How to prevent a back syphon

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by saltyfresh, Mar 2, 2011.

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  1. saltyfresh

    saltyfresh Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    Well as the title says what do u do to prevent a back syphon from starting in ur return pump


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    saltyfresh, Mar 2, 2011
    saltyfresh, Mar 2, 2011
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. benbabcock

    benbabcock Bubble Tip Anemone

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    Drill a hole in the return line just below water level. When it begin to back siphon it will suxk air and break . Problem solved
     
    benbabcock, Mar 2, 2011
    benbabcock, Mar 2, 2011
    #2
  3. JP909

    JP909 Feather Duster

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    Add a check valve. Flap style non spring style.
     
    JP909, Mar 2, 2011
    JP909, Mar 2, 2011
    #3
  4. saltyfresh

    saltyfresh Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    I tried this but I did not work well.
    How big of a hole do I need.
    Is there any other way than a check valve.


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    saltyfresh, Mar 2, 2011
    saltyfresh, Mar 2, 2011
    #4
  5. saltyfresh

    saltyfresh Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    They are so expensive because the home depot ones won't work


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    saltyfresh, Mar 2, 2011
    saltyfresh, Mar 2, 2011
    #5
  6. K3rack

    K3rack Peppermint Shrimp

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    A very small hole will work, enough to get air inside. Another thing you can try is mount the return hose just below the water line, that is safer.
     
    K3rack, Mar 2, 2011
    K3rack, Mar 2, 2011
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. saltyfresh

    saltyfresh Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    Ya cuz I had a large hole and it did not work and I like the idea of just having it right below the water line


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    saltyfresh, Mar 2, 2011
    saltyfresh, Mar 2, 2011
    #7
  8. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    You want to drill 2 holes opposite each other on your return, I found 3/16" worked the best for me.
     
    2in10, Mar 2, 2011
    2in10, Mar 2, 2011
    #8
  9. dnyce78

    dnyce78 Astrea Snail

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    I use the same size. Although I found it unnecessary to drill it below the water line if you're drilling the hole facing down. You get a steady stream of water into the tank from the hole but it's not noticeable. At least not on my tank and I'm using a 100PX Pan World pump for my return.
     
    dnyce78, Mar 2, 2011
    dnyce78, Mar 2, 2011
    #9
  10. saltyfresh

    saltyfresh Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    Ok so I will try this to night and post back in my build thread


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    saltyfresh, Mar 2, 2011
    saltyfresh, Mar 2, 2011
    #10
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