Good check valve electric or pneumatic

Anyone have a check valve that they have used that is other then the simple swing gate type. Every year and half I have to clean them, hopefully before they fail, then replace about another two years.

I have a return spray bar at the bottom of my tank, bad design I know, that doesn't get above the water line. Problem it creates is that not a lot of water comes back, so the gate doesn't swing shut.

I was thinking there has to be a valve we can use that is open with power and the fail would be closed (no power). Even a pneumatic one hooked to an air pump. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

I dont have one in my current set up, but it really doesnt matter if its elec, pneumatic or gravity. I prefer the gravity one better.

 

Luna, as far as the gravity ones go have you used any that were not the "swing gate" type, or can you suggest any?

 

No, I like the swing arm ones. If you go to HD or any plumbing store, they sell a check valve that uses a spring, but I dont recommend that one b/c of the metal parts that it has. Luna


P.S. I really dont see the need for a CV b/c when the elec. goes, that stops all the flow. The water will stop draining by itself. Unless you keep your sump filled really high.

 

i havent had any problems with these:
Check Valves

but have had problems with these:
True Union Swing Check Valve - 1-1/2 inch Slip x 1-1/2 inch Slip (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Plumbing Parts > Valves > True Union Swing Check )

 

Well usually thats true but when I built this tank 10 years ago I wasn't really thinking. There is a spray bar across the bottom of the tank. It was added to the water return just as it enters the over flow about half way up the tank. The whole tank wont drain but 30 or 40 gallons will.

 

First one is what I have been using, appreciate the input.

 

In that case, you need one. Luna