RO/DI top off setup question

[jarhead]

Please help me decide how to plumb my top off system. I ordered a LifeReef float swith and now find out that there are number of ways to set up the device. I was planning to have the RO output go into a 32g Rubbermaid brute trash can and have a Kent float valve (or the like) shut it off when a certain fill point was reached. The LifeReef float switch was going to turn on a powerhead that is sitting in the trash can to top off the sump.

Jeff at LifeReef offered another method where the RO output is split with a Jako tee. One line goes into the Rubbermaid and the other goes straight into the sump. I guess with this method, there is no powerhead involved. What are the pros and cons of each method?

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
About the second method... how can you turn the RO on when the sump is low?

 

[wade1]

I would never directly run an RO device into a sump... its an unlimited source of water and could cause real problems if the valve broke. At least putting the topoff into a 30g can (which is what I do, btw) allows no more than 30g into the tank (or less depending on arrangement) if a mistake occurs. Better to be redundant and excessive to prevent destruction of the tank IMO.

Wade

 

[Osama]

I have my RO/DI feed a small container 5 gallons with a float swich. This tank feeds my sump which has it's own float switch. Both float switches have to fail at the same time to have a continuous stream of water into my sump. Even then my sump will overflow into my basement sump (not the LR) after aboout 15 gallons. I have a 200 gallons system and my salinity would drop by 7-8% gradually and hopefully even that won't be disasterous..... Be safe rather than sorry as noted above.

 

[Osama]

I should have noted above that my feeder pump to the main tank in the upstairs study will shutoff ... till I get home from work or the wife calls with a panic.. water evcerywhere in the basement...

 

[jarhead]

I would never directly run an RO device into a sump... its an unlimited source of water and could cause real problems if the valve broke.

Wade,
I understand your point. I have heard people setting up a float switch and a Kent float valve in the sump for redundancy.

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
I used to run RO/DI directly into my sump before I moved. As long as the rate of the RO is low enough (24GPD on a 200 gal system, for example), the danger is still there, but much lessened. A solenoid and other device can be used to make sure the system does not over topoff, etc..