checkvalves

miracles38 · #1 03/25/2006, 06:09 PM

Hi,
Does anyone know where to get a 3/4" checkvalve locally? I checked at Ace and they didn't have them. Maybe Home Depot or Lowes or ???
Thanks!

Marc Daniels · #2 03/25/2006, 06:25 PM

Call Aqua Life out in Rockln. You can also try C&C Plumbing & Electrical. Customaquatic.com should have one, and UPS ground or USPS is only 2 or 3 days.

Reefugee · #3 03/25/2006, 06:43 PM

Kim -

Just out of curiosity - what are you using the check valve for? When I set up my first large tank (55g) - I belived in check valve. Hoever, when I took down my 55G, I tested to see how my check valve were working, and they had a slight leak. Part of the problem was that I never took my checkvalve apart to clean them. I am sure with resgular maintenance, they would have worked better. But honestly - once my piping is done, I really don't want to take it apart monthly to clean it. With my 120G, I am not using check valve at all. I have adopted the philosopy that check valve will eventually fail (especially when you need it the most). :P

BTW - I believe I got my check valve at Marine Depot. Neither Home Depot or Lowes carry them. You might also be able to order them form www.savko.com . They usually have a pretty good selection of plumbing parts for cheap.

Marc Daniels · #4 03/25/2006, 07:10 PM

That's too true Minh. Our plumbing has all sort of things that grow in it that could possibly affect a check valve closing all the way. The clear version wouldn't be as bad because you can at least visibly inspect with ease.

miracles38 · #5 03/25/2006, 08:26 PM

yeah, I have one of the true union valves (clear) from marinedepot on my 120. I just recently cleaned it after 10 months and it was actually fairly clean in there. I may just try w/o and see how it goes when I turn the return off. I was just afraid of an overflowing sump. Thanks for the info!

Marc Daniels · #6 03/25/2006, 08:29 PM

If it oveflows remember that it was Minh, not me that said "Kim, you don't need one".

But if it works fine then you're welcome ;-)

BoomerD · #7 03/25/2006, 08:35 PM

Check valves can help, but even if you DO use one, be sure to drill a couple of holes in your return at the water line for anti-siphon holes. A bit of algae, or even an errant snail can prevent the flapper from closing all the way, and give you a quick introduction to the "wet socks club".

Reefugee · #8 03/25/2006, 09:40 PM

- good one Marc.

BTW - ditto to what Boomer said about drilling the siphon holes.

And always build your sump with some room for error.

Minh

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc Daniels
If it oveflows remember that it was Minh, not me that said "Kim, you don't need one".

But if it works fine then you're welcome ;-)

jimdogg187 · #9 03/25/2006, 11:46 PM

They have them at Paradise aquarium on 47th in Sac. You can also find them at NORMAC in Rocklin, North Highlands or Rancho. Thats where aqualife gets their's.

I use them as well as a small hole in my return, and both of my sumps have enough room to hold all overflow water from the tank if both were to fail. I do this just cover all my bases. You know, Murphy's Law...

Jim

yoshiod9 · #10 03/26/2006, 04:29 AM

perhaps not in the 3/4" size but i know my local hd carries check valves (the one on the corner of cottage and howe). the one near the college off of folsom and howe has them as well. goodluck!

Reefugee · #11 03/26/2006, 07:07 AM

I believe the check valve that HD carries aren't suitable for aquarium use. It'e been a while, but when I checked with HD, I belive HD's check valves had metal in it. In addition, I don't remember seeing any 3/4" or 1" size - just really large one. BTW - I don't think I saw any of these at the Woodland HD.

Minh

GreshamH · #12 03/26/2006, 11:28 AM

your correct Minh. It ahs some non saltwater safe metal spring in it.

miracles38 · #13 03/26/2006, 06:38 PM

I just got back from Paradise Aquarium and they have the checkvalves. Thanks jimdogg187!