A check valve is a must-have because it contains a gasket or stopper that allows air to flow in one direction (into the tank) and prevents water from flowing in the other direction (out of the tank). It has the function of preventing water from being sucked out of the aquarium if the air pump turns off or stops running during a power outage. Leaking water out of the aviation piping often leads to air pump failure.
Furthermore, it can also be used as a sponge filter, aquarium decorations, brine shrimp hatcheries or carbon dioxide (CO2) spray systems. So how to choose the best aquarium check valve, let's find out more in the review and buying guide.
Here are the best aquarium check valves you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall: Best Aquarium Check Valve
- Runner Up: Pawfly Aquarium Check Valve
- Best Budget: Pawfly Naludo-NL147 Aquarium Check Valve
- Best Durable: EVIL ENERGY EV01342S8BK Aquarium Check Valve
- Best Convenient: JoyTube Aquarium Check Valve
- High Quality: A ABIGAIL A87019OL Aquarium Check Valve
| 6 Best Aquarium Check Valves | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Best Aquarium Check Valve | |
Runner Up | Pawfly Aquarium Check Valve | |
Best Budget | Pawfly Naludo-NL147 Aquarium Check Valve | |
Best Durable | EVIL ENERGY EV01342S8BK Aquarium Check Valve | |
Best Convenient | JoyTube Aquarium Check Valve | |
High Quality | A ABIGAIL A87019OL Aquarium Check Valve | |
Best Overall: Best Aquarium Check Valve
- Durable items
- Rust resistant
- High design
- Choosing a size before buying items
Best Aquarium Check Valve Designed one-way and used to prevent fuel from returning to the tank and keeping it in a straight line, the arrow marked on the valve shows the direction of fluid flow, this is for when the engine is slow to start.
It is suitable for gasoline, diesel, water, and oil. It is applicable to many diesel / biofuel / Carburetor systems and low pressure fuel systems where you want the fuel to flow in only one direction. At the same time, it can be applied to any UTV, quad, dirt bike, boat, truck, car, motorcycle, tractor, camper, lawn mower, blower, pressure washer , etc. In particular, this valve is made of aluminum alloy, long life, more durable and strong corrosion resistance. Comes with a push lock design of the connector to prevent the hose from slipping out and easy to connect.
| Best Aquarium Check Valve Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 14.45 x 4.17 x 1.06 inches |
Weight | 2.46 ounces |
Exterior | Silver, Stainless Steel |
Material | Aluminum |
Size | 6MM-1/4" |
Fluid flow direction and corrosion-resistant strong
Runner Up: Pawfly Aquarium Check Valve
- Easy to install
- Good price
- Work well
- Easy to change color
Pawfly Aquarium Check Valve Made of cold clear plastic, the hose is flexible, durable and anti-folding. Suitable length for most aquariums. Thanks to the small size it is easy to control with an even nano air pump. Create plenty of medium bubbles to freshen up your tank and liven up the aquatic species.
The product includes 2 straight and 2 T-shaped connectors for connecting a standard 3/16" ID hose. It allows you to connect one and more air inlets to create many outlets. At the same time, the Soft clear plastic holder fits 3/16" ID tubes and can stick firmly to plain flasks. From there, the check valves can effectively prevent backflow of water.
| Pawfly Aquarium Check Valve Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 8.9 x 6.18 x 1.61 inches |
Weight | 5.29 Ounces |
Power Source | Cored electric |
Material | Plastic |
Color | Transparent and orange inside |
Soft clear plastic and stick tightly
Best Budget: Pawfly Naludo-NL147 Aquarium Check Valve
- Easy to maintenance
- Sturdiness
- Save money
- Does not work well
Pawfly Naludo-NL147 Aquarium Check Valve Not suitable for CO2 or other high pressure systems to avoid cracking and leakage. It has a small and light structure so it is easy to install between devices.
With the main function of preventing backflow of water through the pipeline when the power is cut off or the pump is stopped. Made of reliable plastic that can be tightly connected to the hose without gas leakage. It has a durable feature to withstand time without making noise. You just need to clean the valve regularly. Poke it with a sling from the inlet side to push it out when it gets clogged inside and restricts airflow.
| Pawfly Naludo-NL147 Aquarium Check Valve Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 3.5 x 1.6 x 0.4 inches |
Weight | 0.04 Pounds |
Color | Red |
Material | plastic |
Power Source | Cored electric |
Great design and prevent backflow of water
Best Durable: EVIL ENERGY EV01342S8BK Aquarium Check Valve
- High construction
- Low pressure
- Work well
- High price
EVIL ENERGY EV01342S8BK Aquarium Check Valve made of aluminum alloy and 304 stainless steel spring with min upstream and can be operated temperature range from -22℉ to 266℉. Moreover, the non return check valve widely works with water, petrol, diesel, oil, and other fluids. Besides, the fuel line check valve is suitable for carburetors and low pressure fuel systems. It provides fuel non return one way check valve.
| EVIL ENERGY EV01342S8BK Aquarium Check Valve Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 4.76 x 4.53 x 1.02 inches |
Weight | 1.44 ounces |
Material | Aluminum |
Size | 8mm-5/16" |
Exterior | Stainless Steel |
Made of high material and suitable for carburetors and low pressure fuel
Best Convenient: JoyTube Aquarium Check Valve
- Non toxic
- Good adsorption
- Well made
- Clearly not barbed
JoyTube Aquarium Check Valve can connect with hose barb on both sides with opening pressure 0.5 Kpa, always maximum back pressure like 300Kpa. The PVDF wear resistant check valve’s inside is designed with a pagoda-shaped card slot, non-slip and non-toxic, with good airtightness and good adsorption performance.
Surely it is perfect for the hydraulic system to prevent reverse flow of material, or compressed air for the pneumatic system to prevent due to being made of PVDF, sturdy, wear-resistant.
| JoyTube Aquarium Check Valve Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 1.85 x 1.46 x 0.79 inches |
Weight | 0.63 Ounces |
Material | Plastic |
Inlet/ outlet Connection Type | Barb |
Size | 1/8 Inch |
PVDF wear resistant and non slip
High Quality: A ABIGAIL A87019OL Aquarium Check Valve
- Easy installation
- Automotive
- Solid construction
- Smaller than image
A ABIGAIL A87019OL Aquarium Check Valve made of premium aluminum alloy can be used longer than the plastic one, always with stable characteristics, high reliability.
These valves of push-lock design of the connector stop the hose from sliding off and are easy to connect. Moreover, it prevents fuel from returning back to the tank and keeps it in the line. The inline is suitable for petrol, diesel, water, oil and great for water pressure pumps and galley pumps which are not self-priming. Perfect for marine, automotive, caravans/RV, and agriculture.
| A ABIGAIL A87019OL Aquarium Check Valve Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 4.21 x 4.02 x 1.18 inches |
Weight | 1.37 ounces |
Material | Aluminum |
Size | 6mm-1/4" |
Exterior | Silver |
Easy to connect and suitable for any liquids
How To Choose The Best Aquarium Check Valve?
Material, substance
Most aquarium check valves are plastic and rubber, stainless steel and brass check valves are also available.
- Metal: Metal check valves are not suitable in saltwater aquariums because they are susceptible to corrosion over time.
- Kynar: A special Kynar check valve for pumping ozone into the aquarium. Ozone melts other plastics.
Size
Check valves need to match the diameter of the air duct. If it is necessary to measure the diameter of the pipe, measure the inner diameter of the pipe. Standard tube is 3/16 inch (5mm).
How to install a one-way valve in an aquarium?
First, locate the valve installation as near to the tank rim. Installing the check valve near the pump will allow the water pressure to increase further before it meets the check valve, which can lead to a leak.
Set up an aquarium air pump (B) and a simple one-way valve (A). The domestic device (C) can be a sponge filter or an air stone.
After determining the position to install the check valve, use sharp scissors to cut the air duct at that position and then attach each piece of air pipe to each end of the check valve. Furthermore, the valve connection points are slightly tapered at the tip where the spool slides and expands closer to the valve body. This creates a tight seal between the pipe and the connection points. The most common mistake people make is installing the check valve in the wrong direction. Make sure that the arrow on the valve points in the direction of the airflow.
Test aquarium should be installed:
- After a hole in the pipe
- In front of an aviation control valve
- In front of a gang van
- After a bleeding valve
- After or before an aviation connector
- PSI
Another important factor to consider is the maximum PSI the valve will face. Brass valves tolerate higher PSI, while plastic is good for low pressure use cases. Setting up a low-pressure valve into a high-pressure situation that can lead to disaster and water damage.
Temperature
Be sure to consider the average temperature at which the valve will be installed. Check valves are subjected to extreme hot and cold situations. If you want to use the valve outdoors or on a heating system, know that the valve is equipped for extreme cold and heat above 100 degrees.
Horizontal and vertical directions installation
Check valves are installed horizontally or vertically, but not all models are installed in both directions. Double check the drainage setup as well as the valve installation before ordering.
Which Brands Make The Best Aquarium Check Valve?
Flooobuys
Flybuys is an Australian customer loyalty program equally owned by the Coles Group and Wesfarmers through joint venture Loyalty Pacific. Members can accrue points by shopping at Coles Group brands, certain Wesfarmers brands, and some third-party partners like HCF Insurance and Optus.
It is one of Australia's largest loyalty programs, with 8.6 million members in 6.6 million households. Fifteen Flybuys cards are scanned every second on average in Australia.
FAQs
Conclusion
Through our share about the best aquarium check valve, you need to check the valve size, then cut a piece of the drain pipe and take it to a home repair shop. Usually the check valves are installed inside the pit with the pump. This is easier to do before the sump pump and piping are installed, so it's not really that complicated if you're working with an existing setup. Depending on how the drain is set up in your home, it may be necessary to reposition the sump pump or use couplings.
