Check valve recommendations please!

[Anonymous]

So I need two 1 inch check valves. I know they aren't great, and I am one of those who says never to use them. However, I have 2 1 inch sea swirls, and in the event of a power outage my tank will drain about 3 inches, which is no good for the corals that have finally grown up there. I tried drilling a couple of anti siphon holes, but the volume of water coming through the ss overwhelms them. Thus, the need for a couple of check valves.

So, which ones are the best?
Any other ideas to fix my problem?

TIA

RR :mrgreen:

 

[dizzy]

Righty,
Get clear PVC 1" check valve with the true union ends. Not only can you tell if an obstruction is forming, you can easily take them out of line for cleaning.
Mitch

 

[mountainbiker619]

I 2nd dizzy's suggestion.

 

[PeeJ]

i 3rd it.

 

[mooner]

I 4th it.

I just put one my setup 3 days ago and it was a 10 minute task. Hacksaw, PVC glue/cleaner and follow the flow direction arrow.

Here is the one I got. It is see thru as recommended:

http://marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=FT9155

Good luck.

 

[Anonymous]

Yep, Clear Swing Check with either true union ends or with a union on either immediate side.

 

[DustinDorton]

The best check valve is the Wye style.

Heres a link to one (first site that came up in google)
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...e=PA&Product_Code=WYE007&Category_Code=Valves

The wye has a lot of benefits over other check valves. Like other clear checkvalves, you can see potential obstructions. Unlike other checkvalves you can break the whole thing down in a couple of seconds and clean the only moving part. The wye also has very little flow restriction.

They are pricey, but worth every penny. I have used them in your exact application.[/url]

 

[mooner]

Looking at it I can't tell what the advantage is. Is it the cleaning feature? If it is can it be cleaned while in operation? I cant see how that could be but like I said I cant tell from the link. If it still requires the system be shut down (no circulation) I guess the advantage is that you can clean it without physically taking it out of the plumbing?

Looks rather innovative but I can take mine out and clean it in about 2 minutes. Also the location of mine would prevent my really getting up in there and cleaning in-line it as it's right over my sump in a bad spot.

Unless there is another advantage I can't see, for the price I'd rather get two of the true unions or just save $20. Just my $.02.

 

[DustinDorton]

There is a nut on the end that unscrews and you pull out the piston. The piston can be removed and scrubbed with a toothbrush and the seal can be inspected, cleaned and replaced if needed in no time.
You're right, the pump cant be on while you are removing the piston, and you dont have to remove the entire unit from the system. The pump can be run with the piston removed from the checkvalve, if needed.

The Wyes are are much less likely to hammer open and close than the flapper check valves because the piston is heavier. Also, because they are so easy and simple to clean, its less of a drag to maintain them. That translates directly into higher reliabilty (it only takes a couple weeks for a sponge or a tube worm to grow right on the seat of the valve).

The Wyes are regarded as the highest quality check valve for aquariums. I personally would never use a flapper check valve IF the Wye was an option. $20 is a small price to pay for extra piece of mind. . .

 

[Anonymous]

Dustin,

Can the wyes be used in any orientation?

RR

 

[DustinDorton]

I can't answer that question for sure. I have always installed them vertical, right above the pump. They obviously work best vertical, but the way they are designed should work perfectly horizontal. The downward angle of the wye alone would be enough to get the piston down. There is also a lip on the piston that catches the water as it falls back towards the pump, this pulls it into place really quickly.

You should check with someone who sells them, I dont have any instrucions laying around me now.

 

[texman]

I agree with Dustin in that the Wye valves are far superior to flapper valves in terms of ease of maintenance and reliability. I am using 6 of them between my two tanks and have been very happy. I would advise that they be tested about once per week and cleaned at least once per month. I have 4 seperate return pumps in my home tank, and these are constantly being switched on and off. This seems to help keep the valves clean of debris. If your valve is going to be open continuously, I would recommend turning the pump off once in a while to make sure that the piston still works.

 

[DustinDorton]

Excellent points Texman, especially checking to make sure that its still sliding properly. There is so much crap that grows and collects in aquarium pipes. It only gets worse when its clear and exposed to light. Routine checks and proper maint. are a must.

 

[mooner]

Excellent points Texman, especially checking to make sure that its still sliding properly. There is so much crap that grows and collects in aquarium pipes. It only gets worse when its clear and exposed to light. Routine checks and proper maint. are a must.

I've often wondered if it would be worth the effort to cover up my check valve to keep the algae growth down. It's not positioned too far from my MH lighting. I could easily cover it with something.

If I get some out of control growth I will try it...

 

[DustinDorton]

If its in a location that gets a good amount of light you should probably shield it or cover it. "stuff" tends to grow in them real fast.

 

[Anonymous]

Cover it with aluminum foil. Cheap, fast, removable.

 

[mooner]

Cover it with aluminum foil. Cheap, fast, removable.

Good idea.