Power back up for filter pumps

by Sandman1969 Sun Jun 15, 2014 8:49 am

I am in need of a battery back up for my 10g filter pump. When the power goes out, it back washes out through the pump, thus filling the tank up & over flowing. So I need to find something that will keep the pump running when the power goes out.

Any ideas? Something not overly expensive.
Or even an auto shut off valve to block the back wash would work.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wdmfhpylt5mcbar/2014-06-15%2010.45.14.jpg

As you can see in the pic, this is how I have it set up. The one not connected to any tubes is used for draining when I clean it out. The other is the feeder line that is connected to a 300gph pump. That is the one I could use an auto shut off valve on.

by davefrombc Sun Jun 15, 2014 9:20 am

You can get a plastic check valves to install on that, either between your main shut off valve and your drain valve or in place of it. To run the pump for any amount of time during a power outage you'd need a very expensive UPS with a large reserve.
Check with your local hardware store or plumbing supply.

by **Sbenson11** Sun Jun 15, 2014 10:51 am

Unfortunately I live in an area where power outages are very common and a backup power system for my new reef tank will be a must. For me it will involve a bank of 12v marine deep cycle batteries and a 12v pump tied into a relay the will trigger the pump once a power interruption is detected. Probably gong to cost $3-400 for my application. As Dave has suggested you are probably better off putting a plastic check valve inline for your application. You can get them online fairly reasonable. The best ones are the ones that can be unscrewed and dismantled for cleaning.

Steve

by Sandman1969 Sun Jun 15, 2014 5:39 pm

Thanks Dave. That sounds like a very good idea. If I can find them.
Will check Home Hardware tomorrow.

by **Sbenson11** Mon Jun 16, 2014 5:17 am

These ones can be unscrewed and taken apart for cleaning.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/swing-check-valve-true-union-1.html

Steve

by Sandman1969 Mon Jun 16, 2014 6:08 am

How3 do those work? Flow in from the bottom in pic & if pump stops, that flap inside gets pressured down to seal the intake?

by **Sbenson11** Mon Jun 16, 2014 6:20 am

they are spring loaded,

So the water flows in from one end and out the other. If the pump were to stop, the water can not flow back through the valve because the spring closes the flap. The clear ones are good as you can see if anything is building up inside. if it were to get gunked up inside it will not seal properly and do it's job when needed. It doesn't mater which way it's setup as it's spring loaded, ie it can be vertical, horizontal or whatever.

Steve

by caoder Mon Jun 16, 2014 9:08 pm

What is the rating on your pump? 300 gph is a small pump, probably less than 20 watts. On a small ups, can have minimum 50 watts of power stored. That would give you up to 2 hours if only the pump is connected. If you get a larger one it may give you more time.

by Sandman1969 Tue Jun 17, 2014 6:02 am

It's 22 watts.

by Sandman1969 Tue Jun 17, 2014 8:23 am

UG, you'd think that these would be found in your local hardware stores. No such luck.

by **Sbenson11** Tue Jun 17, 2014 8:24 am

I think you are going to be hard pressed to find them anywhere other then on-line.

Steve

by davefrombc Tue Jun 17, 2014 8:57 am

While doing a search on pvc check valves , I came across this http://www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-12-PVC-Check-Valve/
It might be something to try if you can't easily find a source for a check valve locally .. There are lots of online sources for check valves for all pipe sizes though.