Where to get a check valve for bait tank?
 

I am converting my cooler bait tank from bilge pump to aerator (thru-hull design). Since my intake connection on the tank is near the bottom, I need to find a check valve. The ones in the irrigation departments of HD are too strong and will not allow water to draw through it. Where have you guys gone to get one that works with a 500 gph pump?

West Marine has them. A little expensive if I remember right ~$18.

OEX Pt loma and Sunset Beach:D.............$14.95

Back-flow Preventer
 

HD/Lowes has two kinds and you probably got the wrong one (for a water line). Go into the sprinkler section and get one there. They are $3 and change and black in color; I've been using one for over a year with 100% success on a 360 gph pump through a scupper...

Really? I heard those didn't work.

Backflow Preventer
 

Yeah, mine works great! I prime the bait tank once (with a siphon hose from the inlet inside the tank - some use a squeeze bulb in the line like the ones for an outboard motor) just prior to heading out and I'm good for the day. I'm even on a timer so it's on and off, but the water still doesn't backflow... There are a few things to note though: the pump should be located below the waterline which, in our case, is below the top water level in the bait tank, and there can be NO air leaks in the intake plumbing section including the backflow preventer (threaded PVC connections are not air tight so use teflon pipe thread tape on all threaded connections, marine sealant, etc.). If there is the slightest air leak, the pump will pull some air instead of water and lose it's prime... :ciao: