Check valve....

[seedless reefer]

ok so I was thinking to eliminate the possibility of flood from my return lines I would install some type of check valve.

I did a search to see if there was an all plastic check and I found them but my god the prices are insane....http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=45&product%5Fid=32031">http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=45&product%5Fid=32031</a>

Calling all D.I.Y'ers how can we make some of these?

 

[ericmcj31]

you should buy a CV at any HD or lowes for like 3-5 bucks

 

[ericmcj31]

these are WAY WAY WAY overpriced! You will have to buy the male/female fittings which will set you back like another buck or so.

 

[ericmcj31]

Here ya go
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=79589-34146-P32S&lpage=none">http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=79589-34146-P32S&lpage=none</a>

or

[IMG]http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=79599-34146-P32S&lpage=none">http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=79599-34146-P32S&lpage=none</a>

 

[ericmcj31]

doesn't say price, but I KNOW they're not over $10 or so

 

[xyzpdq0121]

Then again, I do not know if I ever would put a check valve on a system. Too many things that can go wrong with them!

 

[ericmcj31]

Xyzpdq0121;129042 wrote: Then again, I do not know if I ever would put a check valve on a system. Too many things that can go wrong with them!

like what?? other than obvious leaking at connections? but that could happen with any PVC connection

 

[ericmcj31]

oh-and FYI-if you have threaded connections--you MUST use teflon tape--pipe "dope" works ok, but long term connections are better (to me) with applying teflon tape against the threads

 

[FutureInterest]

They're great to have for freshwater tanks... but they don't translate well to saltwater tanks. Primarily because of calcium deposits that will build up in the valve and on the ball such that it won't create a proper seal when flow is reversed.

 

[xyzpdq0121]

FutureInterest;129048 wrote: They're great to have for freshwater tanks... but they don't translate well to saltwater tanks. Primarily because of calcium deposits that will build up in the valve and on the ball such that it won't create a proper seal when flow is reversed.

Exactly...

 

[mojo]

As well as worms and other critters that grow in areas of flow but no light...

 

[ericmcj31]

oh, ok--I was considering putting one into my tank--thanks

 

[seedless reefer]

FutureInterest;129048 wrote: They're great to have for freshwater tanks... but they don't translate well to saltwater tanks. Primarily because of calcium deposits that will build up in the valve and on the ball such that it won't create a proper seal when flow is reversed.

I agree with you Jin.....However, right now I have nothing to prevent the returns from flooding the lower tanks.

At the least, this will offer a modicum of protection and for 6 bucks if I have to swap it out once a month thats only 72 bucks.

Thanks Eric.

 

[xyzpdq0121]

Can you drill a siphon check hole in the returns. Something that lets air in and breaks the siphon if the power goes out?

 

[ericmcj31]

good point, I still may consider one after all

 

[soarin']

I just read a post a couple of weeks back by a guy on here who had a flood because the power went out -- the check valve failed and all the water in his tank siphoned out onto the basement floor.

 

[jaandgc]

It is always better to build the system so that it does not need a check valve. ie return pipe level in water.

 

[donnyholland]

They fail period...

I agree larger sump or lower your water volume in the sump to accomidate back syphon..

Also your return lines should be as close to the surface a possible to minimize syphoning IMHO..

/donny

 

[cameron]

I hate to pile on but I am an avid hater of check valves. They work great long enough to get you confident enough to trust them. It is far better to design a system without the need for them and I have seen VERY few systems that actually need them.

 

[jmaneyapanda]

Check valves have their purposes (as Mojo will attest to), but I dont think flood prevention should be one of them. Everyone preaches anti siphon holes, but they can and will fail just as much as check valaves without routine maintence. Guaranteed if you dont monitor them, when the power goes out, the holes will be plugged with coralline, or algale, or a snail. I drill two holes in the return, so that if a snail or chunk of whatever is covering the hole, the other one should function. And I clean it out at every water change.