Return Pump Check Valve?

[dbroncos]

Hello fellow reefers getting ready to setup my Red Sea Reefer 200 and using silicone tubing for my DC return pump. Do I need to install a check valve to avoid back syphoning? Or anything otherwise I should proactively do to avoid this?

 

[w8lifts]

I have one installed, just a cheap fail safe + I can easily unscrew it to service the pump. My sump can still take on a back siphon if the valve fails.

 

[RedReefer]

Make sure you sump volume can handle all backflow.

 

[blaxsun]

Make sure you sump volume can handle all backflow.

Because invariable check valves fail...

 

[dbroncos]

Any downside to a check valve?

 

[SPS2020]

Any downside to a check valve?

Some back pressure. Just don't rely upon it and as mentioned above, make sure your sump can handle the extra water in case of failure.

 

[hoffmeyerz]

You can also create a syphon break by drilling a small hole in the return about 1/4" below the waterline. Just need to check it every once-in-a-while with tank maintenance to make sure it didn't clog with any kind of growth. Can be stand alone or backup to a check valve.

 

[Red_Beard]

In my experience check valves are an unnecessary restriction and provide a false confidence. They WILL fail. Best to make sure at least one return nozzle is positioned a little higher and sump has enough volume to hold whatever siphons back in until it sucks air. Test it a few times to make sure, then you can sleep soundly.

 

[jda]

Flapper valves are better than check valves and seem to last longer.

Drill an anti-siphon hole in the return just under the water line. This is reliable as long as you don't let it get clogged up with algae.

 

[Jamie814]

Not needed unless you are running multiple return pumps to prevent one pump from becoming a back siphon drain right into the other return pump should one fail or loose power.

No check valve will seal 100% especially in a marine aquarium. It will prevent a surge back siphon but that is it.

Your sump needs to be large enough to hold all back siphon volume during a power outage or pump failure.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Any downside to a check valve?

A number have stated.....it will fail. If you're looking for a siphon break, and this is the only way I'd use a check valve, consider Melev's Reef reverse check valve.