Need Ideas after big over sight

I thought I was brilliant in my new tank set up.  I have drilled the 2 returns in order to eliminate the need for Power heads.  The returns are about 6 inch's from where the water surface is going to be.

The Big Problem is I have no means to break suction when the power is off.  Is there a plumbing fitting that is like a one way valve? or do I need to start planing some big overhaul before I even get water into it.

[smiley=anxious.gif] Jason  

 

No help here J as I've never dealt with a drilled tank. This is a bump though!

 

Get a ball check valve (one without metal) like this:



From US Plastic.


My 30 was drilled out with the return coming right through the bottom to about 3/4 up the tank, so I needed to use one.

Used it for over 3 years without problems, worked great.
If I had it today, I'd probably clean it once or twice a year, but I never did.

 

Matts the man here... DITTO on Matt

Would this reduce the GPH?

 

Probably a bit.. there is a ball inside the thing that the water goes around, but I didn't notice a big dropoff. Sealed well when the pump was off.

 

I've heard that the slime build up makes the seal fail and that the ball can create a lot of racket?
I have been strongly advised by others not to go with a check valve. But it would be the nices option.

 

Well, like I said, I had mine going 3 years, without fail.
Dosed kalk, never cleaned it.
I recall it would shoot out some build up sometimes when you started the pump again.
Don't recall any racket.
I imagine some are cheaper quality than others. I'd get the best you can.

People tend to repeat stuff they here, this was my EXPERIENCE.

 

Ya I think it may have to do with Quality of the check Valve. I think there are 2 types. 1 uses a flap while the other uses a ball. This could be the difference.
I will look for the ball type, because I would rather go with a check than create some "T"ed off syphon break.

Thanks Matt I will try it.
Jason

 

The other way you might be able to solve the problem ( power outage ) is the put a solenoid(s) in line with the pipe.

The type to get is a ' normally closed " solenoid that needs power applied to let the water flow through, once the power cuts off the solenoid closes and stops the water flow.

John

 

Wow, guess that would work too! Nice John.