DIY auto top off?
- Thread starter The J Man
- Start date
preef
New member
Do you have a sump? If so you can use a float valve gravity fed with a reservoir. Extremely inexpensive and works well.
When I took these pics I had to manually fill the reservoir. Now I fill the reservoir automatically with RODI with my controller and electric float valves. The reason I fill the reservoir rather than the sump directly is to minimize TDS creep. The first water out of an RO filter is not pure and constant cycling on and off will reduce membrane and DI resin life. Hopefully this setup extends that life.
When I took these pics I had to manually fill the reservoir. Now I fill the reservoir automatically with RODI with my controller and electric float valves. The reason I fill the reservoir rather than the sump directly is to minimize TDS creep. The first water out of an RO filter is not pure and constant cycling on and off will reduce membrane and DI resin life. Hopefully this setup extends that life.
The J Man
New member
Going to be building one and attempting to figure out what is going to work best. Thanks for the pictures and explanations, I'm sure they will come in handy
preef
New member
http://www.marinedepot.com/Kent_Marine_Float_Valve_Only_Black_ABS_Float_Valves_Controllers_for_RO_DI_Water_Filter_Systems-Kent_Marine-KM1675-FIRORAFV-vi.html
Coralife has a similar one. I don't remember which one is in my sump.
Just a warning. I did have one of these fail in my RODI reservoir in my basement. The float got some water in it because of the way the RODI water was flowing across it. The float isn't a solid one piece float but has a seam. Coralife and Kent are constructed the same way. It doesn't appear to be an issue in my sump because the top off water trickles in so slowly and doesn't flow across the float.
I switched to this float valve now in my RO reservoir in my basement. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/adjustable-float-valve-for-reverse-osmosis-systems.html The float is a one piece design but since it uses a metal wing nut I haven't switched to this in my sump.
Coralife has a similar one. I don't remember which one is in my sump.
Just a warning. I did have one of these fail in my RODI reservoir in my basement. The float got some water in it because of the way the RODI water was flowing across it. The float isn't a solid one piece float but has a seam. Coralife and Kent are constructed the same way. It doesn't appear to be an issue in my sump because the top off water trickles in so slowly and doesn't flow across the float.
I switched to this float valve now in my RO reservoir in my basement. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/adjustable-float-valve-for-reverse-osmosis-systems.html The float is a one piece design but since it uses a metal wing nut I haven't switched to this in my sump.
The J Man
New member
I/we(the lady has her tanks too!) have the coralife for our RO/DI setup. So far, no issues. Found em at our LFS, but i'm sure any online retailer will have em too.
mcgyvr
New member
For ATO you basically have 3 options.
#1-Mechanical float valve.. (a float that when it lowers opens the included valve up to allow water to flow from it).
#2-Float Switch. (An electronic float that when it lowers energizes a relay to turn on a pump to pump water in) This float might also simply energize a solenoid to open up to allow water flow (no need for a pump if your water source is either higher than the tank or pressurized). The good ones use a dual switch setup in case the first fails (and they do/can)
#3-Gravity ATO. (vacuum ATO). A sealed container for water that has 2 tubes coming from it and is placed higher than the tank (a sensing tube and a fill tube). One tube end is set at the desired water level (sensing tube.. when it is under the water no air can flow into the sealed container so no water will flow out the fill tube) When the sensing tube end is out of the water air will flow through it into the sealed container allowing water to flow into the tank through the fill tube.
There are pro's and cons of each.. Its up to you and your setup to determine what is best for you.
#1-Mechanical float valve.. (a float that when it lowers opens the included valve up to allow water to flow from it).
#2-Float Switch. (An electronic float that when it lowers energizes a relay to turn on a pump to pump water in) This float might also simply energize a solenoid to open up to allow water flow (no need for a pump if your water source is either higher than the tank or pressurized). The good ones use a dual switch setup in case the first fails (and they do/can)
#3-Gravity ATO. (vacuum ATO). A sealed container for water that has 2 tubes coming from it and is placed higher than the tank (a sensing tube and a fill tube). One tube end is set at the desired water level (sensing tube.. when it is under the water no air can flow into the sealed container so no water will flow out the fill tube) When the sensing tube end is out of the water air will flow through it into the sealed container allowing water to flow into the tank through the fill tube.
There are pro's and cons of each.. Its up to you and your setup to determine what is best for you.
