Inexpensive 0PSI Solenoid Valves...anyone use them?

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M

matseski

Gambusia
MFK Member
Mar 30, 2014
107
12
18
United States
Looking at these valves:
http://stores.ebay.com/valves4proje...345290719&_sid=29363009&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

Anyone use any of the inexpensive gravity fed solenoid valves for a long enough time to evaluate their reliability? The valve will be for freshwater systems.

I just cannot afford the name brand ones that cost hundreds of dollars per valve. I would like to purchase a few dozen for an auto water change system on a rack i'm planning.
 
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They look pretty handy for draining an aquarium, but that's about it. Also, 1/2" is a bit small for draining, but it will work.
 
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The largest tanks will be about 30g, the rack is for raising fry and isolating the breeding pair. I figure, the 1/2" valve (the opening is 3/8") will drain/fill about 1.5gpm. Assuming no pressure (low end estimate), a 30% water change on a 30g would take 12min. Best part is it could happen while I'm sleeping or on vacation...that is if these vales are reasonably reliable....

I may consider a mechanical float valve for the inlet side. they are a little more expensive, but may be less prone to getting stuck.
 
I think you're not h right track. Just remember to upsize your drain tubes after the valve. I screwed up and ran all drains into 1/2" pipe and my flow is severely restricted.
 
matseski said:
Looking at these valves:.
Click to expand...

If you try these, post your experience, good or bad. I'd be really interested.

I drain my tanks manually with PVC Ball valves. I have a bulkhead roughly 1/3 down the side of the tank so I can open the valve and walk away with no fear.
Then I use a sprinkler valve system to fill the tanks.. but then I had to buy a miniDos to inject dechlorinator.. Those are pricey.. I think it was $270, but honestly it was the best money I ever spent on this hobby, because now I can drain tanks and set the sprinkler controller to fill them all up.
I have overflow valves on the tanks, just in case.. but this saves so much time.. Water changes are now a background task instead of an all weekend chore.

I know the miniDos seems expensive, but just investigage.. your ebay valves are about $13 each..
You say you need a few dozen.. I take that to mean about 30.. so for the same price, you can buy a minidos and not need a reservior to store water, no manually mixing decholrinator, etc.
Not trying to give you the hard sell, but something to think about. You'd need to buy a few sprinkler valves too, but you can make a "tree" off them and have valves so one sprinkler valve can serve several racks to save money . You just open the right ball value before having the sprinkler timer refill it. Anyhow, some nice threads on the miniDos here.. if you have questions, let me know.
I agonized and researched forever on a good water change system, and I am so glad I went this route.
 
If you look at the effective opening of the valve(the smallest hole) it looks around 1/4". I have 15 years of industrial plumbing experience and I wouldn't use that size, or design.
 
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The best style for full flow is a full port ball valve. They make solenoid valves in this style.
 
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