Siphon Break Question

LoJack · 07/10/2008, 07:19 PM

Could you drill your siphon break above the water line? I was going to drill a hole slightly above my water line, but drill it on the bottom of the piece of pvc.

That way, when water is flowing into the tank, when it squirts out of that hole it will still just go into the display ... however, if there was a power outage, the hole is above the water line and a siphon wouldn't be able to start ... is this correct?

Thanks!

LoJack · 07/10/2008, 07:25 PM

I'm building this as we speak ... so if anyone has an answer, or experience with this type of setup ... I really need the help

Thanks

Ehgemus · 07/10/2008, 07:34 PM

yes just put the hole right at the water line. 1/8" hole works fine, just check it often to make sure it does not clog.

NanoReefWanabe · 07/10/2008, 07:41 PM

putting it above the water line may cause a splashing or peeing sound...

i would drill a couple holes per line as well...i have had snails take up residence at the most opportune times on my return lines...stupid $1.00 snail cost me a 85$ carpet cleaner rental..

LoJack · 07/10/2008, 07:41 PM

Thanks so much!

Cove Beach · 07/10/2008, 07:42 PM

The closer to the water the better that way you won't be encouraging salt creep. It may not seem like much but it will get everywhere.

Kannin · 07/10/2008, 08:20 PM

I agree about the salt creep. You'ld be surprised how much spray a little tiny water jet can create. I think it would be better to put it a 1/4 below the water line.

scott11 · 07/11/2008, 10:22 PM

i always put it below water to avoid any extra noise, or splashing. Its ok if the siphon starts, as long as it stops before you flood. My tank siphons about 3 gallons, then breaks, my sump could probably hold 10 if it needed to.

areze · 07/11/2008, 10:34 PM

Ive run my 75gallon for 4 or 5 years now with the following setup. I have 2 holes drilled above water line, 2 below(because people told me, as they told you, it could clog with salt, if it does, I have the same level of protection they have on standby).

I get no syphon back, the over the waterline holes have never once failed me. but they do get salt in them, I dont ever clean them... but for whatever reason, they dont get clogged completely it seems. who knows why, whatever, it works.

also, its a locline return, and I drilled on the narrow section where it isnt rotating over another peice, not so much as a trickle comes out of the holes.

should be mentions I dont blast water through them either... I run a modest flow, probably 5 or 600gph spread over 2 returns(each drilled as stated).

Markieb · 07/11/2008, 10:37 PM

I have never drilled above the water! That seems like it would suck in air and create mico bubbles. I would go right below water level myself.

07/10/2008, 07:19 PM	#1
LoJack Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Thompson, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 595	Siphon Break Question Could you drill your siphon break above the water line? I was going to drill a hole slightly above my water line, but drill it on the bottom of the piece of pvc. That way, when water is flowing into the tank, when it squirts out of that hole it will still just go into the display ... however, if there was a power outage, the hole is above the water line and a siphon wouldn't be able to start ... is this correct? Thanks!

07/10/2008, 07:42 PM	#6
Cove Beach Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Sheffield Lake Posts: 1,341	The closer to the water the better that way you won't be encouraging salt creep. It may not seem like much but it will get everywhere. __________________ Patience, something my reef teaches me every day... 245 Reef Current Tank Info: 245 Star Fire display,Basement Sump system

07/10/2008, 08:20 PM	#7
Kannin Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fall City, WA Posts: 1,538	I agree about the salt creep. You'ld be surprised how much spray a little tiny water jet can create. I think it would be better to put it a 1/4 below the water line. __________________ I used to target feed mojanos... until I found out that they weren't baby bubble tips.

07/11/2008, 10:34 PM	#9
areze Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,048	Ive run my 75gallon for 4 or 5 years now with the following setup. I have 2 holes drilled above water line, 2 below(because people told me, as they told you, it could clog with salt, if it does, I have the same level of protection they have on standby). I get no syphon back, the over the waterline holes have never once failed me. but they do get salt in them, I dont ever clean them... but for whatever reason, they dont get clogged completely it seems. who knows why, whatever, it works. also, its a locline return, and I drilled on the narrow section where it isnt rotating over another peice, not so much as a trickle comes out of the holes. should be mentions I dont blast water through them either... I run a modest flow, probably 5 or 600gph spread over 2 returns(each drilled as stated). __________________ current tanks:240g of wallet draining capacity.

07/10/2008, 07:25 PM	#2
LoJack Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Thompson, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 595	I'm building this as we speak ... so if anyone has an answer, or experience with this type of setup ... I really need the help Thanks

07/10/2008, 07:34 PM	#3
Ehgemus Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Central City Ky Posts: 1,585	yes just put the hole right at the water line. 1/8" hole works fine, just check it often to make sure it does not clog.

07/10/2008, 07:41 PM	#4
NanoReefWanabe Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,639	putting it above the water line may cause a splashing or peeing sound... i would drill a couple holes per line as well...i have had snails take up residence at the most opportune times on my return lines...stupid $1.00 snail cost me a 85$ carpet cleaner rental..

07/11/2008, 10:22 PM	#8
scott11 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Scottsdale AZ Posts: 1,960	i always put it below water to avoid any extra noise, or splashing. Its ok if the siphon starts, as long as it stops before you flood. My tank siphons about 3 gallons, then breaks, my sump could probably hold 10 if it needed to.

07/11/2008, 10:37 PM	#10
Markieb Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Houston Posts: 214	I have never drilled above the water! That seems like it would suck in air and create mico bubbles. I would go right below water level myself.