Rodi top off
- Thread starter basscyn
- Start date
- Messages
- 3,454
- Reaction score
- 0
Not yet. I'm setting my top off water container to be controlled by my RKL via an electronic solenoid in front of the RO/DI unit. I just received the solenoid this week, but I've already run the lines for the RO/DI behind the dishwasher, fridge, through a wall, and behind my tank. I've got a new 5 gallon bucket that is clear/white with measurements on the side in 1/2 gallon incriments. It takes 45min to fill from the 1 gallon mark to the 4.5 gallon mark, which is about 3 days of top off water. I'm going to have the solenoid turn on every 3 days for an hour with one float switch set at the level of the 4.5 gallon mark and another in the lid for backup. This is the same general setup I have in the sump run by an Aqualifter from the 5gallon bucket. Whew, that was a mouthful.
I don't know that I'd run straight from the RO/DI to the tank. If my solenoid sticks for whatever reason, I'll have wet floors when it overflows (I'm having it set to turn off about 10min after I wake up so when I'm getting breakfast I'll notice it if it's overflowing), but if it sticks going directly to the sump, you'll overflow, and you'll start lowering your salinity.
I don't know that I'd run straight from the RO/DI to the tank. If my solenoid sticks for whatever reason, I'll have wet floors when it overflows (I'm having it set to turn off about 10min after I wake up so when I'm getting breakfast I'll notice it if it's overflowing), but if it sticks going directly to the sump, you'll overflow, and you'll start lowering your salinity.
Hmm....thats a good idea too. I may look at something like that too. But I kind of wanted to automate this a bit more and eliminate the top of container all together and try to top off directly from the RODI. But I like what your doing.
I found these on eBay. But they me me a little nervous.
http://cgi.ebay.com/RO-DI-FLOAT-VALVE-LEVEL-LOCK-AQUARIUM-TOP-OFF-SYSTEM_W0QQitemZ250452859475QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a50275a53&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50">http://cgi.ebay.com/RO-DI-FLOAT-VALVE-LEVEL-LOCK-AQUARIUM-TOP-OFF-SYSTEM_W0QQitemZ250452859475QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a50275a53&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50</a>
[IMG]http://cgi.ebay.com/RO-DI-TOTAL-REEF-AUTO-TOP-OFF-KIT-W-ALL-PLASTIC-FLOAT_W0QQitemZ260301322895QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3c9b2afa8f&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116">http://cgi.ebay.com/RO-DI-TOTAL-REEF-AUTO-TOP-OFF-KIT-W-ALL-PLASTIC-FLOAT_W0QQitemZ260301322895QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3c9b2afa8f&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116</a>
I found these on eBay. But they me me a little nervous.
http://cgi.ebay.com/RO-DI-FLOAT-VALVE-LEVEL-LOCK-AQUARIUM-TOP-OFF-SYSTEM_W0QQitemZ250452859475QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a50275a53&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50">http://cgi.ebay.com/RO-DI-FLOAT-VALVE-LEVEL-LOCK-AQUARIUM-TOP-OFF-SYSTEM_W0QQitemZ250452859475QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a50275a53&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50</a>
[IMG]http://cgi.ebay.com/RO-DI-TOTAL-REEF-AUTO-TOP-OFF-KIT-W-ALL-PLASTIC-FLOAT_W0QQitemZ260301322895QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3c9b2afa8f&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116">http://cgi.ebay.com/RO-DI-TOTAL-REEF-AUTO-TOP-OFF-KIT-W-ALL-PLASTIC-FLOAT_W0QQitemZ260301322895QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3c9b2afa8f&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116</a>
- Messages
- 3,454
- Reaction score
- 0
I got my float switches from fleBay, but they were only $4 a piece from China. I hooked them to my RKL with a switch kit and I'm set.
Look into this.
http://www.autotopoff.com/products/">http://www.autotopoff.com/products/</a>
A dual float sump mount setup, and they even have the solenoids for $34. I got mine for $19 from eBay for a 120v, but already had the quick connect fittings, so it may cost extra. Run that top off unit controlling a solenoid in front of the RO/DI, and you're set. Mine runs for about 10 seconds after the solenoid shuts off, I guess because of internal pressure, but never enough to make a difference.
Look into this.
http://www.autotopoff.com/products/">http://www.autotopoff.com/products/</a>
A dual float sump mount setup, and they even have the solenoids for $34. I got mine for $19 from eBay for a 120v, but already had the quick connect fittings, so it may cost extra. Run that top off unit controlling a solenoid in front of the RO/DI, and you're set. Mine runs for about 10 seconds after the solenoid shuts off, I guess because of internal pressure, but never enough to make a difference.
- Messages
- 3,454
- Reaction score
- 0
Oh, and if you want to try one of those float valves, I can bring you one. Mine is from Kent, and they join 2 pieces of plastic. Well eventually water got in, the float stayed down, and it dumped in a whole gallon of freshwater (I was using a 1 gallon jug at that point, so it wasn't too much, and it has to be above the sump for gravity feeding)
Hmm...well, after doing a bit more research, seems it may be asking for trouble to top off directly from the RODI. I have a set up now for my 75 with a float switch and a 13 gallon trash can. I was hoping to avoid another container for top off for this larger tank. I would like to store a weeks worth of water. I will need a Brute size container.
I will start looking for creative water storage
I will start looking for creative water storage
- Messages
- 3,454
- Reaction score
- 0
How much do you evap? 13 gallons should easily be a week's worth of water.
I do. Been using this float valve from Bulk Reef Supply. For years I plumbed directly from the RO/DI to the sump using a simple Kent Marine Float Valve with no problems. I like the extra security of this unit.
http://http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Auto-Top-Off-Systems/c72/p691/Level-Loc-auto-top-off-unit-for-RO-systems-(With-Timer)/product_info.html">http://http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Auto-Top-Off-Systems/c72/p691/Level-Loc-auto-top-off-unit-for-RO-systems-(With-Timer)/product_info.html</a>
That being said, I'm in the process of adding a holding tank as the RO/DI will operate better filling a whole tank rather than intermitant drips. Also want to drip Kalk.
http://http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Auto-Top-Off-Systems/c72/p691/Level-Loc-auto-top-off-unit-for-RO-systems-(With-Timer)/product_info.html">http://http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Auto-Top-Off-Systems/c72/p691/Level-Loc-auto-top-off-unit-for-RO-systems-(With-Timer)/product_info.html</a>
That being said, I'm in the process of adding a holding tank as the RO/DI will operate better filling a whole tank rather than intermitant drips. Also want to drip Kalk.
Yep..13 gallons is a weeks worth for my 75. But this 175 is going to have halide lighting and I plan on cranking up some fans and cool by evaparation. I am guessing a 32 gallon brute would be in order. I could really use a space conscious alternative. So...I am exploring this option.
- Messages
- 3,454
- Reaction score
- 0
What about having one of the local tank makers build you a glass tank that is tall and around 40 gallons?
- Messages
- 591
- Reaction score
- 0
A fair number of people have tried that before with disastrous results.
I have used this from Bulk reef supply for a while with an aqualifter and it is awesome..low voltage with two level sensors one for on/off and a seperate for redundancy....haven't needed it yet. Also the aqualifter is great as it adds throughout the day in small increments.
Around $50 total...awesome deal IMO.
Around $50 total...awesome deal IMO.
- Messages
- 3,454
- Reaction score
- 0
Are you planning to automate your tank with a Reefkeeper or Aquacontroller? All you'd need is some float switches and an Aqualifter for top off.
One concern other than possible overtopping would be potential water RO/DI quality each time at startup. When I run my unit every couple days, for the first minute or so it has some TDS reading. It'll start at like 15 and dip to 0 after it runs a minute. I thought it was filters the first time but it does the same after filter/membrane changes. If it runs several times daily, this may not occur though.
