aquascaping and water flow

[Aussie paul]

Is the spring metal, if so would you happen to know what type of material it's made from, and is it encased in a protective cover of some sort?

It's metal mot sure what type but I check it regularly and even in the salt water it's not showing any signs of corrosion. You can actually dismantle the entire valve and change the spring and seal as needed

 

[143MPCo]

@Aussie Reefer thank you for the response, my guess is that it's either marine grade SAE 316 stainless steel spring, or titanium spring but I'm leaning to SAE 316, while it's not completely "rust-proof", the alloy is more corrosion-resistant than other common stainless steels.... side note; surgical steel is made from subtypes of SAE 316 stainless.

Like you noted, it will require maintenance to keep it working and prevent it from sticking due to calcium buildup and/or something else (snail, sand, etc.) getting stuck and causing a catastrophic failure of the value.

 

[Aussie paul]

@Aussie Reefer thank you for the response, my guess is that it's either marine grade SAE 316 stainless steel spring, or titanium spring but I'm leaning to SAE 316, while it's not completely "rust-proof", the alloy is more corrosion-resistant than other common stainless steels.... side note; surgical steel is made from subtypes of SAE 316 stainless.

Like you noted, it will require maintenance to keep it working and prevent it from sticking due to calcium buildup and/or something else (snail, sand, etc.) getting stuck and causing a catastrophic failure of the value.

Mine is straight off the pump so it doesn't tend to get too much build up

 

[Fin]

If anyone is considering using one of the wye check valves, remember that you need a way to shut off the back flow when you remove the piston for cleaning. Depending on how the system is set up, you would be wise to use a ball valve or gate valve above (and possibly both sides) to shut off the water. That way, when you remove that clean-out cap and piston, you will only have a little bit of water come out of the valve.

 

[143MPCo]

Mine is straight off the pump so it doesn't tend to get too much build up

Noted... some will see a greater buildup as each system is different.

 

[143MPCo]

Thx Gary (@Fin ), I was going to note that same thing.

 

[jmb357]

I would also be concerned that you used silicone to join your pipes. Why didn't you use PVC glue? I strong pump, over time will blow those pipes a part.

I used both pvc glue and silicone