Should I install a check valve?

[jbtbusiness]

I just plumbed my new 70 gallon tank & sump. I have a check valve I bought for the return and was wondering if its even necessary to use it because the extra room in my sump has enough height to account for overflow from display tank at bulkhead level. Will it be more trouble than good?

 

[cymaster007]

Always good to have a backflow prevention system. Just get one with a union so you can change it out or clean it if necessary.

 

[cthetoy]

Reef tanks should be designed so a check valve is not needed. A check valve can clog and not close properly over time. If you really need a check valve get the gravity operated check valve than the spring loaded check valved. Spring loaded adds a lot of head pressure

 

[cymaster007]

Yes a swing check or a Wye check valve would be best.

 

[johnwin84]

I show of bought the wye one

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[BeanMachine]

Reef tanks should be designed so a check valve is not needed. A check valve can clog and not close properly over time. If you really need a check valve get the gravity operated check valve than the spring loaded check valved. Spring loaded adds a lot of head pressure

I've had one a while but just ended up drilling my lockline instead. Power out and I don't have a flood.

Anyone want to buy one? I have two! I think they are 1" true union check valves... clear.. hehe

 

[jbtbusiness]

I did get it with a threaded union and gravity operated. Just tying to be safe since the tank is setup on top of hardwood floors. I'll try it and if its a problem just take it out, I think my sump can handle the reverse siphon. Thanks for the info.

 

[RuffReef]

No, make sure your sump can handle the overflow.

 

[AFUreef]

Reef tanks should be designed so a check valve is not needed. A check valve can clog and not close properly over time. If you really need a check valve get the gravity operated check valve than the spring loaded check valved. Spring loaded adds a lot of head pressure

I agree completely. Even if normal maintenance is performed and cleaned regularly all it takes is one little grain of sand or a feather duster to prevent a complete seal on the check valve. I used to always use one but all it took was one failure and I will never use again! My opinion would be no check valve. Just my 2.... Good luck either way

 

[lowbudget]

+10000 and if your sump can handle the back flow no point. all you do is create a point for bottleneck if a snail or something gets stuck in the check valve. example small fish.

Reef tanks should be designed so a check valve is not needed. A check valve can clog and not close properly over time. If you really need a check valve get the gravity operated check valve than the spring loaded check valved. Spring loaded adds a lot of head pressure

 

[PilotWolf]

No, make sure your sump can handle the overflow.

And the siphon! That was what caught me out being my first tank with a sump...