Return Line Location

[Kasey Grohowski]

I've heard it is best to have the return line just below the water level to prevent siphoning back into the sump, is this true?

 

[JasonK84]

I've heard it is best to have the return line just below the water level to prevent siphoning back into the sump, is this true?

Yes, but there are other solutions as well.

Siphon break:
A siphon break is just a hole put in the return line at the depth you want the siphon to stop (can clog and fail)

One way valve (flapper):
Another solution (this can fail by sticking open) is a one way valve on the return.

You can also deploy multiple methods at once for added security.

 

[ReefWithCare]

I just have a big enough sump to hold water when the return pump gets turned off. That’s the best fail proof method

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Yes, but there are other solutions as well.

Siphon break:
A siphon break is just a hole put in the return line at the depth you want the siphon to stop (can clog and fail)

One way valve (flapper):
Another solution (this can fail by sticking open) is a one way valve on the return.

You can also deploy multiple methods at once for added security.

do you mean adding a hole in the pvc itself?

 

[JasonK84]

do you mean adding a hole in the pvc itself?

Yes. I place my returns just under the water level but there are also small holes drilled in the pvc inside the overflow chamber (it sprays water out of the hole) that breaks the siphon by allowing air into the return line. I also have enough room in my sump to handle much more in case of failure.

The siphon break is a good idea along with placing the nozzles high just in case something knocks the nozzle deeper in the tank. (Fish, invert, you while doing maint. Etc.)

Make sure the hole is below water or inside the overflow box cuz it does spray a constant small stream of water.

 

[Rhydder_Reef]

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Siphon break pvc?

 

[JasonK84]

Siphon break pvc?

Those are the one way valves.