Hole size to break suction on return line?

Recliner · 08/15/2013, 10:06 AM

I'm finally getting around to drilling a hole in my return line to break suction in case of a power outage. What is the minimum size that will do the job? 1/8"? 1/16"?

thegrun · 08/15/2013, 10:20 AM

I use at least a 1/8". Anything smaller gets clogged too quickly.

Recliner · 08/15/2013, 10:24 AM

Thanks

camblonie · 09/30/2013, 06:04 PM

Do you drill this straight up or at an angle? I don't want water to shoot out.

jinks · 09/30/2013, 06:23 PM

Drill it so it points into your tank. It does not have to be at the top of the return line. If you put it right at water level it will still stop the back flow but not make a mess. Water will be squirting out of it while the pump is on.

Sethjamto · 09/30/2013, 07:25 PM

I never drilled mine, but have one of the two return nozzles just below the water surface. This way it not only creates good surface agitation, it will create the siphon break during a power outage. It has been tested and works great. Just a thought. If you go this route, test it to make sure your sump won't overflow before it breaks suction.

KeepNitReel · 09/30/2013, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sethjamto

i never drilled mine, but have one of the two return nozzles just below the water surface. This way it not only creates good surface agitation, it will create the siphon break during a power outage. It has been tested and works great. Just a thought. If you go this route, test it to make sure your sump won't overflow before it breaks suction.

+1

ECali1 · 09/30/2013, 09:32 PM

Watch the holes above the water line. Salt creep plugs mine up pretty quickly. Just have to make wiping them off part of your maintenance routine.

BowedFloor · 09/30/2013, 09:43 PM

Why not use a ball type check valve on your outlet?

supra400hptt · 09/30/2013, 10:25 PM

1/8th inch. Drill two. Check valves are unreliable.

08/15/2013, 10:06 AM	#1
Recliner Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 289	Hole size to break suction on return line? I'm finally getting around to drilling a hole in my return line to break suction in case of a power outage. What is the minimum size that will do the job? 1/8"? 1/16"?

09/30/2013, 06:04 PM	#4
camblonie Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Michigan Posts: 148	Do you drill this straight up or at an angle? I don't want water to shoot out. __________________ 75g - 20g sump. LED's, Skimmer, RODI.

09/30/2013, 07:25 PM	#6
Sethjamto Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 845	I never drilled mine, but have one of the two return nozzles just below the water surface. This way it not only creates good surface agitation, it will create the siphon break during a power outage. It has been tested and works great. Just a thought. If you go this route, test it to make sure your sump won't overflow before it breaks suction. __________________ 8ft 300g, Reeflo Dart Gold return, MRC 48" High-flo reef sump, MRC MR4 dual beckett Skimmer, (2) Reefbreeders Photon 48's, Reef Angel, LMIII continuous water change/ATO setup..

08/15/2013, 10:20 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	I use at least a 1/8". Anything smaller gets clogged too quickly.

08/15/2013, 10:24 AM	#3
Recliner Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 289	Thanks

09/30/2013, 06:23 PM	#5
jinks Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 581	Drill it so it points into your tank. It does not have to be at the top of the return line. If you put it right at water level it will still stop the back flow but not make a mess. Water will be squirting out of it while the pump is on.

09/30/2013, 09:32 PM	#8
ECali1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: CT Posts: 54	Watch the holes above the water line. Salt creep plugs mine up pretty quickly. Just have to make wiping them off part of your maintenance routine.

09/30/2013, 09:43 PM	#9
BowedFloor Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 162	Why not use a ball type check valve on your outlet?

09/30/2013, 10:25 PM	#10
supra400hptt Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 295	1/8th inch. Drill two. Check valves are unreliable.