A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners
Float switch?
I am trying to figure out how to utilize two thirty gallon fish tanks to work with my indoor bed. I think I came up with an idea but need your expert advice.
Plumbing them directly together is cost prohibited -- cheaper to go out and buy a sixty gallon tank.
Is it possible to set up a pump in one tank with a float switch so that it regulates how much water is in each tank? The tank with the float switch would be my return tank...
Will probably use a timer -- on/off at 15 minute intervals. The pump I have for my grow bed is 60GPH with a 1/2" tubing.
Am I making any sense?
Can anyone point me in the correct direction? Is this even possible? Or should I keep on thinking up other ways to get myself started...
TIA
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by TCLynx on
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Float switches can be somewhat unreliable if they get fouled in any way.
Why is it so cost prohibitive to plumb them together?
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Permalink Reply by Glenn on
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If using a threeway valve isn't cost prohibitive, you could plumb one in to direct water to one tank when energized with the float circuit and direct water to the other tank when deenergized by the float. OR you could use what's known as a threeway float valve that directs the valve position mechanically instead of electrically. Hope this helps.
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To cut a hole in tempered glass will shatter it, so according to the local glass place it would be cheaper to just order the glass with the hole already cut at $60 each plus plumbing, so would cost better than$150 to tie the two tanks together. That's about what a 55 gallon tank costs when not on sale... The thirty gallon tanks were given to me.
I've never heard of a three way valve. Will have to look into it more to see if "do-able" for my situation.
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Permalink Reply by Japan Aquaponics - アクアポニックス 日本 on
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Another option might be to use a siphon piped connector between the two tanks... I am not sure of the name, but if you make a pipe that sits under the water in both containers... once you have pulled all the air out then a siphon will be produced and will regulate the level in both tanks. As long as no air gets into this piping then the siphon will remain and will keep the water level even in both tanks. The hardest part is actually just removing all the air to start the siphon in the first place. I tried to find some photos, but found this link to someone who has also tried this:
http://120thingsin20years.blogspot.jp/2011/08/aquaponics-slightly-m...
Easy way to use both tanks without drilling any holes!
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Japan, What you are referring to is also known as a water bridge or a no holes overflow in some situations. They do work but they are also prone to getting gas and failing, you have to make very sure they will stay primed since if the top of the water bridge gets too much air in it, then water won't flow through it.
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