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Innovative Marine Aquariums

AWC - Will this cause a Siphon?


adamci24

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Hey guys...in the process of setting up my Nuvo 16 and even though it is a smaller tank, I would like to create an Auto Water Change with my Apex. To keep it simple, my question is:

 

If I am using an aqualifter to pull water out of the nuvo 16 with a 1/4 tube, down below the tank and into a bucket or drain, will this cause a siphon?

 

The Aqualifter and discarded water bucket will be below the main tank by about 3 feet. I am just looking for a simple way to pull water out of the tank with a quarter inch tube without ever having to worry about it continuing to draw water when the pump is off.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks!

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I am setting up a similar system. What you should do is either drill your tank or set the output tube going to the aqua lifeter going out to the drain or waste water so it can never drain more then your desired level. I can make a quick video if you do not understand. I'm very glad to help and would love to exchange ideas as I'm setting up a very similar system

 

Also to awnser your question. Yes it will make a syphon. To counter act this like I was explaing have the tube set so it can never vacuum out more then whatever your chosen volume is. Only time I can see this failing is in the event that your return pump fails and causes a more then normal amount of water to be in the sump portion of your tank

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And this still would not be horrible as the worst that could happen depending on your setup... Probably with float switches. Will just cause a tad larger water change then usual.

 

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I am setting up a similar system. What you should do is either drill your tank or set the output tube going to the aqua lifeter going out to the drain or waste water so it can never drain more then your desired level. I can make a quick video if you do not understand. I'm very glad to help and would love to exchange ideas as I'm setting up a very similar system

 

Also to awnser your question. Yes it will make a syphon. To counter act this like I was explaing have the tube set so it can never vacuum out more then whatever your chosen volume is. Only time I can see this failing is in the event that your return pump fails and causes a more then normal amount of water to be in the sump portion of your tank

Thanks for your advice...so there is no way to keep it from causing a siphon without placing the tube high enough? Lets say i place the tube just as far as i want the water level to go, with suction cups...If the suction cups fail, then it would siphon too much out. There is no pump out there or valve for the 1/4 tubing that will eliminate the siphon?

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I wouldn't use suction cups. But no there is no valve for syphon when you are sucking water out... Use egg crate and zip ties, or drill the tank, or glue the tube to a strong mag float. Also cut the tubing so if it does come unattached it won't be able to go deeper into the sump. Or get a parastaltic pump with 3 or more rollers.

 

Even if it does failed it really wouldn't be a disaster like I previously explained.

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