Check Valves

ccombs70 · 06/19/2010, 09:35 AM

I have a 450 display almost ready for plumbing. It has 4 holes in the bottom left from the old overflow boxes. I would like to run my return through them. Anyone use check valves in this type of application? I don't see it very often.

kc350twin · 06/20/2010, 09:42 PM

I have run a check valve on my return since day one. I how ever don't fully rely on it. I still have plenty of room for the amount of water that drains down the outlet nozzle. You will see many people say they fail but I have not witnessed this first hand. Like all things in a reef tank they do need to be cleaned and replaced from time to time. I would definitely not totally rely on them as the sole flood prevention but use them in the arsenal of redundancy that keeps your floor dry.

Kc3

RokleM · 06/21/2010, 08:34 AM

I agree with kc350twin. If you search, there are many posts about check valves failing. It really isn't a matter of if, it's a matter of when. Debris, calcium buildup, snails, you name it. To properly design a system, you have to assume they will fail.

You could use them if you extended a pipe up to the correct water level however. You could hide it/them from view with a rock wall.

ccombs70 · 06/21/2010, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RokleM

I agree with kc350twin. If you search, there are many posts about check valves failing. It really isn't a matter of if, it's a matter of when. Debris, calcium buildup, snails, you name it. To properly design a system, you have to assume they will fail.

You could use them if you extended a pipe up to the correct water level however. You could hide it/them from view with a rock wall.

I've thought about that too. They will work for a closed loop I guess.

RokleM · 06/22/2010, 07:00 AM

Closed loop would definitely work too. Just make sure you install ball valves under each in case you ever need to disconnect and do maintenance

ccombs70 · 06/22/2010, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RokleM

Closed loop would definitely work too. Just make sure you install ball valves under each in case you ever need to disconnect and do maintenance

That's one thing you learn REAL quick. Put them before AND after the pump. lol. Not fun doing it later.

06/19/2010, 09:35 AM	#1
ccombs70 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Manhattan KS 66502 Posts: 70	Check Valves I have a 450 display almost ready for plumbing. It has 4 holes in the bottom left from the old overflow boxes. I would like to run my return through them. Anyone use check valves in this type of application? I don't see it very often.

06/20/2010, 09:42 PM	#2
kc350twin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Severn, MD Posts: 1,579	I have run a check valve on my return since day one. I how ever don't fully rely on it. I still have plenty of room for the amount of water that drains down the outlet nozzle. You will see many people say they fail but I have not witnessed this first hand. Like all things in a reef tank they do need to be cleaned and replaced from time to time. I would definitely not totally rely on them as the sole flood prevention but use them in the arsenal of redundancy that keeps your floor dry. Kc3 __________________ 112g Cube 36x36x20= Custom 12x39wPower Module (Par Monster)= Neptune Apex=ATB 840v2=BM Doser= 2 MP-40's

06/21/2010, 08:34 AM	#3
RokleM Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 9,687	I agree with kc350twin. If you search, there are many posts about check valves failing. It really isn't a matter of if, it's a matter of when. Debris, calcium buildup, snails, you name it. To properly design a system, you have to assume they will fail. You could use them if you extended a pipe up to the correct water level however. You could hide it/them from view with a rock wall. __________________ -Eric-

06/22/2010, 07:00 AM	#5
RokleM Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 9,687	Closed loop would definitely work too. Just make sure you install ball valves under each in case you ever need to disconnect and do maintenance __________________ -Eric-

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