View Full Version : Siphon Breaks with lock line
M88A2
08/13/2011, 09:06 AM
Im in the middle of building a 75gal/20gal sup tank and was wondering how to create a siphon break when Lock Line is attached to the end of the return. Is there a way to do this even if the return is drill to the back of the tank? I have a check vavle but im a little nervous after reading that they may fail...Any ideads are greatly appreciated.
Jim Miller
08/13/2011, 02:51 PM
The siphon break can tee into the line in any convenient spot and the resultant line brought to an inconspicuous location at the approrpriate height.
Jim
pico-reefer
08/13/2011, 03:02 PM
just drill a small hole in the locline, right under the surface of the water, you can drill 2 incase 1 clogs
reefermad619
08/13/2011, 03:49 PM
Best way to avoid a flood is to make sure your sump has enough room to handle the backflow from a power outage. Check valves WILL fail. Siphon breaks in returns can fail too. It's a small hole that will get covered or blocked by algea or something else floating around.
tkeracer619
08/13/2011, 07:07 PM
How far below the water line is the return drilled into the tank?
M88A2
08/13/2011, 08:54 PM
i havent made any holes in the tank yet, i wanted to have a solution prior to drilling. i guess i might have to go with the "up and over" the tank plumbing...
nemosworld
08/13/2011, 09:12 PM
when using loclines, i never put the output under water, i keep it at the surface of the water.
when power goes out, i get very minimal backflow, i'm talking what's just in the line. but if it must be submerged, drill a hole or two like suggested above.
M88A2
08/13/2011, 11:56 PM
do you mean to say that the tip is out of the water or just the main body? i just really want to make sure i do this right.
nemosworld
08/14/2011, 12:11 AM
yes the tip, it basically sits right at the water level, so no splashing.
M88A2
08/14/2011, 10:17 AM
awsome, guess i will go ahead and drill that return. thanks for the tip
M88A2
08/14/2011, 10:23 AM
awsome, guess i will go ahead and drill that return. thanks for the tip
MrSandman
08/14/2011, 10:26 AM
The downside with putting the tip just below water level is if you ever shut the return pump off for feeding, maintenance, or anything else, the water level will drop in the tank. When you turn the pump back on, because the tip is exposed, you will get alot of splashing until it becomes submerged again. This could be bad if you have your lights hanging down low, or you have an open top tank. Water can and will splash around and could get your floor wet. Something to ccnsider.
nemosworld
08/14/2011, 11:35 AM
the water level won't drop,that's the point,as soon as the power goes out, you should get a siphon break. if you place the tip below the water then yes, you are right; splashing will accur.
Esquare
08/15/2011, 06:11 AM
I do something similar but have the tip of the loc line just below the water surface. I get a little more back flow to the sump (not much) but it results in less noise when the return is working.
dylan87
08/15/2011, 06:48 PM
each inch in a 75 is a little less than four gallons so theoretically if you have the loc line tip 2 in below water youll have 8 gallons of overflow plus what runs through the pipes. with a 5 in baffle in the sump you would be okay but it would be close.. i would use a 29 gal for sump instead that way you would definitly be ok
M88A2
08/15/2011, 09:20 PM
well i toiled with all the ideas in my head and decided to go with pico-reefer's suggestion. I'll drill two small holes in the line just under the waterline. thanks all for your input.
BeanAnimal
08/16/2011, 06:47 AM
well i toiled with all the ideas in my head and decided to go with pico-reefer's suggestion. I'll drill two small holes in the line just under the waterline. thanks all for your input.
You have a flood waiting to happen. Siphon break holes can clog very easily.
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