Question - How can one RO unit.....

[Anonymous]

On my new tank I want to have a couple of 55G drums filled with RO water to facilitate water changes. I also will have a kalkreactor connected to the sump for top-off water.

Here's my question. On water change days, the two 55G drums will be emptied. So the RO unit will be occupied refilling them for days. I still need RO water for top-off water. Top off water is obviously a priority over refilling the 55G drums.

What do you guy suggest to overcome this issue? Is a second RO unit going to have to be installed for the drums? Any other ideas?

A penny for your toughts. :wink:

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

In my setup the RO water goes to a central 32 gallon container. From there it siphons to either a 5 gallon bucket devoted to the kalk reactor or to the water change container (32 gallons). When everything is full the central container fills the rest of the way and shuts off the float valve.

I also have all of the siphons floating on styrofoam in the receiving bucket. That prevents reverse flow.

This is not ideally matched to your situation but the ingredients are there to solve your problem. You need a reservoir to feed your reactor while the central container refills.

 

[Anonymous]

bump

Thanks Guy.

Anyone else have any suggestions?

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

Get a third drum. Probably the cheapest way to do what you need. This way you will always have 55 gal of fresh water for top off until the unit can catch up.

 

[Anonymous]

Tee off the RO output to both topoff and drums. Put a solenoid valve on the drum that closes it for a few hour each day. When the drums are empty and the solenoid valve is closed, the RO water will go to the topoff if the float valve is low.

You know my paypal address. Don't send me using credit card since the fee will be more than your payment. TIA, Louey.

 

[Anonymous]

There are a million different kinds of solenoids for sale. I can't figure out which would be the best one to get. The CV factor is something I don't understand as well.

I also know that a brass solenoid would not be ideal for a reef tank.

I looked at a couple of our sponsors websites and they sell solenoids for CO2 systems and not for water.

Can someone help me out here.

Thanks!

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

CV factor is for head pressure calculation, and for a low flow application, it is not an issue.

I solenoid I use has contact material (the thing that touches the liquid) as stainless steel (not saltwater safe, but for RO is fine) and plastic. It should not give you any problem. Check your PM.