CHeck valve

[dherrera83]

Hi MR,

Well i recently completed my build but used a check valve from amazon and it seems to do the trick but am worried it will not. See this check valve has a small metal spring that triggers a cap that stops the backflow.

This is the one i am using now:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JEO1W0/?tag=reefs04-20

THis is the valve i am looking to change it with.

Option 1
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TKW6X0/?tag=reefs04-20

The above valve has no metal parts and uses a small plastic ball to prevent backflow. Let me know what you guys/gals think.

Option 2
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EUJQ46/?tag=reefs04-20

The obove also has no metal but its much bigger than 1/2 and its what i am currently running on. Should it be using this one instead and just using reducing pvc's to make it fit.

Give me all the feed back!

Regards,
Diego

 

[thirty5]

get rid of the check valve all together... I am not a fan of them. Can get algae buildup in them, and the chance that stuff can get jammed up in it and cause it to fail, giving you a false sense of security.

 

[dherrera83]

I need one man!!... Its a must. My if you look at my thread you will see that the return hole is drilled pretty low and could potentially empty my tank if the pump fails. It was the only way i was able to keep everything on one side witout using the other side. I was going for a much cleaner look.

Since the algae might cause an issue i am thinking it might be save to use a bigger check valve instead.

Thoughts??

 

[albano]

I need one man!!... Its a must. My if you look at my thread you will see that the return hole is drilled pretty low and could potentially empty my tank if the pump fails.

Thoughts??

There is a much better chance of the check valve failing, than your pump!
If you want to sleep at night, you need to re-design your system.

 

[NewfiDog]

I agree with no check valve or at least a backup. Get rid of the one you have its spring loaded and the salt water will just eat up the spring and it adds to the head on your pump. You can use that swing check valve, can be placed verticle or on a 45 just need to psition the swing correct. After time the seat on the check valve and the swing will get growth on it, not so much algae, but a hard crust. You would have to clean it regularly.

 

[PHILYD1]

i was a fan of check valves too but they failed me, plug those returns up and use a simple over the top return they are like 5 bucks each each you will sleep better at night

 

[Cibo]

+1 no check valve

 

[dherrera83]

I think I have a better idea. Does anyone know where I can get black pvc??

 

[albano]

Does anyone know where I can get black pvc??

If you can't find it, paint it black ... Krylon Fusion paint

 

[CoralMeister]

Agree with the above ^^^^^ But, for me a check valve is a must and I'm pretty much in the same situation. I use the exact check valve as you have in option 2. Never had a problem with it.

 

[James404]

Check valves are disasters waiting to happen, design your plumbing properly and there's no need for them.


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[NewfiDog]

The black is not PVC its ABS and you need different glue.
I dont think you can find it under 1.25 inch as its not used for water.

 

[dherrera83]

great... I have another idea. Im going to drill the sump that will connect to a 5.5g tank that should cover and issues with water over flowing the sump. The only corals i see becoming crap is the one on my frag rack... I guess this would work.

Thanks everyone for all the info!

PS - I will be removing the current check valve soon.