- Joined
- Sep 29, 2017
- Messages
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So....long time lurker first time poster here.
For perspective I have been in the hobby about 2 years.
I may be picking up a zero edge tank tomorrow off of CL. It’s advertised as a 54 gallon, 44x30x10, with the zs3 35 gallon sump.
Have a two pronged question here, did some research on the boards, and don’t have all the info I really need yet on the topic...
Obviously there is an inherent risk when you keep an aquarium with water spillage, especially with a zero edge type of set up. I am interested in mitigating this risk as much as possible with some seasoned user’s advice.
What is the best way to build your return to avoid a flood if power goes out for a zero edge aquarium without relying on a check valve? I have seen this sort of beat to death before, either plumb your return so an air gap will develop pretty quickly when the tank starts to drain, or rely on probably a wye check valve and fastidiously clean and test it.
Is there a typical design for the return to get the needed air gap that has worked for others with this type of tank that still keeps the top of the water somewhat glassy? Have seen schematics posted about possible designs, but not really heard of how successful the designs were after implementation.
Also, I have seen an motorized ball valve that defaults to closed position with power loss (40-50$ to start, about what a wye valve costs), that can be used on the return, anybody use these before?
I would prefer not to rely on the check valves if it can be plumbed to prevent flooding with an air gap, so that would be my preferred route, but am interested in having a back up that would be the most reliable as well.
Of course any other lessons learned while owning this type of tank are appreciated. Have a handle on snails, don’t buy jumpers, and how to clean the glass, for now anyways
TankYou all!
For perspective I have been in the hobby about 2 years.
I may be picking up a zero edge tank tomorrow off of CL. It’s advertised as a 54 gallon, 44x30x10, with the zs3 35 gallon sump.
Have a two pronged question here, did some research on the boards, and don’t have all the info I really need yet on the topic...
Obviously there is an inherent risk when you keep an aquarium with water spillage, especially with a zero edge type of set up. I am interested in mitigating this risk as much as possible with some seasoned user’s advice.
What is the best way to build your return to avoid a flood if power goes out for a zero edge aquarium without relying on a check valve? I have seen this sort of beat to death before, either plumb your return so an air gap will develop pretty quickly when the tank starts to drain, or rely on probably a wye check valve and fastidiously clean and test it.
Is there a typical design for the return to get the needed air gap that has worked for others with this type of tank that still keeps the top of the water somewhat glassy? Have seen schematics posted about possible designs, but not really heard of how successful the designs were after implementation.
Also, I have seen an motorized ball valve that defaults to closed position with power loss (40-50$ to start, about what a wye valve costs), that can be used on the return, anybody use these before?
I would prefer not to rely on the check valves if it can be plumbed to prevent flooding with an air gap, so that would be my preferred route, but am interested in having a back up that would be the most reliable as well.
Of course any other lessons learned while owning this type of tank are appreciated. Have a handle on snails, don’t buy jumpers, and how to clean the glass, for now anyways
TankYou all!