[sage_commander]

Sorry. You guys made the siphon thing clear for me, but how about my first question: was it overkill to use Brita water for a plumbing test? I know it's better to be safe than sorry, but it too_for_ever to make about 50 gallons of that...

 

[SDguy]

Yes, overkill if you plan on draining anyways, and refilling with RO. No harm though.

 

[naterealbig]

I'm with SDguy here. Definately overkill if you plan on draining the tank anyway. Even with a small amount of residual water left behind, the level of potential phosphates, chlorine, and other chemicals would be negligible. Again, no harm - though it must have taken you forever - even for a moderate tank.

 

[sage_commander]

Yeah, all weekend (in between other duties). But I was mainly worried about any metals that might want to hang on.

 

[old salty]

anal retentive (adj): the idea of going way beyond what is considered adequate. ie: "I filled my tank with water from a Brita to test the plumbing."

Yep, you definately qualify!!

 

[sage_commander]

Good thing you're a Libertarian. By default I like you...

Oh well...I hope this means I'll have a nice reef when it's up and running.