AUTOMATIC WATER CHANGER PICS!! FEEL FREE TO CRITIQUE

[X3R0X]

Hey guys I finally had some time to take some pics of the waterchanger idea I used from chompers...

I've almost got it to work...

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22192&size=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22192&size=1)
My 125 gallon with a DIY stand and Waterchanging system that doesnt work perfectly yet.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22194&size=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22194&size=1)
Prefilter to siphon water out to waste.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22189&size=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22189&size=1)
Malfunction Junction.... with Valve 2 controlling new water being pumped back into the tank and a check valve on the back end to prevent siphoning back into the new tank water.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22188&size=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22188&size=1)
Valve 1 controlling water being taken out of the tank...

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22195&size=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22195&size=1)
Mag5 pumping new water into tank...

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22186&size=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22186&size=1)
Orbit Irrigation timer w/ pump control

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22187&size=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22187&size=1)
Pump relay to hook up to timer, so you can control the pump with the timer...

[Roberto C. Wells]

I’m to dumb to help but keep up the good work and you will get it

[Kenta]

a little off topic, but your stand is asking for trouble. You should add some sort of lateral supprts on the bottom of the legs for starters, real tipping hazard

[throttle]

:iagree: the auto system looks cool, but one good bump from the side and that tank is going down hard. 1000+ pounds of water and glass won't be pretty.

[X3R0X]

a little off topic, but your stand is asking for trouble. You should add some sort of lateral supprts on the bottom of the legs for starters, real tipping hazard


Oh I plan on addins upport on the bottom I just wanted to get this waterchanger thing done with and install a bottom shelf before I add the lateral support. The stand is pretty strong so I'm not too worried about it yet.

[DeLgAdO]

a little off topic, but your stand is asking for trouble. You should add some sort of lateral supprts on the bottom of the legs for starters, real tipping hazard

i was gunna say the same thing

[rkc772]

that's a nice auto water changer... nice one! I would agree with the stand... i think what we would suggest is to get that stand lateral support. or else cross your fingers that it won't have problems.;)

[dannyboy]

Wow, looks good...fairly complicated...but if you get it working, great!

[PeteFromTassie]

That is so damn cool man!

Nice creation!

Cheers,
Pete.

[Dr Joe]

How goes it? Good straight forward layout, I just have two questions right now :D , where does the drain go and what is the pipe going to the ceiling (a stand pipe for vapor lock?) ?

Hurry and finish so I can steal, I mean liberate your ideas. :thumbsup:

[X3R0X]

The drain can go to where you want it to go... Right now its going out a window! You could drain into a sewer line or where ever you please.... I live in an apartment, so hooking it up to a sewer line isnt a option for me....


The long tall standing pipe is to increase the flow for when you siphon out the water... Kinda like a release hole on a gas can if you want to think about it like that... It's taller the usual right now because it needs to be for when you pump the water into the tank through that pipe you don't want the water to overflow...

Again this is not my idea, just to let everyone know... CHOMPERS came up with this whole design I just took it and ran with it...

But as of now I am still have problems trying to get enough presssure to push through the first sprinkler valve...
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22188&size=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22188&size=1)
If anyone has any ideas on how to naturally increase pressure let me know! Other then that I think my only option is going to be hooking an external water pump to the hose so I can get enough pressure to suck the water out. Anybody know where I can find a good external pump that pumps around 250 to 500 gph, thats cheap, and that doesn't need to be primed?

[Lil_Stinker]

I say good luck with the autochange, but get that stand fixed asap not much lateral protection.

cross brace and such.


I am still looking over your auto change & I think I am missing something on it.

[CHOMPERS]

.... I live in an apartment, so hooking it up to a sewer line isnt a option for me....
For the better part of the last eleven years, my drain hose went to the bathroom shower drain. For fill, I modified my under-sink plumbing. Pics soon to follow...


The long tall standing pipe is to increase the flow for when you siphon out the water... Kinda like a release hole on a gas can if you want to think about it like that... It's taller the usual right now because it needs to be for when you pump the water into the tank through that pipe you don't want the water to overflow... I was thinking the same thing in my design. I had the fill and drain go through the same piping (overflow) just to keep the tank uncluttered. I think for simplicity, it wouldn't hurt to have a separate fill and drain. Either way will work. The height of the pipe will be determined by the power of the pump used in the filling process.


Again this is not my idea, just to let everyone know... CHOMPERS came up with this whole design I just took it and ran with it... And I should be helping out a whole lot more in the problem solving too (blushing)


But as of now I am still have problems trying to get enough presssure to push through the first sprinkler valve... Pics of the guts to follow...


If anyone has any ideas on how to naturally increase pressure let me know! Other then that I think my only option is going to be hooking an external water pump to the hose so I can get enough pressure to suck the water out. Anybody know where I can find a good external pump that pumps around 250 to 500 gph, thats cheap, and that doesn't need to be primed?

I was just at a place that handles NASA surplus and such. I picked up a small pump for 18 bucks. I am pumping salt water with it right now but I don't think it will be enough. They had one that is in the 250-500 range that was really cheap...I will be near there tomorrow. They had some valves that needed to be drilled...they were used for liquid CO2...and six bucks each. Most of the other valves were gas valves and are not suitable for continuous duty water use.

[CHOMPERS]

and it is nice to see everyone singing my song :woot:

a little bracing now will prevent a lot of unhappiness later on.

[CHOMPERS]

here is the pic of the pump...it is the red thing in the bucket of bio-material (cheap wet/dry for some salt water fish that followed me home). It pumps 180 gph at 1 ft and 85 gph at 5 ft.

I am going to be using an above ground pool pump for three of my tanks that are stacked. It flows way more at five feet. I didn't measure it, but it has a full discharge out of its one inch hose at five feet. They can be had for $60 at walmart.


The pic of the under-sink plumbing is how I get my fill and wash water. I wash my junk in the shower...it is the only place in the house with a floor drain...

and a series of pics of a sprinkler valve...the left side is the vacuum breaker and the right side is a standard sprinkler valve.

The last one is a sneak peak at what I have going on right now.

[CHOMPERS]

The bad news with the valves is they can not be drilled for better performance. Water pressure facilitates their opening by countering the force of the spring on the dry side of the diaphragm. I tried to show the workings of the solonoid in the close up but the detail was not captured. It works like a rack and pinion; it pushes well but it is not attached to the diaphragm to open it. Water pressure (either pumped or by gravity) must open the valve.

Removing or modifying the spring may be the solution. Also, more weight from the water may help too.

Matt, I have not studied the pictures of the system yet. I will do that now and post any thoughts in my next reply.
Ron

[CHOMPERS]

...But as of now I am still have problems trying to get enough presssure to push through the first sprinkler valve...

...If anyone has any ideas on how to naturally increase pressure let me know!

...thats cheap, and that doesn't need to be primed?

Ok here are some quick and easy solutions...

Drop the drain valve to the floor or at least as low as the highest point that your hose must transverse. If you have a shower without a tub, buy a hose that will reach it. As soon as the water must go uphill to go out the window or over the tub, the pressure differential against the valve diaphragm will drop.

Any external pump will work. It will be naturally primed if you change the plumbing coming out of the tank. Go with a regular overflow and it will always be primed and ready to siphon anytime the valve is open. Your current overflow plumbing loses its prime each time the tank hits the low water level. If the fill pump does not have a high enough flow rate, it may not evacuate all of the air from the drain/fill plumbing. I will see if I can dig up a pic of one of my overflows and I will explain what is going on in each part of it. If I don't have a pic that is easy to find, my camera is still warm...

[CHOMPERS]

here are some pics of one of my overflows. The first is just to show the different parts. The second is to illustrate it in action...just imagine a larger tank:ROFL: ...you get the idea.

The part going over the top of the tank is where the gadget gets its name...the water flows over the side of the tank.

The two loops at the bottom keep the top loop full of water. For many people, the total operation is hard to imagine but it is easier to think of in terms of one section at a time.

For those who did not follow the other thread on overflows, the blue thing on the top loop is an air line check valve. It allows removing the air from that loop (priming it). I thought for a long time that this was not needed after the first priming, but I was informed that large fish in large tanks get a little rambunctious when fed and the splashing causes enough air to stop the siphoning. Also, in my newest application, clearance is a factor and I will not be able to remove them to get the air out or to install them pre-primed.

That lone tube sticking up on the outside of the tank is the vent tube. This is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT piece if you want the overflow to KEEP its prime.
1. The bottom of the tee's exit must be ABOVE the top of the tank side bottom loop (the bottom loop in the tank). If that was too confusing, just make the tee at least one inch above the tanks bottom loop. If the tee is below the inside bottom loop, the water will be sucked out of the overflow loop every time.
2. The vent tube must be on the tee side.
3. If the vent tube is eliminated from the design, the water in the overflow tube will be siphoned out when the low water level is reached.
4. The vent tube must be taller than the overflow loop. If an obstruction is caused down line (valve turning, etc.) water will flow out the vent. In static operation with all valves closed, water will drain onto the floor.
5. I know I missed something...

Everything after the tee is stuff to tailor it to my system... I added a valve here on one of mine to control the speed and gurggling.

Were the water enters the unit, the level of that pipe dictates the minimum water level that the tank will drain down to. My water levels will be fine tuned with slip fittings (fittings not shown but they are the standard slip/slip couplers).

[CHOMPERS]

Oh, maybe this is trivial but notice the "mold buttons" on the top loop of the unit. These are the round extra pieces of plastic from molding the parts. I intentionally located them to the top of the loop because they are flat and make an excellent place to drill into. They also give a nice flat area to seal the check valve too.

[CHOMPERS]

This post is off topic but it is one of the reasons I have been distracted...I will post a new thread of its construction and inner workings when it is all done. Unfortunately, tailoring an auto water changer will make the valving really complicated since each is on a different level. I thought of having three tanks below, but there is not enough room. My own system will have to wait for my 110 (or 125, or 100. All the same tank, just how you measure it or who you ask.)

[Dr Joe]

Breathe CHOMPERS Breathe :D

Saltwater..ACK!

Hey... Are we talking Skycraft here or what?! :headbang2

The second most awesome place I've been.!

Silverstien's in Detroit #1. :woot: :woot: :woot:

[CHOMPERS]

Hey... Are we talking Skycraft here or what?! :headbang2


Yep, you know it.

I didn't get there before closing today due to the current monsoon season...maybe tomorrow.

[Dr Joe]

The drain can go to where you want it to go... Right now its going out a window! You could drain into a sewer line or where ever you please.... I live in an apartment, so hooking it up to a sewer line isnt a option for me....


The long tall standing pipe is to increase the flow for when you siphon out the water... Kinda like a release hole on a gas can if you want to think about it like that... It's taller the usual right now because it needs to be for when you pump the water into the tank through that pipe you don't want the water to overflow...

Again this is not my idea, just to let everyone know... CHOMPERS came up with this whole design I just took it and ran with it...

But as of now I am still have problems trying to get enough presssure to push through the first sprinkler valve...
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22188&size=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22188&size=1)
If anyone has any ideas on how to naturally increase pressure let me know! Other then that I think my only option is going to be hooking an external water pump to the hose so I can get enough pressure to suck the water out. Anybody know where I can find a good external pump that pumps around 250 to 500 gph, thats cheap, and that doesn't need to be primed?

Try going to (physically) http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/retail_stores.taf?f=detail&Retail_Store_ID=104 :grinyes:

Here's the 6 pages worth. http://da.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=pump&Submit=Go

I'm getting this one http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45014 (this one is suggested for fountains and waterfalls so I'm thinking continuous duty) and Item # 45019-8VGA URL won't work for this one (and this one is on sale for $20.( 30gpm !)
Saturday (tomorrow), and some others things.

[X3R0X]

Wow joe AMAZING!! You are the main I think I am going to strap this one on the line drain line.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=1479

Thankyou!

[Soba]

I can't watch some pics, don't know why?!
But it seems that you have everything well planed.

[Dr Joe]

Wow joe AMAZING!! You are the main I think I am going to strap this one on the line drain line.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=1479

Thankyou!

No problem, anytime I can help...let me know.

Yea, I drooled over that one too, Maybe next month. Right now I've got 4 filter designs, 2 denitrator projects, and a hydroponics system design in the works and no excuse for that big of a pump (I've got a 1 1/2hp & 1hp pool pumps)(but give me a little time, I'll think of something). :grinyes:

[X3R0X]

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22672 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22672)

My new design for my final shot at the water changer! I hope it works well this time

[Dr Joe]

Now if you run the waste water to a sump like eh1421's drip system...

[X3R0X]

OK GUYS!!!!!!! I have figured out a way to run the entire sytstem without the use of an sprinkler valve's on the waste or return lines. The only area where a sprinkler valve may be need is before the toliet fill valve, so that when the aged water is being pumped into the fish tank the aged water tank doesn't continue to be filled with water while the pump is on, which would cause your tank to flood and overflow.

I bought an external self priming pump from harbor freight for $40. Thanks to Dr. Joe! I also picked up a pump for my future 240 gallon tank for $19.99, it pumps 1855 gallons per hour and has a built in float switch. www.harborfreight.com that place is the biizzombbbb.

The only issue I am having with this system now is a power supply for my external pump. The pump is a 12 volt DC pump that needs 7.5 amps on start up and idles at 5.0 amps. That is a lot of damn current for this little pump. Being the electrical engineer that I am I have decided to build a power supply for this pump myself using a transformer, rectifier, etc. Hopefully I will have it completed by this weekend!!

Here's a final drawing of my auto water changer... BLING BLING!!

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22735 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22735)

[rdeandavidson]

Love the water changer. But your stand seems to be the attraction! Great job anyhow.

[drayday55]

sup peeps here is my set up for almost auto water changing. i kinda have it where i still have to initiate all the water starts and stops. but i have an idea. you can set up a r/o unit to shut down when water supply is turned off and i bought a 12v solenoid with plastick innards for my car water/methanol injection system that i never used. so all i need is to run a a regular timer switch to a power pack that puts out 12v and im in buisness! fully auto. and i can even install a electric float valve that makes contact when water level goes down and it will turn off the solenoid and allow water to enter. but then i would have to figure out a dosing system to dose my electrolyte and ph stabalizer.
here are pictures of my sump yo can see where the clear tube runs through the wall to outside in my yard. i adapted from ridgid pvc to flex clear so any setteling or earthquake wont crack my pvc. i also tapped my waste water from my r/o int this making sure it would flow down stream. enjoy and let me know if anyone needs any ideas i got an overactive imagination.
p.s the bamboo sucks out the nitrates. notice how green they are !!

[Dr Joe]

sup peeps here is my set up for almost auto water changing. i kinda have it where i still have to initiate all the water starts and stops. but i have an idea. you can set up a r/o unit to shut down when water supply is turned off and i bought a 12v solenoid with plastick innards for my car water/methanol injection system that i never used. so all i need is to run a a regular timer switch to a power pack that puts out 12v and im in buisness! fully auto. and i can even install a electric float valve that makes contact when water level goes down and it will turn off the solenoid and allow water to enter. but then i would have to figure out a dosing system to dose my electrolyte and ph stabalizer.
here are pictures of my sump yo can see where the clear tube runs through the wall to outside in my yard. i adapted from ridgid pvc to flex clear so any setteling or earthquake wont crack my pvc. i also tapped my waste water from my r/o int this making sure it would flow down stream. enjoy and let me know if anyone needs any ideas i got an overactive imagination.
p.s the bamboo sucks out the nitrates. notice how green they are !!

Nice.

How long you had the bamboo? Is that in your return sump?

[drayday55]

thanx, yah its my return sump on my 125 i had it in there for 8 months. my wifes ornamental bamboo watered with tap and set in the window is sooo pale yellow compared ill post it tomorow the diferance.

[Dr Joe]

OK GUYS!!!!!!! I have figured out a way to run the entire sytstem without the use of an sprinkler valve's on the waste or return lines. The only area where a sprinkler valve may be need is before the toliet fill valve, so that when the aged water is being pumped into the fish tank the aged water tank doesn't continue to be filled with water while the pump is on, which would cause your tank to flood and overflow.

I bought an external self priming pump from harbor freight for $40. Thanks to Dr. Joe! I also picked up a pump for my future 240 gallon tank for $19.99, it pumps 1855 gallons per hour and has a built in float switch. www.harborfreight.com that place is the biizzombbbb.

The only issue I am having with this system now is a power supply for my external pump. The pump is a 12 volt DC pump that needs 7.5 amps on start up and idles at 5.0 amps. That is a lot of damn current for this little pump. Being the electrical engineer that I am I have decided to build a power supply for this pump myself using a transformer, rectifier, etc. Hopefully I will have it completed by this weekend!!

Here's a final drawing of my auto water changer... BLING BLING!!

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22735 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=22735)

I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop... this looks too good.

Hate to simplify things for you, but how about a $20 lawn tractor battery(wallyworld) and make a trickle charger from a wall wart psu?

Or you could just use a http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3418. straight.

Unless you've got enough in your junk box like me...

[mssassysan2000]

that's neat.

[zennzzo]

"RULE" pumps makes a mint float valve that switches 12-36vts.
Not sure from the drawing how you control the amount of dirty/fresh water you meter in.
A pair of float valves could manage the water level of the drain/fill duties.

[Dr Joe]

If trash water pump failed to come on (timer/bad motor) would it overflow or do you have enough space in your tank?

Will the motor bypass (flow) water when off (if it does, you may need a valve there or it will constantly drain won't it?)?

Maybe a float switch for overfill would be a good idea as zennzzo said.

Someone also posted float switches from ebay @ $5 a pop.

[drayday55]

no it would not overflow. it would just go out the bulkhead in my sump to out side and water my lawn =) you see, i did flood my dining room and the wife was pissed!! it was the day befor her birthday and everyone was coming over to celebrate. i had to tear down the tank pull up the carpet. replace the pad drill holes in the wall to dry out and put all back together. lol lesson learned. the onlything that can flood me out is if the syphon stopped in my overflow but ive had this setup for about 6 years and has not once stopped.

[Dr Joe]

no it would not overflow. it would just go out the bulkhead in my sump to out side and water my lawn =) you see, i did flood my dining room and the wife was pissed!! it was the day befor her birthday and everyone was coming over to celebrate. i had to tear down the tank pull up the carpet. replace the pad drill holes in the wall to dry out and put all back together. lol lesson learned. the onlything that can flood me out is if the syphon stopped in my overflow but ive had this setup for about 6 years and has not once stopped.


OK, I think I'm having a stupid moment...(NO comments) What stops the water from draining down to the 25% line all the time? If the pump doesn't backflow and the sump pump stays on too long...Flood... yes/no? And the sump is being replenished as it's being emptied? no time for aging? That's what I get from the drawing. Then again I have my daft moments. ;)

[drayday55]

naa man no problem, im explaining it wrong. right now when i want to do a water change i turn on the r/o unit it fills the 50 gallon trash can i 1 day. it is out side so it dosent matter if it over fills. then i treat the water as i am doing right now. lol i then turn on the big rio in the trash can and pump water into the tank trying to stirr up the substrate a little. at the same time i unplug the sump pump so 90% of the water goes out the drain and does not get recycled back into the tank. and when i want to top off the tank i just turn on the r/o unit and flip a plastic ball valve to divert the water away from the trash can and ito the tank. i could automate it but i figure whats the point. it cannot get any easyer. i usualy jump int the shower as i start the water cahnge. when the water runs low in the trash can it does not rally harm it for running dry for a few minutes. baisicly i made a system where if i forget to shut something off i wont flood my house and the by product is simplified water changes. oh, also the point to where the water enters int the waste line is 3 inches above where the sump pump level is so it regulates itself and never drains far enough to whare i have to little water in the sump to start it all back up again

dude. when i trade my lunkers in to the lfs all the workers gawk at how colerfull and health my fish are. i tell em 7 ph no feeders and market freshwater shrimp!!!

ooops. thats waht i get from not reading all the posts. this is waht is working for me. you are correct on the drawing. the system has to many fail points you must simplify the system to what if everything fails. whats gonna happen. water flows down and the drain to waste must be in the sump not the tank.

[X3R0X]

Love the water changer. But your stand seems to be the attraction! Great job anyhow.


My stand is a beast... I've built many before never had a problem I have filled this tank up on the stand and pushed on it from the side it doesn't budge! I do plan to add bottom lateral support eventually but now I am unable to... THe stand is nothing to worry about!! trust me

[Dr Joe]

naa man no problem, im explaining it wrong. right now when i want to do a water change i turn on the r/o unit it fills the 50 gallon trash can i 1 day. it is out side so it dosent matter if it over fills. then i treat the water as i am doing right now. lol i then turn on the big rio in the trash can and pump water into the tank trying to stirr up the substrate a little. at the same time i unplug the sump pump so 90% of the water goes out the drain and does not get recycled back into the tank. and when i want to top off the tank i just turn on the r/o unit and flip a plastic ball valve to divert the water away from the trash can and ito the tank. i could automate it but i figure whats the point. it cannot get any easyer. i usualy jump int the shower as i start the water cahnge. when the water runs low in the trash can it does not rally harm it for running dry for a few minutes. baisicly i made a system where if i forget to shut something off i wont flood my house and the by product is simplified water changes. oh, also the point to where the water enters int the waste line is 3 inches above where the sump pump level is so it regulates itself and never drains far enough to whare i have to little water in the sump to start it all back up again

dude. when i trade my lunkers in to the lfs all the workers gawk at how colerfull and health my fish are. i tell em 7 ph no feeders and market freshwater shrimp!!!

ooops. thats waht i get from not reading all the posts. this is waht is working for me. you are correct on the drawing. the system has to many fail points you must simplify the system to what if everything fails. whats gonna happen. water flows down and the drain to waste must be in the sump not the tank.


And what I get for not referencing to right person..

This was for 'X3ROX'...

Sorry for the mix-up.

How about it X3ROX... ( Hey did you know if you mix up your letter it spells something different...or xerox. Coincedence? I don't think so)

[zennzzo]

Here is a pic of the float switch I was refering to...

[CHOMPERS]

Here is a pic of the float switch I was refering to...
I picked up one like that at Walmart, but it has a label on it saying not to use it for AC current. I can't imagine they would put contacts in there that were that cheap...but we are talking about Walmart here...


Anyway, days later while scrounging around Skycraft I found some small float switches that are about an inch in diameter and about two inches long. I got four for two bucks each...then I found out that I had no idea what I did with the receipt for the expensive one. Last night while cleaning up my fish tank construction mess, I found that receipt and now I have an appointment with Wally-Worlds Customer Service dept. to get my fifteen bucks back.

[CHOMPERS]

...Unless you've got enough in your junk box like me...
I call it my garage:ROFL:


(the shed is still suffering from the three huricanes of 2004)

[Dr Joe]

I picked up one like that at Walmart, but it has a label on it saying not to use it for AC current. I can't imagine they would put contacts in there that were that cheap...but we are talking about Walmart here...


Anyway, days later while scrounging around Skycraft I found some small float switches that are about an inch in diameter and about two inches long. I got four for two bucks each...then I found out that I had no idea what I did with the receipt for the expensive one. Last night while cleaning up my fish tank construction mess, I found that receipt and now I have an appointment with Wally-Worlds Customer Service dept. to get my fifteen bucks back.


WHAHOO! More found money for Skycraft Adventures! :headbang2

( I really hate you for flounting Skycraft in my face :cry: ) :ROFL:

[Dr Joe]

I call it my garage:ROFL:


(the shed is still suffering from the three huricanes of 2004)

Garage...Garage?......OH..Those 2 big doors on the end of my house used for storage that NONE of my family dare go into :eek: . ( sometimes me too :ROFL: ).

I'VE GOT A 6X10 ALUM. SHED STUFFED W/ vw PARTS. And a 10x20 alum shed stuffed with I forget what and old electronics and some old Dodge Challenger parts I think.

Storms damaged them too. And tis' the season again. :(

[born2lovefish]

That is one SWEET SETUP!

[CHOMPERS]

WHAHOO! More found money for Skycraft Adventures! :headbang2

( I really hate you for flounting Skycraft in my face :cry: ) :ROFL:

I went again yesterday to get some more float switches. I figure they would make some coool Christmas presents :D I couldn't find the bin, but when I did it was totally empty except for two. Now I am up to six, plus some extra cool stuff that I really didn't need :woot:

They have external pumps that run on 220v for $22. They are one inch at the input and output and pump 50L-60L per minute at 5 ft of head.

I was looking for a duplicate pump to the one I just bought for $17. They were sold out :cry:

[Dr Joe]

I went again yesterday to get some more float switches. I figure they would make some coool Christmas presents :D I couldn't find the bin, but when I did it was totally empty except for two. Now I am up to six, plus some extra cool stuff that I really didn't need :woot:

They have external pumps that run on 220v for $22. They are one inch at the input and output and pump 50L-60L per minute at 5 ft of head.

I was looking for a duplicate pump to the one I just bought for $17. They were sold out :cry:

Should I send you my complete address to make sure your updated for that Christmas present thing. :ROFL: :ROFL:

I didn't know they sold that much stuff! :eek:

[X3R0X]

I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop... this looks too good.

Hate to simplify things for you, but how about a $20 lawn tractor battery(wallyworld) and make a trickle charger from a wall wart psu?

Or you could just use a http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3418. straight.

Unless you've got enough in your junk box like me...


I went to radio shack and bought a 12.6 volt dc transformer and solder that to a rectifier rated for 400volt 6 amp, then hooked a wall plug onto it and shoved everything in an enclosure box! for everything it cost me $18. The pump works now!! the only thing I have left to do is possibly install some float switches in the fish tank or the new fill tank and work on finding a timer that is synchronized to one clock but can individually control 2 seperate outlets down to the second!

I found one and it is made by chrontrol... They sell them for $300 something dollars. I talked to one of the engineers and told him what I was working on. He found it very interesting and understood I was poor college student he said he would sell me a chrontol timer for $99!! I still dont think I am going to buy it, I would rather build it myself with some of my friends.


One thing I have thought of though is if you have a sump you can actually take old water out of the tank and add new water into the tank simotaneously!! I am going to test it out on my system soon! I just hope my sump or tank does not over flow.

[CHOMPERS]

( I really hate you for flounting Skycraft in my face :cry: ) :ROFL:
Joe, get this!!! An Old Time Pottery recently closed by me and now they are doing some new construction out front...and the construction design says...


a new Outdoor World less than ten minutes from me!!!

Two left turns, a right turn, and two more lefts and I am there!!!!

[CHOMPERS]

Should I send you my complete address to make sure your updated for that Christmas present thing. :ROFL: :ROFL:

I didn't know they sold that much stuff! :eek:
Seriously, PM me your address and I'll send you two when I get back (in three weeks).

x3rox, If you want two also, PM me your address too.

[CHOMPERS]

... I...poor college student...
...I would rather build it myself with some of my friends.


Do you have a student chapter of ASME on your campus? They should have a rapid prototyping shop (or access) and they can make all kinds of cool stuff for you. If you make it their baby, they can secure funding for you too. That is my evil plan, but then it makes the project the property of the State of Florida. I wouldn't mind a hundred gallons of wet stuff in one of the engineering buildings here. I am also trying to ride on the shirt tails of an educational license...and it isn't for Red Bellied Pacus :naughty:

[X3R0X]

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=23111 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=23111)


My idea is as long as you are pulling out water as fast as you are putting it in through the sump then neither will overflow. By doing this you can operate the whole system on one timer!!

[CHOMPERS]

My idea is as long as you are pulling out water as fast as you are putting it in through the sump then neither will overflow. By doing this you can operate the whole system on one timer!!
That brings back bad memories of that tank filling while draining problem in Diff. Eq.

[X3R0X]

Do you have a student chapter of ASME on your campus? They should have a rapid prototyping shop (or access) and they can make all kinds of cool stuff for you. If you make it their baby, they can secure funding for you too. That is my evil plan, but then it makes the project the property of the State of Florida. I wouldn't mind a hundred gallons of wet stuff in one of the engineering buildings here. I am also trying to ride on the shirt tails of an educational license...and it isn't for Red Bellied Pacus :naughty:


I think we do have an ASME chapeter, but I am not a member. I am a member of IEEE though and the ex president who just graduated and is currently working at IBM wants to help me out with this timer thing.... I dont want to work on it through campus because then it becomes their property... What did you need my address for again chompers?

[X3R0X]

That brings back bad memories of that tank filling while draining problem in Diff. Eq.


HAHA diff eq's what a great class... I think i remember that problem now!! Diff eq's was probably my most faovrite of all my math classes!!

[CHOMPERS]

float valves

I have six and really only need two. I am leaving town as soon as my friend gets here. I will be back in three weeks...but if I have your address before I leave :D

[CHOMPERS]

oops, float switches. not valves...no sleep last night

[Dr Joe]

Joe, get this!!! An Old Time Pottery recently closed by me and now they are doing some new construction out front...and the construction design says...


a new Outdoor World less than ten minutes from me!!!

Two left turns, a right turn, and two more lefts and I am there!!!!


And the HATE just GROWS...What next? You win Allied Electronics $500.00 give-a-way? Maybe they send a limo to drive you to these places for a closed store sale?! GGGRRRRRRRRRRR.

:cry: I am SO jealous :cry:

:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:

[Dr Joe]

Oh yea, I just got a new Lowes last month !! OOOOOOOOOOOO Big Deal !:ROFL:

D_ _ _, I'm still jealous. :cry:

[X3R0X]

I went to that Harbor Freight Joe.... WOWWWWW the ghetto, i dont think that store could have been in any more ghetto of an area in charlotte!!!

[Dr Joe]

I went to that Harbor Freight Joe.... WOWWWWW the ghetto, i dont think that store could have been in any more ghetto of an area in charlotte!!!


Really?

Ours is in the middle of a very nice strip mall. It (remodeled?) and dropped alot of it's need stuff a couple years ago, still very busy.

Did you get your pump and anything else good?

[freshyfishy]

Good idea.

[X3R0X]

I got 2 pumps when I was there... I got the 1/2 hp subermisible pond pump for $19.99 after i compared prices with them to there internet prices. They were selling that pump for $59.99 at the store. That pump does 1855 gallons per hour.....


The second pump I got was a Marine Boat external self priming pump that is supposed to do about 250-300 gallons per hour... That was $40 online and at the store.... Then I had to build a power supply for the pump because it is meant to run off a 12 volt DC battery and I wanted to hooked it up to a wall... That cost me about $18....


I didnt get anything else but they had some cheap cheap stufff there!!:woot:

[Dr Joe]

Cool :thumbsup:

Yea, you have to take a copy of the internet price for them to give it to you, ours didn't like to do it awhile back but they're better about it now.

That $20 really moves some water !

Let me know how that marine pump works out...might have some plans for it.

I wish they carried everything that they have online in the stores. :headbang2

They have some diamond hole saws but not very big.

Wish they were closer (glad their not).

[X3R0X]

Cool :thumbsup:

Yea, you have to take a copy of the internet price for them to give it to you, ours didn't like to do it awhile back but they're better about it now.

That $20 really moves some water !

Let me know how that marine pump works out...might have some plans for it.

I wish they carried everything that they have online in the stores. :headbang2

They have some diamond hole saws but not very big.

Wish they were closer (glad their not).


Marine Pump is amazing!! needs about 7 amps to start the prime and it idles at 5 amps.... you need about a 100 watt power supply operating at 12 vdc!! Does well though and can build enough psi to push through a sprinkler valve....


Hmm i might have to check out those diamond hole saws!! I need one badly

[Dr Joe]

Did you just make a half wave psu / does the pump motor heat up?

Oh, Did you read the safety / instruction sheet ? (of course you did). I love these: # 1 in Assembly... Did you get the winch with it? (pump weighs 5lbs.)

# 4 in General safety..Takes all the fun out of it. :grinyes:

# 8 ...How does this make it self-priming.

Some of the others are hilarious. :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:

Can we say 'Generic' instructions... and CYA !

Glads it's working for you.

[X3R0X]

Here it is guys... Should be my final paint sketch of the system!!

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=23387 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=23387)

Did you just make a half wave psu / does the pump motor heat up?

Oh, Did you read the safety / instruction sheet ? (of course you did). I love these: # 1 in Assembly... Did you get the winch with it? (pump weighs 5lbs.)

# 4 in General safety..Takes all the fun out of it. :grinyes:

# 8 ...How does this make it self-priming.

Some of the others are hilarious. :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:

Can we say 'Generic' instructions... and CYA !

Glads it's working for you.


HAHA yea man its HARBOR FREIGHT baby I think they own every company that supplies them....

Motor doesn't heat up at all actually and it takes me 9 minutes to drain about 33 gallons.... I am more concerned about the transformer i used which is only rated to pull 3 amps.... My ghetto power supply I made does work fairly well though!! I currently have the entire system running smoothly now!! Its a few seconds off but I plan on fixing that tonight! Right now I have it working simotaneously, it sucks old water out and put's new water in at the same time... My roommate doesn't like because he thinks im sucking out a lot of the new water i am putting in.... but for One I am putting the new water into the sump first which then pumped from the sump to the tank and Two my return is on the opposite of the tank from the intake on the line to take the water out. I am guessing that about 5%-10% of the new water may be getting taken out with the old.... Let me know what you think... I will update with pictures and possibly video....

[Dr Joe]

It's great when a plan comes together. :woot: :woot:

Does it really matter if you mix even 20% fresh with old and discard it ( except for waste ) we are talking an automatic w/c system here. Besides it's probably better for the fish. I refer you to the 2 threads on water change that raged here on this forum a couple of weeks ago. Beware, if they know we're talking about water change ratio's they'll come back and bring their math with them...MATH !

Keep us posted. I'd like to know if you get the timing stable.

[Lil_Stinker]

It's great when a plan comes together. :woot: :woot:

Does it really matter if you mix even 20% fresh with old and discard it ( except for waste ) we are talking an automatic w/c system here. Besides it's probably better for the fish. I refer you to the 2 threads on water change that raged here on this forum a couple of weeks ago. Beware, if they know we're talking about water change ratio's they'll come back and bring their math with them...MATH !

Keep us posted. I'd like to know if you get the timing stable.


I promise to be good

[X3R0X]

It's great when a plan comes together. :woot: :woot:

Does it really matter if you mix even 20% fresh with old and discard it ( except for waste ) we are talking an automatic w/c system here. Besides it's probably better for the fish. I refer you to the 2 threads on water change that raged here on this forum a couple of weeks ago. Beware, if they know we're talking about water change ratio's they'll come back and bring their math with them...MATH !

Keep us posted. I'd like to know if you get the timing stable.


HAHA!! My exact thoughts!! Still no matter what percentage, new water is being added to the tank and old is being removed that is all that matters (and a better percentage is being taken out).... But actually my timing is nearly perfect!! It is a few seconds off but I realize if I have a float switch on the pump pumping new water into the sump then I can pump the water into the sump faster then the pump that is taking it out! Then all I have to do is run some time trials on how long it takes to drain the same amount of water i will be putting in! Then if I can get an average time on that it will be perfect! Then after time I can also figure out about how many gallons evaporate daily/weekly... Then when I do a water change I can shorten the length of time the drain pump is on and pump a little more new water into the sump then I am putting in and I wont have to worry about water being low in my tank :woot:

One more thing last night I incorporated a single pole switch into a surge protector to individually control a single outlet by a switch with out turning off all the other devices connected to the power strip/ surge protector!! So if you have a wet/dry with overflows you can pause the filter while you feed them without having to unlpug anything or turning everything off... :headbang2
I'll post a thread with pics and instructions soon!

[ChrisGray]

wow pretty high tech but i like it

[Dr Joe]

Most outstanding. Keep us posted. I think you've got a winner there. :thumbsup:

Oh, and the drawings great too.. :headbang2

[gRRRR]

Holy crap thats nice nice nice :D

[gRRRR]

How long does it take to do it?

[Kuda]

nice

[X3R0X]

How long does it take to do it?

Umm once you get all the parts not long at all... The hardest part is just getting the timing right! If you are really truly interested in installing the system on one of your tanks I will give you much better directions

[GoldfishCrazy11]

This is ingenious, but I've seen people try it before.

I don't think you will be able to keep fish in that tank.

I mean, what about the water conditioner? And removing waste from the substrate? You'd have to supervise every water change...

[X3R0X]

This is ingenious, but I've seen people try it before.

I don't think you will be able to keep fish in that tank.

I mean, what about the water conditioner? And removing waste from the substrate? YOu'd have to supervise every water change...


Well this system takes care of that... everytime the system is done doing a water change the fill tank fills up with new water to let it sit for however long you please.... SO whenever you can get around to it all you have to do is add some water conditioner.. You can even put a heater into the new water tank, so that when the old water is taken out and the new water is put in the new water is roughly the exact same temp as the water in the take so no fish experience a culture shock....


As for removing waste yes every month or 2 months you'll have to siphon that out if you have a normal tank with gravel... but for my tanks I have many bottom feeders and plants that help absorb the waste... I also use sand so the waste doesn't get lodge in the gravel and usually a fish swims buy it and it will get sucked up into the overflow... Or with this water changer the pipe that is used to suck out old water can be extended to the near bottom of the tank to help remove excess waste sitting on the bottom....

[JinxXx0085]

It looks like something my dad needs for his 125g! Hes lazy with WC's.

Great job with the set up! :)

[X3R0X]

thank you! I appreciate it...


I hope chompers sends those float switches soon!

[Atomdanger]

YEAH,


Thats badass...
How did you think that up?

[Dr Joe]

Isn't Chompers at that twin thing?

[X3R0X]

YEAH,


Thats badass...
How did you think that up?


I guess you can say I borrowed the idea from a user known as Chompers on this site and kind of did my own thing and modified the idea. It took a long time to get everything work right, it's pretty much a working sucess i just need a float switch or 2 and I need to build a water line and it will work out I think... I appreciate your compliment


Joe
What twin thing?

[leandrosouza]

post more photos after you finish te system

[CHOMPERS]

What twin thing?
The worlds largest twins festival in Twinsburg, Ohio. Kinda looks like this:

[CHOMPERS]

And the float switches are on their way!

Great work!!! I am really impressed that you got it this far so soon. Keep up the good work and post a pic or vid soon.

:thumbsup: :woot: :clap

[Kuda]

i was gunna say the same thing


:iagree:

[X3R0X]

And the float switches are on their way!

Great work!!! I am really impressed that you got it this far so soon. Keep up the good work and post a pic or vid soon.

:thumbsup: :woot: :clap


Haha that is a crazy festival! Hope you had a good time... I will post pics and vids soon, I am just moving in less then a week to a new apartment down the road. So once I get it set up over there I think It will look a lot nicer and I can install a water line, WOOT!! I hope those float switches get hear before I move. I guess I have to goto the post office and do that change of address thing anyways... I need to get back to work take care!

[Dr Joe]

You left your fish for that?? Good Boy!

Must have been pure H3LL !

( OK ...So twin girls like to be on top (of the pyramid) :D

[infin]

just curious, was thinking of doing a similar setup, but omit the water holding tank, can you just supply in a constant flow of water, like 1 gph on a 1/4 tubing and just have the water drain out when it overflows on a drain pipe in the sump?

[X3R0X]

just curious, was thinking of doing a similar setup, but omit the water holding tank, can you just supply in a constant flow of water, like 1 gph on a 1/4 tubing and just have the water drain out when it overflows on a drain pipe in the sump?


You can do that... but you are introducing water that has not aged nor has it been de-chlorified if it is tap water... If your water is coming off a well you should be fine, then like you said you can drill a hole in your sump and run a bulkhead through it and hook up a waste water line and water will drain naturally through when the water level gets too high...

[Dr Joe]

You just need a powerhead to mix things up.

[X3R0X]

I got my FLOAT SWITCHES!!! :headbang2

Thank you chompers...


I just finished tapping into my waterline under my sink yesterday and I will be running a garden hose out my window for a drain line! I just moved so I am trying to finish up setting the waterchanger system up before I set up my 125 gallon... Once everything is finished I will post pics guys!!

[CHOMPERS]

Welcome back. I still gotta send Dr. Joe a pair of them.

(still in a time crunch, sorry Joe. I'll see if I can get to the post office before closing time tomorrow.)

[Dr Joe]

Welcome back. I still gotta send Dr. Joe a pair of them.

(still in a time crunch, sorry Joe. I'll see if I can get to the post office before closing time tomorrow.)



Are you still letting school interfere with your real life? :grinno:

Joe

.

[CHOMPERS]

Are you still letting school interfere with your real life? :grinno:

Joe

.

It has a way of doing that. I don't know why. :nilly:

[menace83]

Looks grat too confusing for me....

[MR. ZERO]

very good idea, in theory. makin it happen must be a biotch tho

[CHOMPERS]

very good idea, in theory. makin it happen must be a biotch tho

Too late for nay-sayers;) ...It already has worked. It is really interesting if you will go through the whole thread from the beginning.

[CHOMPERS]

Looks grat too confusing for me....

Here is the original design. It is simplified a bit and has a detailed explanation of the concept. It is actually very simple if you look at the central concept only. Once you have that down, the support mechanisms are just a bunch of little extras. If you try to take it all in at once, it can be overwelming.

[Dr Joe]

Here is the original design. It is simplified a bit and has a detailed explanation of the concept. It is actually very simple if you look at the central concept only. Once you have that down, the support mechanisms are just a bunch of little extras. If you try to take it all in at once, it can be overwelming.


Did I miss a link?

[CHOMPERS]

Nope, looks like I did.

http://z4.invisionfree.com/bichir_world/index.php?showtopic=118

I just haven't mastered "copy & paste". The design is at the bottom of the post.

[X3R0X]

IT WORKS WOOT!! Fully auto I dont even have to be in my apartment! I would take pictures, but I was robbed at gunpoint in my apartment last tuesday night!!!!!!!!! they stole so much from us, inculding my roommates camera and video camera I was planning to use, to take pictures and video with............ : (


I will find one around here somewhere I promise guys.............. SOOON!!!!!!!!!

[ozz465]

IT WORKS WOOT!! Fully auto I dont even have to be in my apartment! I would take pictures, but I was robbed at gunpoint in my apartment last tuesday night!!!!!!!!! they stole so much from us, inculding my roommates camera and video camera I was planning to use, to take pictures and video with............ : (


I will find one around here somewhere I promise guys.............. SOOON!!!!!!!!!HOW WERE U ROBBED AT URE OWN PLACE???. my family had and armed intruder a few years back and we beat the crap out of him once he sw my step dads shot gun ...called the cops and sent his a@@ packing.


btw guys read this thread from post 1 and its very inetresting,

[brettrotchell]

THEY ARE RIGHT WATER CHANGER IS COOL LOOKING I HOPE YOU GET IT , BUT STAND WOULD SCARE THE S*IT OUT OF ME UNTILL YOU GET A 2X4 RUNNING ALONG THE BOTTOM .

BUT LOOKS GREAT
:headbang2

[CHOMPERS]

IT WORKS WOOT!! Fully auto I dont even have to be in my apartment! I would take pictures, but I was robbed at gunpoint in my apartment last tuesday night!!!!!!!!! they stole so much from us, inculding my roommates camera and video camera I was planning to use, to take pictures and video with............ : (


I will find one around here somewhere I promise guys.............. SOOON!!!!!!!!!

WOW :eek: Sorry to hear that. Just as long as you guys are ok; stuff can be replaced.







and skulls can be cracked later.

[mac]

good job

That stand is dangerous

[zookeeper]

This is why I surf the net .Great post!

[finsandfangs]

that stand gives me a sick feeling

[X3R0X]

My stand is very safe...Just to let everyone know

[thing124]

your stand is 100% safe from my carpentry experience it is def. not going anywhere, notice how the ends off the legs butt up completly square to another 2x4 just below the tank, its def not moving anywhere. but back on topic that water change system looks brilliant i was thinking of doing something similar to my 225 that im almost done building, and how does the mag 5 move water? i got a mag 1200 for christmas and im not too sure if its going to move enough water for me in my 225