Anti-backflow for sump return?

[toehead11183]

I just got a 175g reef tank and i'm slowly getting it running. My problem is when i turn the pump off, the return starts siphoning water back into the sump. Bigger problem is the sump can't hold all that water is it over flows. I've tried positioning the return so they are out of the water and will suck air when turned off but it just doesnt fit. Is there something i can put in-line to stop reverse flow? This is my first sump so i havent delt with tis problem yet.

 

[zennzzo]

I just got a 175g reef tank and i'm slowly getting it running. My problem is when i turn the pump off, the return starts siphoning water back into the sump. Bigger problem is the sump can't hold all that water is it over flows. I've tried positioning the return so they are out of the water and will suck air when turned off but it just doesnt fit. Is there something i can put in-line to stop reverse flow? This is my first sump so i havent delt with tis problem yet.

Yes a "check valve"...
It goes inline between the pump and the tank...

 

[toehead11183]

thank you. My return line is 3/4" I/D x 1"O/D plastic tubing like python hose, how would i rig one up to that?

 

[zennzzo]

thank you. My return line is 3/4" I/D x 1"O/D plastic tubing like python hose, how would i rig one up to that?

Like this...of course there will be another barb on the other end...(I only had one spare to show you)

 

[zennzzo]

it'll look like this...

 

[stevietennis]

got a picture of your return? If you are cheap you can drill a hole in the pipe, assuming it is a PVC return. Just drill a hole in the pipe inside the tank. Drill just above the water level.

 

[zennzzo]

got a picture of your return? If you are cheap you can drill a hole in the pipe, assuming it is a PVC return. Just drill a hole in the pipe inside the tank. Drill just above the water level.

Spend the 10 bux or so...if that hole plugs for whatever reason (see murphys law) you'll still have an active syphon and water will return...

 

[Pharaoh]

You could also just put a hole in the return just below the water line. that will stop the siphoning effect.

I posted the same thing zennzzo said. I guess I don't read so well. haha

 

[zennzzo]

You could also just put a hole in the return just below the water line. that will stop the siphoning effect.

I posted the same thing zennzzo said. I guess I don't read so well. haha

...see "MURPHY's Law"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy's_law

 

[rallysman]

...see "MURPHY's Law"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy's_law

Use 2 holes then

Check valves can bleed or fail completely. I'd trust the siphon break way before I'd trust a cheap (not inexpensive, cheap) box store check valve.