Need some unusual RO unit help

[fishguy306]

I'm fairly new to RO units but I think I have the general idea of them and how to set it up. That said I have an unusual situation I'm hoping someone might be able to help me solve.

I bought a BRS 150 GPD unit, I plan to split the clean water line and go to two destinations with it, one is a storage tank, the other is a drip into a FW system. The RO unit came with the shut off for the waste water, so if I were just doing the storage tank with a float that would be solved. Problem is, I don't want to drip a full 150 gal a day into the FW system. Ideally it would be about 50 gal a day. I could use a drip emitter, however the RO unit would still produce 300 gal of waste water a day in that case.

So it seems my next best option is a solenoid, I was really hoping to find one with the same 1/4" ptc fittings, but I've struck out. Looks like I'd have to go with a threaded one and I'm just not sure that is worth dealing with.

So last option is a dosing pump, pull water from the storage tank for set amounts of time per day. Not my favorite idea, but I don't see why it wouldn't work.

That said there are a lot of very smart people here, maybe I'm missing a method?

 

[Opus123]

How is the FW system setup? Could you setup a float switch on it?

 

[fishguy306]

FW system is set up with a drain in the sump, so water is constantly flowing out as it is dripped in.

So a float would difficult to implement as water level is always consistent.

 

[outy]

You need an ATO on each place you want water to go. Its the only way to prevent flooding with reliability

 

[fishguy306]

No real way for the FW system to overflow. If it didn't have a 2" drain drilled into the sump I would agree. I've been running a drip for a while on the FW system, however it just went through a sediment and carbon filters. After contaminants impacting my rays health I decided I wanted to go RO and make the water how I want it rather than be at water company mercy.

I think I have solved my issue however. Storage tank is already solved, FW system I discovered that there is a 1/4" solenoid made for Apex that can be used with their modules. They also make a power supply so it can be plugged in. I'll just set a timer on the solenoid so it is open around 8 hours a day, probably a couple hours at a time throughout the day. Once closed as long as the storage tank is full it'll shut off the RO completely.

 

[VoltzNSalt]

FW system I discovered that there is a 1/4" solenoid made for Apex that can be used with their modules.

I got a 1/4" barbed solenoid from Graingers for use in between my saddle valve on the supply line to my RODI booster pump. It's 110v ac however. I have it and my booster pump plugged into a dual outlet adapter which is plugged into a WeMo smart outlet which is plugged into a power strip. I can set a rule on the WeMo to automatically turn it on and off for a specified time period or turn it on/off manually from my phone. When on, the solenoid opens and the booster pump starts. When off, solenoid closes and booster pump stops.

 

[fishguy306]

Sounds like you've put together a well thought out system! I think that solenoid probably would have also done the job for me, should the one I ordered not work out I'll look it up, thanks!

 

[VoltzNSalt]

I'm sure the Apex will work fine. It wasn't available when I plumbed my RODI unit in or I would have went with it

 

[Tom39]

If you don't have the Apex FMM to power their solenoid, here is a 12v option that can be powered by a simple 12vdc wall wart:

https://www.amazon.com/Solenoid-Normally-Crack-resistant-U-S-Solid/dp/B007N0DN3Q

 

[zachfishman]

Wouldn’t the FW system become diluted quickly? RO is too pure for freshwater tanks without any amendment. Also I’d worry that without daily monitoring, you’d eventually, someday, chlorinate that FW tank. Unless you’re hooked up to a massive carbon tower, breakthrough is inevitable. Even the most diligent of us succumb to complacency. I’d be very careful with this plan.

 

[fishguy306]

If you don't have the Apex FMM to power their solenoid, here is a 12v option that can be powered by a simple 12vdc wall wart:

https://www.amazon.com/Solenoid-Normally-Crack-resistant-U-S-Solid/dp/B007N0DN3Q

Thanks for the link! Part of my issue was I was hoping to find a solenoid that could accept the RO hose directly. I could find fittings, but that is just one more thing to leak. But that is probably the route I'll take should the Apex solenoid not work for whatever reason.

Wouldn't the FW system become diluted quickly? RO is too pure for freshwater tanks without any amendment. Also I'd worry that without daily monitoring, you'd eventually, someday, chlorinate that FW tank. Unless you're hooked up to a massive carbon tower, breakthrough is inevitable. Even the most diligent of us succumb to complacency. I'd be very careful with this plan.

You are correct, pure RO water would be too much. I'll be dosing sodium carbonate to keep the pH stable. As for chlorine, I test the water weekly currently on my drip system I have now and will continue that tradition. I typically replace the carbon blocks before they are exhausted. Thus far no issues, though you are right, there is always potential. Thankfully rays tend to give signs when something is off, even if it isn't causing major issues yet.