RO/DI-kalk reactor auto top off plans. what do ya think?

[prow]

hello everyone

i am getting ready to setup my auto topoff system. i am thinking of running the RO/DI unit to a 5gal~ish storage tank, placed on the ground, using a regular float valve for control topping it off. then use a aqualifter pump to pump from teh 5gal tank to another storage tank 10gal~ish (feeding tube from pump above water line in 10gal storage tank, to prevent a back syphon). the 10gal will be raised above the 5gal so no gravity syphon feeding goes on. i will be using a dual float sensor level controller to regulate the pump and control the level in the 10gal. then run a line from the 10gal to gravity feed the kalk reactor. the kalk reactor will then top off the tank.

now that leads me to what i am not sure about yet. that would be the top off setup for my tank. i am thinking maybe just go with a float valve and leave it to gravity. but then again i hate having to keep it cleaned so it dosent clog(due to kalk build up). so i am thinking maybe go with another dual float sensor level controller and aqualifter pump. if i do that though i may been to drip it in the main tank or overflows, or another way i have yet think of, ideas?????????

here is a wannabe diag of what i am planning, up until the actual tank in the attachment.

[Dentoid]

It looks ambitious and I give you credit for that. On the other hand it also looks complicated and that means a lot of places for things to go wrong.

[Scouter Steve]

Eliminate your first reservoir and manually control filling of the 10 gallon. You do not want a failure where RO/DI can be an infinite source of fresh water. I would suggest a periastalic (sp) pump through your kalk reactor on a float switch.

[prow]

its sound more complicated than it is, i think.

na dont want to do it manual sytle. why not have an infinite source? is that why you said ditch the first reservoir?

good call on the pump. the Aqua Medic Dosing Pump SP 3000 (Niveaumat) & Reefdoser looks like the perfect setup.
here is the link; Aqua Medic Dosing Pumps - SP 3000 (Niveaumat) & Reefdoser
should be able to use this on the kalk reactor, then i think i will be set

[Scouter Steve]

I said eliminate the first tank cause it doesn't make sense to me! A tank(container) to fill a container? Just route your RO/DI to what you show as your second container. You wouldn't have to fill that tank manually per se, Put a float valve there from your RO/DI and have an inline shut off. Open the valve when your reservoir gets low and shut it off a few hours later...just don't forget! You want your RO/DI to run longer times anyhow. Quick on/off just builds up TDS creep.

[Scouter Steve]

Forgot to add: the pump you have refered to (sp3) is the same pump I use. It is OK but get a supply of the hoses for it. They last for me 5-6 months.

[Reefwerks]

I would ditch the first container. Put a latching controller on the second connect directly to the rodi via a solenoid with a float valve as a failsafe back up. Then use an aqualifter/ato to pump the water to and through the kalk reactor. Simple and reliable.

I cant really recommend the aquamedic peristaltic pumps due to the many failure Ive had over the years. I really dislike the aquamedic ato with only one float switch and the low voltage version of the sp3000. Just plain a poor overall design.

Don

[prow]

Scouter Steve, that is reason for the two storage tanks, so the RO/DI will produce gallons of water at a time, but still be automated. i will be adding one ball valve to every line going into something. the only reason i dont do it like you said, is only because i know me and i will forget to turn the valve and run things dry. plus i leave town for weeks at a time with little to no warning.

reefwerks, i love that idea. great suggestion. i think that is exactly how i will do it. i did not even think about a solenoid, now that will work thanks

what do you guys think about spectras solenoid atuotop off setup here Untitled Document

[Reefwerks]

Originally Posted by prow

reefwerks, i love that idea. great suggestion. i think that is exactly how i will do it. i did not even think about a solenoid, now that will work thanks

what do you guys think about spectras solenoid atuotop off setup here Untitled Document

Other than being over priced I'm sure its fine. If your container used a latching controller it would allow even more run time which is better for your membrane. A latch will allow the container to almost completly drain prior to refilling.

Don

[prow]

yeah Don, i will around some. that was just a quick search so i know i am looking at/thinking about the right thing.

so basically i will be doing what both of you suggest and ditch the first storage tank(get a bigger second one, now the first). then just add a latch controller for RO/DI regulation. and as bounus instead of buying a peristaltic pump i will just go with the aqualifter for the kalkreactor/tank topoff.

sweet, i have a plan now what ........................hehehe

thanks for helping out, i think you guys morphed my idea into a solid setup thanks again

[bertmauricio]

Originally Posted by prow

yeah Don, i will around some. that was just a quick search so i know i am looking at/thinking about the right thing.

so basically i will be doing what both of you suggest and ditch the first storage tank(get a bigger second one, now the first). then just add a latch controller for RO/DI regulation. and as bounus instead of buying a peristaltic pump i will just go with the aqualifter for the kalkreactor/tank topoff.

sweet, i have a plan now what ........................hehehe

thanks for helping out, i think you guys morphed my idea into a solid setup thanks again

Prow,

How did your ATO system workout? This is the exact same plan I designed but haven't had a chance to implement yet. My question was whether the Aqualifter was enough to pump the RO water through the kalk reactor then into the sump.

[Disciple882542]

Originally Posted by Reefwerks

I would ditch the first container. Put a latching controller on the second connect directly to the rodi via a solenoid with a float valve as a failsafe back up. Then use an aqualifter/ato to pump the water to and through the kalk reactor. Simple and reliable.

I cant really recommend the aquamedic peristaltic pumps due to the many failure Ive had over the years. I really dislike the aquamedic ato with only one float switch and the low voltage version of the sp3000. Just plain a poor overall design.

Don

^amen to the latching function and solenoid.

I have a dual switch controller hooked up to an aqualifter pumping into my kalk reactor as well. Works just fine!! You may want to put a check valve between the aqualifter and kalk reactor so the kalk doesn't get to your pump/resevoir.

God bless,
Chris

[bertmauricio]

Originally Posted by Disciple882542

^amen to the latching function and solenoid.

I have a dual switch controller hooked up to an aqualifter pumping into my kalk reactor as well. Works just fine!! You may want to put a check valve between the aqualifter and kalk reactor so the kalk doesn't get to your pump/resevoir.

God bless,
Chris

Chris,

Thanks for the tip, I was thinking about a check valve. One thing I haven't really thought about is the back-siphon effect but the valve should solve any concerns. Can RO tubing be used safely on the aqualifter without worrying about them popping loose?

[Disciple882542]

Yes, the 1/4" RO tubing works fine on the aqualifter. You can either use 1/4" RO tubing or the cheap 1/4" inside diameter tubing from home depot/lowes.

I think I purchased the check valve from the filter guys...they cut me a deal on shipping as well so check them out.

[Disciple882542]

OOPS!! That's 1/4" OUTSIDE diameter line from home depot/lowes...