Need some help setting up new (used) RO

DrHarryLopez

One Happy Reefer
Need some help setting up new (used) RO
First I need some plumbing fitting help to connect my RO hose to:
faucetinxraydevroom.jpg


I see that i'll have to shut off the water and unscrew the valve, but what is available out there to put in its place that I can connect my RO and use the same valve? Does this make sense?
 
Go to the garden section in Home Depot, the isle with the sprinkler fitting and look for a 2way brass garden hose adapter(looks like Y and also has 2 small black valves to open and close each side).Now your ro unit should have an adapter to connect to either side of the Y adapter. If not, then goto the plumbing section and ALSO get the adapter for an ro unit to garden hose. Should cost no more than $10.00 bucks for both pieces.
 
Go to the garden section in Home Depot, the isle with the sprinkler fitting and look for a 2way brass garden hose adapter(looks like Y and also has 2 small black valves to open and close each side).Now your ro unit should have an adapter to connect to either side of the Y adapter. If not, then goto the plumbing section and ALSO get the adapter for an ro unit to garden hose. Should cost no more than $10.00 bucks for both pieces.

That's all correct, but if you want to, I can walk you through hooking up a doorbell transformer and low voltage sprinkler valve with a float switch to make your RO/DI an auto top off as well as an RO/DI.
 
That's all correct, but if you want to, I can walk you through hooking up a doorbell transformer and low voltage sprinkler valve with a float switch to make your RO/DI an auto top off as well as an RO/DI.

Now thats fancy! I'd like to make RO/DI an auto top off as well! If you have a supplies list I can pick it all up in the next week or so.
 
You'll need the low voltage sprinkler valve. There are several on the market, available at Home Depot, Lowes or any decent hardware store or sprinkler specialty shop. Probably least expensive at Depot or Lowes, and should be around $20.00. The one I have is made by a company called "Water Master" and would screw conveniently right on to the hose bib you posted above. There is a commonly available hose bib to 1/4" RO/DI hose adapter that may have come with your RO/DI, if not, Depot sells adapters to get you to the right size.
You'll also need a doorbell transformer available also at any home center or hardware store. The toughest thing to get is the float switch from Grainger. They tend to not want to do business with anyone that doesn't have a business account with them, but I have walked in off the street and bought stuff, you just have to be nice to them ;)
Here's the switch:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/MADISON-Switch-2A554
You'll want to build a PVC capsule for the switch to live in so that critters can't mess with it (if a snail were to sit on that switch, it would remain in the "on" position until the snail left. That could be MANY gallons of RO/DI water added to your system causing overflows, and salinity dillution).
Here's where I got the idea/plan for the switch protector:
http://www.hawkfish.org/snailman/diytofloat.htm.
Wiring is pretty simple. The sprinkler valve is grounded to the cold water pipe, and the transformer is connected to 120V house current. The low voltage from the transformer goes to the float switch, and then the switched leg goes to the sprinkler valve. You set the switch in your sump at the level you want to maintain, and when the water level drops, the switch sends current to the sprinkler valve which opens, and feeds your RO/DI with "dirty" water to purify.
 
It doesn't cost much, and mine has been working for at least 5 or 6 years. There is a downside though. It's best to discard the first 1/2 gallon or so of RO/DI water each time you start your unit. That water will tend to be less clean than what your unit will put out after that. This means that each time your auto top off kicks on, you're gettinng something less than pristine water to start out. On a system of 500 + gallons, I don't think that's a concern. In a 3 gallon pico, I think it's a major concern.
 
Went to a HD in Brooklyn

Went to a HD in Brooklyn

They didnt have the Orbit 150 psi Automatic Inline Valve. I guess I have to go to lowes
a7772082-76cc-4218-8e07-2d870dd6e83d_300.jpg


I have a Liquid Level Switch, Poly Float
Switch-2A554_AS01.JPG


Now I guess i have to make a Top Off Float Switch fixture
FloatSwitchAssembly.jpg


Progress in the making....,
 
One more thing, Doc. The switch housing in the picture is made of 1" PVC. I did that at first, but the switch would rub in the inside of the capsule and that caused my top off to add water long after it should have stopped. Making the housing or capsule out of 2" PVC solved that issue.
Also, I found that running the wires through a rigid piece of plastic tube helps with adjustments.
 
Out of curiosity... about how much is this costing you? If its in my budget.. I think I'd like to make one as well...
 
ok, so far
installed is the RO system
75/day RO bought from a fellow reefer $75
1/4 in. x 20 ft. PVC Tubing $3 X 2 = $6
various fittings $10
 
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