Anyone use battery back ups/ UPS?

[Joeganja]

I'm looking to get one to put it on my return since my return pump back flows. Any advice?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

its a fine Idea. But if you have a large backflow you should address that issue too. First actually.

 

[Joeganja]

its a fine Idea. But if you have a large backflow you should address that issue too. First actually.

Idk how to my set up is weird

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Idk how to my set up is weird

Mine too:D
I assume its a large backflow allowing too much water to enter the sump?

Easy fix is to make sure the in tank return comes out of the water as it drains. Some drill a small hole in the return close to the water line.

Scroll down to the anti siphon hole. FWIW mine is just under the waterline.
http://www.theaquariumwiki.com/DIY_Plumbing_101

 

[nitrodude]

Also, a swing check valve on the return.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Also, a swing check valve on the return.

yea mine just clogged and never closes. weird

 

[Joeganja]

Anyone have pics of there's?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Anyone have pics of there's?

of what?

 

[Joeganja]

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

You could drill the Y or even one of the fittings.


A good pic here
http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forum/index.php?threads/flooding-sump-during-power-outage.29314/

Google examples
https://www.google.com/search?q=ret...m=isch&q=return+pump+anti+siphon+hole&imgrc=_

 

[Joeganja]

Ended up drilling the hole and it worked! Thank you so much. This has been a 3 year hassle. Always been afraid of going home to water on the floor. Now I just need a battery back up to kick on if my power goes out

 

[kschweer]

Be careful with the hole. They can easily become clogged. What you should do is bring the return (locline) to just under the surface of the water. This way only a small amount of water can return to the sump. The way you have it a lot of water will go back to the sump. Both a hole and check valve can and will fail at one point or another. Mine returns are about 1/4" under the surface of the water. It's really the only foolproof way to do it.

 

[Joeganja]

Anyone use UPS battery back ups?

 

[kschweer]

The problem with using a ups for this issue is that they do not last very long. If you have a power outage that lasts longer than the ups will work you are in the same position as you are now, especially if you're not around when it happens. A ups would be a bandaid fix not a real solution.

 

[jnw240reef]

Get a vectra pump. And build your own with power cable, lawnmower battery & a battery tender

 

[BoneXriffic]

Be careful with the hole. They can easily become clogged. What you should do is bring the return (locline) to just under the surface of the water. This way only a small amount of water can return to the sump. The way you have it a lot of water will go back to the sump. Both a hole and check valve can and will fail at one point or another. Mine returns are about 1/4" under the surface of the water. It's really the only foolproof way to do it.

This, this advice all the way. If you want a back up to help in an outage situation to keep the tank oxygenated then so be it.... but the problem at hand is as simple to fix as what they just showed you, a hole is ok as a secondary but an air gap is the best device to prevent back flow