need help with automated water change
 

What I need is for my salt water reservoir to fill with ro water when it's low and for it to shut off when it's high.

All the float switches that I find just constantly keep the reservoir topped off.

Get a two float valve setup from autotopoff.com.

Mount the bottom switch upside down where you want it to start filling and the top switch normal where you want it to shutoff. You will also need an electric solenoid which they also carry.

I don't think they work like that. The second float (the one at the top of the reservoir) is just a back up switch. The bottom switch controls the "on and off" of the pump.

The maximum water level height is 9 inches. I'm going to need about a foot.

i'm looking to do the same thing. if set up the way derek03 stated, wouldn't the solenoid shut off as soon as the bottom switch floats back up? how do you set it up so that it opens the solenoid valve when it hits the level of the bottom switch, and doesn't close until it reaches the top switch?

You need a latching controller. Top float turns off the water and bottom turns on the water.

Don

Not much info out there on them.
Is that something that is special order?

Maybe it's just better having the float switch turn on a pump on a timer.

Yeah... at $287.50 for the switch !, I think it's better to time a pump.

JBJ Auto Top Off does that for 100. Thats how i have my top off set up in the sump so that my pump doesnt constantly go on/off.
I have two float valves. When water level reaches the bottom one, it starts pumping water until it hits the top float.

If you want one float switch to turn on the solenoid and one to turn it off you can hook your float switches to a relay and have the relay control the solenoid. The distance between them can be as much as you want it to be. Just hook up everything like this.
[IMG]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb1/brianatwork/latchcircuit.gif[/IMG]
HTH

The above diagram looks complicated, but it really isn't that bad. If you are interested PM me and I can send you a really basic diagram which will give you an idea of how to wire it if you are not used to reading schematic diagrams. I have mine set up to do exactly what you are describing.

any liquid level controller will work.

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11383758#post11383758 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe [/i]
[B]any liquid level controller will work. [/B][/QUOTE]

No most level controllers will not do this, including the jbj mentioned above.
The jbj does have a mode B operation but times out after 14 minutes not giving you the time to refil a rodi holding tank. It does nothing more than give you a little resolution in ato.

In order for llc to control a holding tank it must be able to stay active after the lower switch is turned on and back off for how ever long it takes for the rodi to refill the container, sometimes hours or even days depending on the size of the container and the rodi itself.

Don

yeah? I am using a SectraPure LLC to maintain my 96g RO/DI. I have the bottom float switch mounted below half full, and the top switch at the top. Works great. One of the best purchases I have made. It seems silly to spend the dough, but in this case, I was having too much trouble managing it. And I have a booster pump so the LLC controls it, and a feed line solenoid. This single unit has made my life a lot easier, and the only thing I want added (and I believe we have discussed this before), is the ability to re-direct the first few minutes of production down the drain to limit TDS creep.

The SP is made just for that purpose, most ato's are not. I really couldnt justify charging what SP does but I guess if there are people will to spend the money why not. There is no real difference in quality, just the profit margin.

Don

[url]http://www.cctvonlinestore.com/product_info.php?products_id=453057104[/url]




You can set this relay up to do exactly what you wanted.(Latch)

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11384585#post11384585 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RicGio [/i]
[B][url]http://www.cctvonlinestore.com/product_info.php?products_id=453057104[/url]




You can set this relay up to do exactly what you wanted.(Latch) [/B][/QUOTE]

You can make any relay latch.

Don

Check out reefwerks holding tank controller. That's what I'm planning on using.

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11384416#post11384416 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Donw [/i]
[B]The SP is made just for that purpose, most ato's are not. I really couldnt justify charging what SP does but I guess if there are people will to spend the money why not. There is no real difference in quality, just the profit margin.

Don [/B][/QUOTE]

Sorry, I got confused about what an "ATO" actually is. My top-off is a LiterMeter NOT an LLC. I am not feeling well and read that stuff the wrong way.

[b]IGNORE ME!![/b]

You could build your own float switch for this. I'm picturing a toggle switch on top with a plastic rod hanging down from it. The rod would need 2 ridges on it. The float will catch the bottom and turn the switch on. When the container fills, the float will slide up the rod and when it catches the top ridge it will push the switch up, turning off the pump. It will likely need to be suspended inside a piece of pvc pipe to direct the force upward. The distance between the ridges would roughly be the amount of height water will be pumped into the reservoir. Your float would have to weigh enough and have enough buoyancy to operate the switch. I believe a regular household light switch would work well. I'd power it with low voltage and a relay.

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11380673#post11380673 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by shyland83 [/i]
[B]i'm looking to do the same thing. if set up the way derek03 stated, wouldn't the solenoid shut off as soon as the bottom switch floats back up? how do you set it up so that it opens the solenoid valve when it hits the level of the bottom switch, and doesn't close until it reaches the top switch? [/B][/QUOTE]

Your right it wouldn't work like I thought it would. I was very tired when I posted that and didnt think it all the way through. I did look at their site again though and they have a latching upgrade under custom that does exactly what you are looking for.

Also it is limited to 9" because of the plastic mount on being that long. You dont have to use their mount, you could use something else. The float valves just zip tie to the mount. A piece of hard airline tubing or pipe would work just as well.

Wouldnt this relay work for this application? Its rated for 10A.

[url]http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=W388ML2CPX-6virtualkey52830000virtualkey528-388220-6&Mpc=Magnecraft%20Latching%20Relays&Mpcn=52807[/url]

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11389574#post11389574 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MeuserReef [/i]
[B]Wouldnt this relay work for this application? Its rated for 10A.

[url]http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=W388ML2CPX-6virtualkey52830000virtualkey528-388220-6&Mpc=Magnecraft%20Latching%20Relays&Mpcn=52807[/url] [/B][/QUOTE]

Yes but over complicated and expensive. If yor latching a 12v coil with a 12 output all that you need is a jumper wire to latch the relay. The top float is the jumper.

Don

Hey Don, you a member of the PSAS?

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11389893#post11389893 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe [/i]
[B]Hey Don, you a member of the PSAS? [/B][/QUOTE]

Was but just havent kept up with the events since my grandson came along a few years ago.

Don

hmmm... I have been so ill this week, I can't go to the Holiday Party tonight. I am bummed about it because I have started to identify with reef freaks! Anyway, I currently have an event in the planning stages to be held at my place. I am going to do a fish food making demo. It would be cool if you could join us.