Looking for a reverse check valve option

[Kooma]

Hey, trying to find a check valve, two actually, to run in my return lines as a reverse check valve Melevs style that isnt going to break the bank.

Does anyone have any suggestions? My return lines are 1". I think anything 1/2 or greater is enough air to break the siphon.

Link to the idea:

 

[UncommonSense]

Many reefers just leave at least one return nozzle near surface level, and/or drill a 1/4” hole in the return plumbing inside the tank, near the water’s surface!

There are anti-siphon valves for septic systems which may fit the bill, but anything with a moving part is subject to failure in a reef tank!

 

[exnisstech]

Syphon break only needs to be a small hole (I use 1/8" ) in the return line at or just below the water surface. Drill it at angle in the back side pointing down and done.

 

[Kooma]

Thanks, my concern is that hole becoming plugged over time without realizing. I agree that is the simplest and cheapest solution, I’ll give that a go.

 

[exnisstech]

A snail could block it I suppose but the hole shouldn't plug because a small stream of water will be spraying out anytime the return pump is running. I ran a 180g for over six years and the hole never plugged.

 

[UncommonSense]

A snail could block it I suppose but the hole shouldn't plug because a small stream of water will be spraying out anytime the return pump is running. I ran a 180g for over six years and the hole never plugged.

I suppose my 1/4” hole size comes from my freshwater system…

Hair algae loves growing right on the peripheries of the hole, slowly blocking it, and subsequently acting like a “sponge” during a pump shutdown; preventing air from pulling through it easily!

 

[exnisstech]

I suppose my 1/4” hole size comes from my freshwater system…

Hair algae loves growing right on the peripheries of the hole, slowly blocking it, and subsequently acting like a “sponge” during a pump shutdown; preventing air from pulling through it easily!

I never had a problem with the 1/8" hole. I typically drill them where no light hits that area. I never thought about algae tho so it was just dumb luck.

 

[Kooma]

Thanks for the input, I am going to try the hole option first, saves a chunk of change on check valves and simplifies the plumbing/maintenance.