RO/DI Auto-Top off Questions?

[eakatank]

I'm planning on setting up an RO/DI unit for top-off and need a little clarification on what exactly I need. I will be running the plumbing off of the washer line, up through the floor and into my sump. This is what i have so far:

1. Filter Guys: OCEAN REEF + 1 FIVE STAGE 75 GPD RO/DI

2. AutoTopoff.com's Double Switch Controller

3. AutoTopoff.com's 2 Solenoid Inline Valves w/ power adapter

4. AutoTopoff's Snail Guard

5. Tubing/Plumging attachments: What is the standard size? 1/4" OD?

As I understand it the float switch will activate the solenoids to allow flow from the RO/DI unit through the solenoid and into the sump. Is this accurate? Or do I need a controller to operate the solenoid. Forgive me...I have never worked with RO/DI units before and am still trying to get the big picture.

[AQTCJAK]

Looks like a good system. There are systems out there that require no power I use them all the time with out any issues

[Scouter Steve]

I would advise not having the RO/DI plumbed directly to the tank or sump. Many problems with that. 1) failure of a float letting endless fresh water into your system 2)short cycle of RO/DI causing tds creep. (first bit of water from RO/DI is not as clean as it should be. I suggest filling a resevoir and fill from there. I use a 32 gallon brute garbage can for my system.
PS I have the same filter it works great.

[AQTCJAK]

If there is an auto shut off this doesnt happen

[eakatank]

What is an auto shut off? What's the difference between that and using a float switch?

Won't running dual float switches and dual solenoids significantly reduce my chances of a fresh water flood? I wasn't aware of TDS creep but it is good to know.

My goal is to simplify the top-off process. I will also be adding a Kalkwasser reactor at some point to this system.

[AQTCJAK]

auto shut of switch it mechanical it relys on pressure as the switch relys on electricity

[eakatank]

Do you have a recommendation/link for the mechanical auto shut off switches? Is the setup similar to a solenoid? How much risk is there running it directly into the sump or a kalk reactor in the sump? I will take whatever precautions are necessary as long as I know about them.

[AQTCJAK]

This is the model I use I have for 5 years now no issues what so ever

Filter Direct Online Store (C)

[framerguy]

I'd like to take the opportunity to say DON'T HOOK THE RO/DI TO YOUR TOP OFF TANK! Hook the RO/DI to a resevoir how ever large you like, use an ATO to fill it but have an emergency overflow above the level of the sensor plumbed into your drain system as a backup for WHEN the float sensor fails. Have a seperate ATO resevoir for the MT that you fill with either buckets, a plumbed line with a valve you open by hand, whatever you like but have a FINITE amount of water that won't overload your system with FW in case of a malfuntion. It's not that much trouble to fill the ATO resevoir once or twice a week. There, that's my two cents on that!

[eakatank]

OK. So it’s recommended to fill a reservoir first and then use a float switch/ATO to move the water into the sump? Even if I install an overflow drain into the sump, how does this prevent flooding the tank with fresh water? Or are we just preventing a flood of the entire house? Are you suggesting using a small reservoir(2-3 days of evaporated water)?

If this is the case I guess I need to know the best way to slowly move water vertically 13’ out of the reservoir and into the sump. What sort of pumps can handle the head pressure and cycling off/on?

I am still having trouble understanding the mechanical ATO. Can I still use a Float switch from AutoTopoff.com, or does a mechanical ATO require a mechanical switch?

Please forgive my noobescence

[tbittner]

I really like Sequence pumps but they are probably a BIT large for that. I also use Rio 32 HF for pumping up 14'. I guess I'm getting probably around 400 gph with that pump at that height. I use it for top offs but I don't have it on automatic. I flip a switch beside the tank and it turns the pump on downstairs.