ATO/Siphoning Problem

Ubiq · 10/14/2021, 12:54 PM

I have a 40 gallon Brute feeding my sump ATO. Problem is, when the ATO turns off, water continues to siphon into my sump (when the water level is higher in the Brute than in the sump). Came home yesterday to find my salinity at 30.4. I've thought of using a solenoid valve powered from the same outlet as the ATO, but have read that they do not fully close absent pressure (when they work at all). I'm sure there's a simple solution but it eludes me. Could use some suggestions. Thanks.

Daddyrawg · 10/14/2021, 01:32 PM

Sounds like you need to break the back syphon..what if you punch a small hole close to end of tube?

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Daddyrawg · 10/14/2021, 01:35 PM

Here's what I use

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Timfish · 10/16/2021, 07:38 AM

SIphon break like Daddyrawg said

Ubiq · 10/16/2021, 11:27 AM

Thanks for the response. Turns out my Auto Aqua siphon break was installed a couple of inches too low. Moved it to the highest point in the line and all is well.

vsiege · 10/17/2021, 04:13 PM

Great to hear that you got it. Funny, mine didn't come with one, punched a hole in the line, and made it too low.... took longer than I'd like to admit before I finally caught the issue.

Welcome to RC and see you around!

five.five-six · 10/17/2021, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ubiq

I have a 40 gallon Brute feeding my sump ATO. Problem is, when the ATO turns off, water continues to siphon into my sump (when the water level is higher in the Brute than in the sump). Came home yesterday to find my salinity at 30.4. I've thought of using a solenoid valve powered from the same outlet as the ATO, but have read that they do not fully close absent pressure (when they work at all). I'm sure there's a simple solution but it eludes me. Could use some suggestions. Thanks.

Another way of dealing with this to use a peristaltic pump, probably what you will do if you stick with the hobby

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reefi...c-Dosing-Pumps

10/14/2021, 12:54 PM	#1
Ubiq Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Posts: 5	ATO/Siphoning Problem I have a 40 gallon Brute feeding my sump ATO. Problem is, when the ATO turns off, water continues to siphon into my sump (when the water level is higher in the Brute than in the sump). Came home yesterday to find my salinity at 30.4. I've thought of using a solenoid valve powered from the same outlet as the ATO, but have read that they do not fully close absent pressure (when they work at all). I'm sure there's a simple solution but it eludes me. Could use some suggestions. Thanks.

10/16/2021, 07:38 AM	#4
Timfish Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,985	SIphon break like Daddyrawg said __________________ "Our crystal clear aquaria come nowhere close to the nutrient loads that swirl around natural reefs" Charles Delbeek

10/17/2021, 04:13 PM	#6
vsiege Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 181	Great to hear that you got it. Funny, mine didn't come with one, punched a hole in the line, and made it too low.... took longer than I'd like to admit before I finally caught the issue. Welcome to RC and see you around! __________________ Seahorse setup: 37 gallon; Reef Octopus BH-1000 HOB, Marineland Penguin 200, LEDs Searching for: JBJ chiller and a canister filter

10/14/2021, 01:32 PM	#2
Daddyrawg Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 814	Sounds like you need to break the back syphon..what if you punch a small hole close to end of tube? Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

10/14/2021, 01:35 PM	#3
Daddyrawg Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 814	Here's what I use Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

10/16/2021, 11:27 AM	#5
Ubiq Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Posts: 5	Thanks for the response. Turns out my Auto Aqua siphon break was installed a couple of inches too low. Moved it to the highest point in the line and all is well.