Automatic water changer

[epicentyr]

I'm not saying this is the best or only way to do this... But it is pretty darn easy.

1. setup an auto topoff:

A) Float switch / pump solution. (GOOD)
http://autotopoff.com/products.html
This will require a very large reservoir of water

B) Float Valve with water line (BEST) (3rd item down)
http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/showproducts.asp?Sub=109&showspecials=109
Hook this up to a cold water line with a saddle valve like you would do with a refrigerator or water filter.

2. Setup an auto dump.

Plumb this into the return line from your filter or sump then run discharge to a drain.
http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-Yard-Wa...5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1205957752&sr=8-5


3. Set the timer on the waste valve for the appropriate time per day for your tank. and the auto topoff will refill the tank to the appropriate level.


*notes - I have a valve and fitting to hook my gravel vac to the same drain line after the valve. once i have the siphon started it uses the same drain line and then the auto topoff refills the tank.

Take the filter screen out of the dump valve or it will get clogged.

 

[Dr Joe]

How about a diagram and any pix of your setup?

Where is 'B' used?

How are you treating / heating the top off water?

Obviously you didn't read the review of the solenoid valves http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-Yard-Wa...5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1205957752&sr=8-5

Other than the above problems (enough not to use them) will these start to leak like sprinkler valves?

I don't see a spec, on the float valve...will they hold 60+psi?

Have you studied the others on here?

Dr Joe

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[epicentyr]

Haha yeah the reviews suck and I have had 2 fail on me in the past 4 years. they replace the units for free no problem. The float switch is holding about 78psi in my situatuion. I will try to get some pics up later. I am leaving for a week so it may not be for a while.

 

[Dr Joe]

How do they fail?

Is 78psi your mains pressure?

Have you considered a regulator? (probably)

Dr Joe

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[epicentyr]

78 is my mains pressure. I need that for my RO/DI for my reef. The float valves do not fail just the Sprinkler valves. I was using the sprinkler valves to hold back a boosted 90psi line for the misters on my poison dart frog tank. They fail b/c I had to tighten them very tight to prevent leaks. They would crack between the metal and plastic connection. I think under this type of pressure <10 psi there will not be a need to tighten them to the point of cracking ( hand tighten will probably be fine.)