Plumbing

[ReefGod]

Since I setup my 215 gal I've been trying to figure out how to run it correctly to the sump. Here's the problem, everytime I shut off the return pump, to feed the corals, as soon as I shut it off, the water starts siphoning back into the sump from the tank, I have to climb in the there and manually close the outflows myself, it gets really annoying everythime especially since I just bought a large strip light which doesnt permit me to get into that part. I tried putting a ball valve on the returm line, but I heard it was unhealthy for the pump, and I ended up flooding my floor because the cheap Home Depot valve broke, anyway do you guys have the same problem, do you have any suggestions?

 

[melev]

You need to drill anti-siphon holes in the returns of your tank, 1/2" beneath the normal water level when the return pump is running. Establish that point, then lift the return out of the water and drill two 1/8" holes in each return. Now when you turn off the return pump,it will siphon out 1/2" of water, and then suck in air - breaking the siphon and stopping the flow of water down into the sump.

 

[grim-bob]

@Anton M wrote:

Marc hit it right on.

Also make sure that you have room in your sump to handle the amount of water that will be siphoned out when the pump is turned off. You don't want to run your sump full of water since it needs to be able to hold the overflow amount. Also most of us don't use the valves because they may eventually break and depending on them will only open you up to a flood. Also the ones at home depot have springs in them which I didn't think were good to use with SW. I thought I heard the springs would corrode. If you must use a valve get one from one of the online vendors that is for SW application.