AIR CHECK VALVE

[VampAro69]

I am trying to set up a diy pvc overflow and sump, the problem is I keep losing siphon. I drilled a hole in the top of my project where the pipe goes out of the tank and goes down to meet the lowest point like insede the tank and put a little rubber piece in it with a hose connected to it.

Do I place the check valve and have it siphon down to the sump so a bubble can not form, is that what it does?

What is an air check valve, how does it work?

I have the basic DIY overflow for non drilled tanks going. Thanks

 

[greenterra]

An air check valve allows air to pass only in one direction.


The check valve needs to be in the u section that goes over the top of the tank. Drill a hole and glue it in place with the pvc glue. This allows you suck the unwanted air out to achieve siphon. The check valve stop the air getting back in as it only allows air to travel through it one way.

 

[rallysman]

Even with the check valve it's a good idea to use an aqualifter. It'll continually pull air and water from the overflow to keep it from stopping. It's cheap insurance.

 

[VampAro69]

Thanks guys, ill look up an aqualifter to see what it is and where it goes.

haha This is frustrating because what I built looks just like the pictures and the water just goes right over it and will not siphon. Thanks again i'll give it a go tomorrow and go from there.

 

[greenterra]

Have you seen this?

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219465

 

[VampAro69]

Have you seen this?

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219465

Yes I have the same thing built but can not get the siphon going,

I do not have a ball valve on the bottom, should I get one to help hold the water in the pvc then let it go?

I am thinking about the H.O.B filter, that looks easyer for me to understand and get it going.

 

[rallysman]

The DIY works the same as a HOB. Make sure that the vent has water and the down tube will need water to get started.

Otherwise you'll just be pulling air from the sump side of the overflow.

 

[cypher1024]

Even with the check valve it's a good idea to use an aqualifter. It'll continually pull air and water from the overflow to keep it from stopping. It's cheap insurance.

Provided you didn't oversize your overflow too much, it should be self-purging in all but the most extreme of cases.

 

[VampAro69]

Provided you didn't oversize your overflow too much, it should be self-purging in all but the most extreme of cases.

I used 1" piping. I think my problem is that I need a ball valve so that I can fill the lines with water, then when I fill the tank I can open the valve.

I dont know though.

I know the hang on backs are about the same, but I dont have to deal with problems that I can not see. All I have to do on the HOB is get a (few) U tube(s) and then gravity does the rest. But I still do not understand the air vheck valve, can sombody post a picture of theirs up and going.

I went to you-tube and there were a lot of great DIY's pvc overflows but they would not talk and explain what they did, and not show the air check valve.

 

[CHOMPERS]

Yes I have the same thing built but can not get the siphon going

Did you see the part where I primed the clear overflow?

I used 1" piping. I think my problem is that I need a ball valve so that I can fill the lines with water, then when I fill the tank I can open the valve...

... But I still do not understand the air vheck valve, can sombody post a picture of theirs up and going...

Go back and watch those videos. The check valve is there and there was no need for a ball valve. ...And fill your tank or you will drive yourself crazy.