Check valve recommendations?

[Denon]

I’ve been using syphon stoppers up until a week ago. I decided to go a different direction with dual loc-line to spread the flow in the tank better and now I am looking for some check valves to replace them. Does anyone have any recommendations on what to look for or specific styles that are better than others? Figure I will just have to use less silicone tubing.

 

[tlindsey]

I’ve been using syphon stoppers up until a week ago. I decided to go a different direction with dual loc-line to spread the flow in the tank better and now I am looking for some check valves to replace them. Does anyone have any recommendations on what to look for or specific styles that are better than others? Figure I will just have to use less silicone tubing.
View attachment 1478558

twentyleagues

 

[twentyleagues]

I’ve been using syphon stoppers up until a week ago. I decided to go a different direction with dual loc-line to spread the flow in the tank better and now I am looking for some check valves to replace them. Does anyone have any recommendations on what to look for or specific styles that are better than others? Figure I will just have to use less silicone tubing.
View attachment 1478558

I don't know if I understand the correlation between the pic and the question. But I've used loc-line in my tanks to help direct flow and spread it out. I usually just drill a hole just above the water line to break syphon when I shut the pump off.

 

[Denon]

twentyleagues interesting, do you have issues with the water shooting out of the drilled hole? Sorry for the confusion on the picture it was in reference to where I would likely want to put the check valve near the pumps. Looks like there are quite a few different styles, but the picture style below was sort of what I was leaning towards with the union for easy cleaning and the see through pvc to easily check the status of the flap.




.

 

[twentyleagues]

twentyleagues interesting, do you have issues with the water shooting out of the drilled hole? Sorry for the confusion on the picture it was in reference to where I would likely want to put the check valve near the pumps. Looks like there are quite a few different styles, but the picture style below was sort of what I was leaning towards with the union for easy cleaning and the see through pvc to easily check the status of the flap.




. View attachment 1478618

Yes I've used those and a few others. I just find the drilled holes less hassle. Water does shoot out of the hole, you just need to direct it back into the tank.

 

[TwoHedWlf]

Drill the hole just under or at the water line and it will splash a little less. Just needs to be a tiny hole, so it won't flow a lot.

 

[Denon]

Well drilling a small hole sure seems like a more cost-effective option, which I definitely like. I'm not too worried about over flowing as I have drains in the sump to the outside, but if enough water goes down the drain and power comes back, I'm worried about my pumps burning up. Would 1/16" be a big enough hole to kill the syphon? Do you ever have issues issues with the hole getting clogged? Thanks.

 

[twentyleagues]

Well drilling a small hole sure seems like a more cost-effective option, which I definitely like. I'm not too worried about over flowing as I have drains in the sump to the outside, but if enough water goes down the drain and power comes back, I'm worried about my pumps burning up. Would 1/16" be a big enough hole to kill the syphon? Do you ever have issues issues with the hole getting clogged? Thanks.

I've gone with around 3/16". At 1/16" it will break but may take a minute. When I first did this years ago I remember testing a few sizes and remember being happy with the larger sizes. You should test out a few sizes too, start small and move up. You're always going to get a little back flow so be prepared.
I used the same size drill bit during tank maintenance to make sure the holes were free of any build up or a q tip. Those were my reef tanks and salt would accumulate. Haven't had issues with fresh tanks but it wouldn't hurt to give it a check from time to time.

 

[Egon]

Avoiding check valves is the best option. Eventually they will fail, you always notice a failed check valve at the worst possible time. Always! ?

 

[LBDave]

Got a ball check valve to replace a leaking swing valve. The ball valve rattles! Ordered some more stuff for a fix but now I am thinking of returning all this stuff. Looks like I will do a drilled solution on my next water change.
Good stuff guys!