madreefer2013
New member
I'm scared if the pump stops working then my whole floor will be flooded as the sump overflows.
They are only an accident waiting to happen if they are not maintained and if used with a siphon break even if they do fail it won't flood the sump. In any case nothing fool proof. It's just a way to add redundancy to the system.
There is more then one way to run a system. There is nothing wrong with the use of a check valve unless you are solely relying on it. There are very few parts to a check valve so there is really nothing complicated about them. The most common failure is that they can get stuck. Just like anything else they have to be taken apart and cleaned.
I don't know anyone that runs a check valve for anything other than their air pumps. In addition to the other myriad reasons not to use one, I would have major concerns about the materials used to make a large check valve. Brass, copper, etc. have no place in a SW aquarium. This is not a good idea. Is it possible, yes, but things have a way of failing at exactly the wrong times. Go with ericarenee's detailed description of how to do this the correct way that everyone uses with proven and repeatable results (e.g. the laws of gravity and fluid mechanics don't break down, check valves do).
Actually turning off the pump will help backwash the venturi to help keep it clean.I am thinking another benefit of check valve is u dont have to turn off skimmer if u turn off return pump for feeding.