Check Valves

[intensity888]

Is there any reason i shouldn't use check valves after return pump, RODI unit, etc? (I'm just wondering if there is much restriction or friction when normally open).

 

[Anonymous]

I would not use one. They have lots of flow losses and will need to be maintained or they will not function properly. I would use a syphon break hole instead.

 

[intensity888]

Hey wazzle, help the boob, umm i mean noob out....explain "syphon break hole" to me based on words i think i understand generally, but not specifically.

 

[Anonymous]

A syphon break hole is a hole that you drill in you return piping between the normal operating level of you tank and the bottom of the slots in your overflow. This way when the pump stops the return piping will break suction when the water level in the tank drops below the hole. This will stop the back syphon. They are easier to mantain than a check and do not add the flow losses.

 

[intensity888]

ok, thats good. i noticed those(already in my return tubes) thought thats what they were for.

 

[Anonymous]

Wazzel,

I'm never able to get a siphon break hole to work on 1 and 1.5 inch tubing with a long run to the sump. Any idears?

Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

What size holes do you use? If the holes are not big enough it is harder for the syphon to break. Especally one the salt creap builds up. I do not use holes. I place my return elbows high enough that they are partially out of the water when the pump goes off.

 

[intensity888]

hmmmm, is that because the volume of water left in the return pipe creates enough suction to "pull" the water into the tube and overcome the break hole? I need to think about this as i have been pondering putting my sump in the basement instead of under tank like i originally intended.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, it means you need a bigger suction break hole.

 

[Anonymous]

Wazzel,

I'm never able to get a siphon break hole to work on 1 and 1.5 inch tubing with a long run to the sump. Any idears?

Thanks!

You are not doing it right, Rich. There are siphon break for RO unit (some are built-in to the faucet), and they always work. These siphon break is required for kitchen sink mounted RO setup that drains to the sewage.

 

[Anonymous]

When you have a minute, could you find a link for me?

Thanks!

 

[intensity888]

how about ball valves on the return in case i want to service or switch out pump? Any reasons I may not want to do that (like some from above)?

 

[Len]

I'm using the check valves sold by Marine Depot right now, and so far they are A LOT better then the more commonly available variety. The design is simplier and less restrictive. The transparent housing also helps to visually check the valve to insure against clogs.

 

[LA-Lawman]

I have siphon breaks in my AGA tank.... the key is to maintain them... I shut my pumps off for feeding so I know if they are working or clogged... I fashioned a coat hanger jobber that gets right in hole for cleaning with no hassles...

I used to use check valves but they became to un-reliable... I have seen the ones in the MD catalog... good to know they work... maybe a reef keeper helped the company tune them up?

 

[Anonymous]

maybe a reef keeper helped the company tune them up?

A big problem is that a healthy reef has organisms living everywhere. Even a tiny spirorbidae can cause enough of a leak to overflow a sump.

 

[LA-Lawman]

maybe a reef keeper helped the company tune them up?

A big problem is that a healthy reef has organisms living everywhere. Even a tiny spirorbidae can cause enough of a leak to overflow a sump.

Guy, you are right. i was saying as far as general function or design.... I know you could get a small snail or object in there and your up a creek with no paddle....

 

[Anonymous]

A good thing with a check valve though is that at worst it would still slow the water down to a trickle. Even a tiny anti-siphon hole would work then.

 

[intensity888]

The clear ones sound like a good idea. I think i will go for it intitially and i can always redo later. not a desirable thing but not the end of things if i have to do so.