snowpunk Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 I am setting up this new tank with a check valve leading into the tank so water won't back flow into the little sump. Is it okay to use the type with metal insides or is it best to special order one with plastic? If I need to order it, will the soft plastic insides one do or should I go for the ($$)hard plastic insides($$) one?(scratch) (scratch) (scratch) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I have been told over and over again that metal is a bad idea in saltwater tanks. As far as hard or soft I don't know...maybe someone else will chime in with that answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsoz Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 AFAIK, you don't need a check valve on your return. If you drill a small (1/16 or 1/8 inch) hole in your return line right under the water level. That way if the power goes out, the hole will suck air and break the siphon before it empties your tank onto the ground around your sump. I would not use one. It would probably get stuck and become non-functional anyway. It is a good place to catch a curious snail. dsoz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lowman Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 If you must have a check valve, you can get them in hte underground irrigation area at Home Depot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowpunk Posted January 14, 2009 Author Share Posted January 14, 2009 Thank you Dsoz and lowman, I will probably try the hole idea, if for some reason my friend doesn't like that I will be heading to the Depot.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lowman Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 The hole idea is really the best way to do it. Those check valves get stuck sometimes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twitterbait Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 you could go with stainless or titanium but in the end your much safer and simpler just drilling the hole. make sure to check it regularly to keep it from filling with salt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I would have to agree. As I said before I hear that metal in salt water tank always leads to problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowpunk Posted January 18, 2009 Author Share Posted January 18, 2009 I just drilled the hole on mine to see if I liked it before I did it to the other tank. It works well, I never thought of it. thanks for the advise.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.