My inexpensive drip system

[rallysman]

Don't you want the valve off and the timer to turn it on ? That's what sprinkler systems do, and the valves are about $20 for the larger ones.

I want to plug the valve into the power strip and have it held open by the coil. when the power fails I want it to go to its normally closed position.
If I'm overthinking this please let me know haha.

 

[Dr Joe]

With a solenoid valve installed in the sump overflow, one would be wise to install one in the fresh water supply also if you anticipate being gone more than a day or two.

If a power surge (lightning etc...) causes the circuit breaker that powers the aquarium to kick, or in the event of a long term power failure, or some other unforeseen pump failure, you would definitely want the drip to stop.

But man unless a we can find a cheaper alternative, this $hit could hurt the wallet big time. I plan on occasionally being gone for maybe a week at a time, so a drip system like this would be awesome for my fish.

There are some fairly good automatic feeders out there, and checking in a couple of times during the week isn't too much to ask of a friend. There is just too much that can go wrong when you expect someone not familiar with the hobby to do a water change though.

I already have my aquarium plumbed to a high tech Rubbermaid reservoir with a pump and a drain to the outside. Water changes are a breeze for me, but I cringe at the thought of what could happen if a friend left the wrong valve open by accident. This drip system is the answer for me, I just hope I don't have to shell out mega bucks to make it full proof.

Good call. Depends on the drip rate as to how deep the pool on the floor wood be

 

[rallysman]

Good call. Depends on the drip rate as to how deep the pool on the floor wood be

and the size of thte sump

 

[Dr Joe]

I want to plug the valve into the power strip and have it held open by the coil. when the power fails I want it to go to its normally closed position.
If I'm overthinking this please let me know haha.

Never over-think, just think completely thru...and thru...and thru...etc...etc... ad nasium.
That idea would work as a failsafe, but I think the solenoid controlling the valve will overheat and meltdown causing the valve to jam somewhere around open. Since they sell replacement solenoids right beside the valves, kinda tells me something. Either way if your using drip irrigation drippers, make sure you use the 25psi regulator (there are 2 rating) before anything else in the system.

P.S. Why where we talking about timers?

 

[rallysman]

yea, i have the regulator on it.
How can I keep it from draining the tank in the case of a power outage without a normally closed valve?

I have no clue where the timer came from haha

 

[Blub Blub]

Don't you want the valve off and the timer to turn it on ? That's what sprinkler systems do, and the valves are about $20 for the larger ones.

What we need is a valve that requires power on the coil to hold it open, and closes when the power is removed. Actually it would be nice to have it on a delay timer to give the pump about 15 seconds to bring the water level to normal when the power returns, I don't think this would be 100% necessary though. The coil must be able to handle power all the time without overheating, otherwise if the coil fails the valve closes and water can't drain from the sump. A float switch in the sump that supplies power to the solenoid valve on the fresh water supply would be nice to have also.

 

[rallysman]

What we need is a valve that requires power on the coil to hold it open, and closes when the power is removed. Actually it would be nice to have it on a delay timer to give the pump about 15 seconds to bring the water level to normal when the power returns, I don't think this would be 100% necessary though. The coil must be able to handle power all the time without overheating, otherwise if the coil fails the valve closes and water can't drain from the sump. A float switch in the sump that supplies power to the solenoid valve on the fresh water supply would be nice to have also.

I'm working on something now. I'm going to try to build a circuit out of a 555 timer and I think I found a valve. When I get more details I'll get it posted.

 

[Dr Joe]

yea, i have the regulator on it.
How can I keep it from draining the tank in the case of a power outage without a normally closed valve?

I have no clue where the timer came from haha

Got room for a mechanical float valve? They came in both normally open & normally closed, They're used on stock tanks for horses etc. I'll look for a link I had for some small ones.

 

[Dr Joe]

yea, i have the regulator on it.
How can I keep it from draining the tank in the case of a power outage without a normally closed valve?

I have no clue where the timer came from haha

Sorry, that was CHOMPERS that wanted the timer.

I'm not loosin' it...I lost it...Its GONE...Like chrome frames on an aquarium.

 

[Dr Joe]

I'm working on something now. I'm going to try to build a circuit out of a 555 timer and I think I found a valve. When I get more details I'll get it posted.

Keep us posted. Things are alway funner with a 555.