Return Line Syphon Break?

[jerrodm]

I read that check valves are a shoddy way to stop a syphon in your return line in case of a power outage. The way I have my return line plumbed right now is hard to make a syphon break. I have a semi-flexible tube running from my pump to a set of 90 degree pvc (to make an up and over) and down into a set of lock line deep in the tank. Should I re-plumb the return line or is there an easy solution to make a syphon break?

[thegrun]

Just drill a hole in the side of the elbow that turns down just under the running water line level.

[tallball158]

Originally Posted by thegrun

Just drill a hole in the side of the elbow that turns down just under the running water line level.

+1 just drill a small hole, and it will break the siphon.

[jerrodm]

wow, great ideas! I might drill 2 small holes though (in case a snail is feeling adventurous when I put something other than rock in my tank). Thanks!

[J2T]

Yes, more than one is needed...also a tip to make sure that hole you drill is angled down so that you don't get a small spray upwards when the pump starts back up.

[azjohnny]

I have a George Fisher Wye valve with a double union ball valve on each end so I can remove the valve where it can be disassembled for cleaning. Lack of maintenance is why check valves have failed in the past


If you drill holes in the return check for algae or other buildup on a regular basis. You could also position the output so it's just below the surface

[NTP66]

Originally Posted by azjohnny

You could also position the output so it's just below the surface

This is what I did, because the sound of the stream of water from the return elbow was driving me nuts (tank is in my family room). Worked perfectly, and I don't have to worry about anything getting clogged.

[BlindZide]

The return I got from DrsFosterSmith.com came with holes pre drilled in it. It is just above the adjustable angle in the tank. Pretty slick idea.

[degibson84]

I drilled a hole right through the loc-line. this gave me two holes just in case one gets clogged with debris or snails i still have the other

[fltekdiver]

Originally Posted by tallball158

+1 just drill a small hole, and it will break the siphon.

That's what I did on mine, works like a charm

[BlindZide]

Not to take away from the original topic, but how often should we check our system for power failure testing?

I test mine every 2 days just to be sure its working good.

[ProudSoonersFan]

Originally Posted by thegrun

Just drill a hole in the side of the elbow that turns down just under the running water line level.

This! I have my aquarium and sump in the garage doing a "dry" run before bringing it inside. I drilled holes in the return just below the running water line, pulled the plug on the return pump, and observed the sump. It did not overflow and I could hear the siphon break making a slurping sound.

[Fizz71]

Originally Posted by BlindZide

Not to take away from the original topic, but how often should we check our system for power failure testing?

I test mine every 2 days just to be sure its working good.

My electric company tests mine for me every month...usually around 2 in the morning when some drunk dipsh*t does a header into a telephone pole.

Seriously though...I don't test my setup for power outages anymore. But then again I don't rely on a siphon break hole, I just keep my return near the surface and leave extra space in the sump. I also turn off the main pump every time I do a water change so I'm technically testing it then too.

[BlindZide]

Originally Posted by Fizz71

My electric company tests mine for me every month...usually around 2 in the morning when some drunk dipsh*t does a header into a telephone pole.

Seriously though...I don't test my setup for power outages anymore. But then again I don't rely on a siphon break hole, I just keep my return near the surface and leave extra space in the sump. I also turn off the main pump every time I do a water change so I'm technically testing it then too.

HAHAHAAA!!! Sorry to hear about the lack of driving skills your fellow citizens have!

I also have my return set higher in my sump just in case. Glad to hear someone else does the same. I read nothing but "It will start a fire if it runs dry" but figured meh, why not.