Description:
A check valve is a small but critically important piece of equipment for any aquarium running an air pump. Without one, if your air pump loses power, water can siphon back through the airline tubing and into the pump, causing water damage or flooding. A check valve prevents this by allowing air to flow in one direction only, from the pump to the tank, while blocking any reverse flow of water.
This is particularly important if your air pump sits below the waterline of your tank, where the risk of backflow is highest. Even if your pump sits above the waterline, a check valve is inexpensive insurance against the unexpected.
These one-way non-return check valves are simple to install, just cut your airline tubing and insert the valve in line between your air pump and your air stone or sponge filter, making sure the arrow on the valve points toward the tank. Pack of 5.
Compatible with standard 4mm airline tubing.
Suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
Product Features:
- Prevents backflow and protects your air pump from water damage
- Stops flooding caused by power failures or pump issues
- One-way design allows air through but blocks water
- Simple and affordable solution for extra peace of mind
Product Specifications:
- Product: Non-Return Check Valve
- Colour: Red
- Quantity: 5
Items Included:
- 5 x Check Valve
Check Valve - 5PCS
Check Valve - 5PCS
Out of stock
Everything about shipping, specifications and warranties is just below.
Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
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🚚 Standard Shipping Up to 10 kg ($11.95 to $24.95): Delivery within 3 to 10 business days. Rates by order weight: up to 1.5 kg $11.95; 1.5 - 2.5 kg $14.95; 2.5 - 4 kg $16.95; over 4 - 7 kg $19.95; 7 - 10 kg $24.95.
🚚 Heavy & Bulk Shipping Over 10 kg ($34.95 to $59.95): Delivery within 3 to 10 business days. Rates by order weight: 10 - 15 kg $34.95; 15 - 20 kg $44.95; over 20 kg $59.95.
Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the combined weight of dry goods in your order.
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Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
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How the Aquarium Check Valve Compares
🛡️ Aquarium Check Valve
- ↩️Helps Prevent Backflow: Allows air to travel towards the aquarium while helping prevent water from travelling backwards through the airline.
- 💧Protects Air Equipment: Helps reduce the risk of aquarium water reaching your air pump if water attempts to flow back through the airline.
- 🔌Useful During Power Outages: Provides an important barrier if the air pump stops running and the pressure in the airline changes.
- 🔧Simple Inline Protection: Installs directly into the airline without requiring changes to the air pump or aquarium.
- 📦5 Valves per Pack: Provides enough valves for multiple air lines, tanks or replacement spares.
⚪ Airline Without a Check Valve
- ↩️No Backflow Barrier: There is nothing in the airline specifically designed to stop water travelling backwards towards the air pump.
- 💧Water Can Travel Down the Airline: If the pressure changes or the pump stops, water may move back through the airline towards the equipment.
- ⚠️Greater Risk to the Air Pump: A pump positioned below the aquarium can be particularly vulnerable to water reaching it through the airline.
- 🔧Relies on Other Protection: Preventing backflow depends on installation choices such as keeping the pump above the aquarium water level.
- 🛠️One Less Layer of Protection: The airline remains directly connected between the aquarium and air equipment without a dedicated one-way valve.
We recommend a check valve to every customer running an air pump, and mention it in the descriptions of our air pumps and air stones for good reason. It's one of the cheapest accessories in the store and one of the most important. A flooded power board or a damaged air pump from a single power outage costs far more than a pack of check valves.
Check valves are low maintenance but should be inspected periodically. If you notice reduced airflow from your air pump, a blocked or stuck check valve is a common cause. Replace if the valve no longer allows free airflow in the correct direction or if it shows signs of cracking or deterioration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an aquarium check valve do?
A check valve allows air to flow from your air pump toward the aquarium while preventing water from flowing back through the airline tubing.
Why do I need a check valve?
If your air pump loses power or stops working, water can siphon back through the airline. A check valve helps protect your air pump from water damage and reduces the risk of flooding.
Is a check valve needed if my air pump is above the waterline?
It is still recommended. While having the pump above the waterline reduces the risk of backflow, a check valve provides an extra layer of protection if the pump stops or loses power.
Which way should I install the check valve?
Install the valve with the arrow pointing toward the aquarium. This allows air to travel from the pump to the tank while blocking reverse flow.
What size airline tubing does it fit?
These check valves are designed to fit standard 4mm aquarium airline tubing.
Can I use it with a sponge filter or air stone?
Yes. The check valve can be installed anywhere along the airline between your air pump and equipment such as sponge filters, air stones and other air-powered aquarium accessories.
Is it suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums?
Yes. These check valves are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater aquarium setups.
How do I install an aquarium check valve?
Simply cut your airline tubing and insert the check valve between the air pump and your aquarium equipment. Make sure the red mid section in the valve points toward the tank before running the pump.
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