newbie question about reverse siphon

starsbravo · 09/18/2008, 11:28 PM

Ok I forgot to about the reverse siphon that occurs if the return pump shuts off. My return line is low in the tank so before the siphon breaks, the sump would already have over flown. Could I put a check valve somewhere on the return line or is it just easier to drill some small holes toward the surface of the water so that when the water level reaches the holes the siphon will break? or is there a better idea out there. Thanks

Josh

Toddrtrex · 09/19/2008, 01:05 AM

The two options you mentioned would work -- for a while. Check valves will fail, and holes will get clogged with something.

The only thing that will always work is to have the return line high enough that stops sucking water before the sump overflows.

returnofsid · 09/19/2008, 03:49 AM

Check valves in saltwater tanks are useless after a short time and very unreliable. Drilling holes will work just fine. However, I'd drill 2 holes in each return line. Drill these holes just below the normal water line. Drilling 2 holes in each line will go a long way towards reducing the chances of all holes becoming clogged. About once a month, clean out each hole with a toothpick. Easy as that!!

fivesmallworlds · 09/19/2008, 06:56 AM

I also would not recommend the check valve. Drilling holes just under the water line works best IMO as long as there is at least 2 holes on each return. (as returnofsid mentioned)

I positioned my return nozzle in a way that it would break the syphon if my syphon break(s) failed by putting the tip just under the holes I drilled.

Kayak_Guy · 09/19/2008, 07:38 AM

I drilled two holes in my return lines...just below water line

it has worked fine, provided you keep the lines clear.

crvz · 09/19/2008, 11:32 AM

I've got the holes drilled and they've always worked for me. Just keep them cleaned out, part of my regular tank maintenance every 6 months or so, and you'll be fine.

AZDesertRat · 09/19/2008, 12:06 PM

Drilled holes and check valves both fail. The only safe option is to extend the returns up close to the surface and make sure you have room in the sump for the 3 or 3 gallons of water that backsiphon before you break suction. This is the only foolproof method that will not fail. Do it right the first time and you can sleep soundly at night.
Note in the above posts they all mention things like " keep them clean" etc? Air gaps require no maintenance or cleaning ever.

starsbravo · 09/19/2008, 12:24 PM

I guess I need to modify my line to be up by the surface. Thanks yall!

rogergolf66 · 09/19/2008, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Toddrtrex
The two options you mentioned would work -- for a while. Check valves will fail, and holes will get clogged with something.

The only thing that will always work is to have the return line high enough that stops sucking water before the sump overflows.

X2

Macimage · 09/19/2008, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Drilled holes and check valves both fail. The only safe option is to extend the returns up close to the surface and make sure you have room in the sump for the 3 or 3 gallons of water that backsiphon before you break suction. This is the only foolproof method that will not fail. Do it right the first time and you can sleep soundly at night.
Note in the above posts they all mention things like " keep them clean" etc? Air gaps require no maintenance or cleaning ever.

+1

Joyce

zachofalltrades · 09/20/2008, 05:07 AM

Well how big is everybody else drilling their holes? Not that I'm saying that outlets near the surface isn't best, but I've drilled holes around 3/16" and I've never had one clog...

09/18/2008, 11:28 PM	#1
starsbravo Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 458	newbie question about reverse siphon Ok I forgot to about the reverse siphon that occurs if the return pump shuts off. My return line is low in the tank so before the siphon breaks, the sump would already have over flown. Could I put a check valve somewhere on the return line or is it just easier to drill some small holes toward the surface of the water so that when the water level reaches the holes the siphon will break? or is there a better idea out there. Thanks Josh __________________ When will I finally get it right? Current Tank Info: 36 gal Reef & 90 gal rimless w/30 gal sump

09/19/2008, 01:05 AM	#2
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	The two options you mentioned would work -- for a while. Check valves will fail, and holes will get clogged with something. The only thing that will always work is to have the return line high enough that stops sucking water before the sump overflows. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

09/19/2008, 11:32 AM	#6
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	I've got the holes drilled and they've always worked for me. Just keep them cleaned out, part of my regular tank maintenance every 6 months or so, and you'll be fine. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

09/19/2008, 12:24 PM	#8
starsbravo Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 458	I guess I need to modify my line to be up by the surface. Thanks yall! __________________ When will I finally get it right? Current Tank Info: 36 gal Reef & 90 gal rimless w/30 gal sump

09/20/2008, 05:07 AM	#11
zachofalltrades Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 137	Well how big is everybody else drilling their holes? Not that I'm saying that outlets near the surface isn't best, but I've drilled holes around 3/16" and I've never had one clog... __________________ 55 FOWLR Current Tank Info: 55g FOWLR

09/19/2008, 03:49 AM	#3
returnofsid Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,852	Check valves in saltwater tanks are useless after a short time and very unreliable. Drilling holes will work just fine. However, I'd drill 2 holes in each return line. Drill these holes just below the normal water line. Drilling 2 holes in each line will go a long way towards reducing the chances of all holes becoming clogged. About once a month, clean out each hole with a toothpick. Easy as that!!

09/19/2008, 06:56 AM	#4
fivesmallworlds Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 255	I also would not recommend the check valve. Drilling holes just under the water line works best IMO as long as there is at least 2 holes on each return. (as returnofsid mentioned) I positioned my return nozzle in a way that it would break the syphon if my syphon break(s) failed by putting the tip just under the holes I drilled.

09/19/2008, 07:38 AM	#5
Kayak_Guy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Central Florida Posts: 177	I drilled two holes in my return lines...just below water line it has worked fine, provided you keep the lines clear.

09/19/2008, 12:06 PM	#7
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	Drilled holes and check valves both fail. The only safe option is to extend the returns up close to the surface and make sure you have room in the sump for the 3 or 3 gallons of water that backsiphon before you break suction. This is the only foolproof method that will not fail. Do it right the first time and you can sleep soundly at night. Note in the above posts they all mention things like " keep them clean" etc? Air gaps require no maintenance or cleaning ever.