Drip system check list and install...please review...

[flamenco-t]

Okay,

I am doing drip system in my tank. Please critique my setup plan..

FEED:

Water Source - Faucet from cold water source. I choose faucet to give me the ability to control how much water pressure I need and in the event I need to shut off the whole system.

Carbon filtration.

120V Closed Continous Duty Solenoid. The solenoid will close in the event of a power loss. When it's not powered through the electric socket, the drip stops.

Drip Emitter

RETURN:

FLoat switch and mini pump, once the level in the sump goes over the level intended, it will power a small pump to pump water out of the sump to the drain.


Anything that you would add to make it fool proof system ? My biggest concern is power outages...My sump can handle a little over 20 gallon of overflow in full capacity which is about 1 gph drip emiter in 24 hours..

stan

 

[tunerX]

I would add a second pump and float as a fail safe, but tie it into same drain.

The Solenoid should receive power from the same circuit that runs the ejection pump(s). I think you mentioned that but, just want to add that part as well. Also with drip emitters you may have to use a pressure regulator... this depends solely on the input pressure and the specs of the emitter.

 

[flamenco-t]

I would add a second pump and float as a fail safe, but tie it into same drain.

The Solenoid should receive power from the same circuit that runs the ejection pump(s). I think you mentioned that but, just want to add that part as well. Also with drip emitters you may have to use a pressure regulator... this depends solely on the input pressure and the specs of the emitter.

I like the idea of second pump and float swtich..

Yes, the solenoid will be powered from the same source as the pump

I am going to home depot to check out the drip emitter...

thanks

 

[jdepasqu2]

keep us informed.... I will be doing this in the near future.....

 

[LiquidWare]

Since your talking about a 'small' pump, probably means that you dont have a lot of head to reach you drain ... Why not just put the Drip emitter on the pump to 'remove' 1 Gph from your sump and use a Float valve to maintain your level in the sump. So in the event of a power outtage no problems, the water level will not rise higher that the float valve and the sump will not drain itself out.
I use a system like that on my aquariums, and in the event of pump/power failiure you dont have any floods.

 

[hmt321]

You are going to need a psi regulator, they sell the drip emitter's and a 25 psi regulator at SLOWE'S for about $3.00

 

[rallysman]

Make sure to elevate the drain pump above the main pumps so it doesn't drain the system if the float valve sticks. (speaking from first hand experience lol)

Other than when my float switch got stuck by an object in the tank, the system has worked flawlessly. When power fails and comes back on, the small pump removes a very little amount of water before the main pumps get the system back to "normal" heights.

 

[flamenco-t]

Since your talking about a 'small' pump, probably means that you dont have a lot of head to reach you drain ... Why not just put the Drip emitter on the pump to 'remove' 1 Gph from your sump and use a Float valve to maintain your level in the sump. So in the event of a power outtage no problems, the water level will not rise higher that the float valve and the sump will not drain itself out.
I use a system like that on my aquariums, and in the event of pump/power failiure you dont have any floods.

The pump does have to bring water up about a foot and about 4 feet horiontally the the bathroom sink. I was planning on using a maxi jet 900 ish..

Rallysman,

Yes, thought about that. I am planning on putting the drain pump on a rack made out of egg crate and zip ties about 4-5" above the bottom of the sump.

 

[fishdance]

I use a slightly different system which is much easier and simpler. Low tech means less can go wrong IMO.

Add an overflow to the drain from your system. (either from the tank or sump but think of this as one single unit). Thats all you need. Low water pressure drips and any extra water dripped in will displace water out. Actually I dont use a carbon filter either on the systems where I change less than 20% weekly.

If there is a power failure the water level simply drops in the sump but is gradually filled by the constant drip. I dont get really cold winters but I would imagine it would still be days of drippng before your water temperature dropped dangerously.