Automated Water Change System

[foxtrot1981]

Hi, i want to implement an automated water change system for my 12 tanks. I did a lot of research on the internet but mostprobably i will get a better system locally, any suggestions, thanks

[Singularity]

what do you have planned thus far ?

[riyadh]

how would this work? would you use some sought of timer?

[foxtrot1981]

Any suggestions?

[Singularity]

well if you have lots of money you can look into low presure solenoid valves, and controller. That is if you just want to press a button or clivk your mouse to do water changes. Will obviously need some float switches if you want to make it fully automated.

[foxtrot1981]

What equipment per tank and money are we taking about, any other systems?

[Singularity]

this is how i did it, could do 80% water changes by just opening and closing ball valves and switching on a pump to refill.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk85/singularity96/Draining101.jpg

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk85/singularity96/Drain102.jpg

[Zafgak]

I used an ink level float switch from a printing machine, wired the contacts in a stop/start circuit with a 5 second timer (to stop switch bounce) to a relay. The relay opens and closes a standard garden irrigation solenoid valve. The water drains straight onto the lawn.

[riyadh]

oh, ok, so its not completely automated, pardon my ignorance. What about irrigation timers? using a powerhead and those sprinkler that go with automated irrigation. one could possibly attach a hose of soughts to it the use it to possibly drain water and another top up. This is just off the top of my head. the finer details would have to be calculated