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Thread: Auto top up ideas
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08-03-2020, 11:58 PM #1
Auto top up ideas
Now I have my drum set up I really need to sort an auto top up solution out. My pond is pretty deep but not a large surface area meaning the lvl can drop pretty fast
I have seen auto top ups for sale but they are pretty expensive for what is really a simple devise.
I have thought about using a float valve similar to this
This would mean drilling into the drum dirty side and I don’t have the space in there (oase profi drum)
Currently only have I bottom drain and no skimmer if I had skimmer could likely add it there.
Any advise would be great
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freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
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09-03-2020, 06:39 AM #2Hobby and business gone but when you’re hooked you’re hooked.
Always happy to help!!
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andikoi Thanked / Liked this Post
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09-03-2020, 08:38 AM #3
I had the same problem.
The easiest way and cheapest for me was this way.
Right into the pond its self inlet.
Outlet. As pond level raises drum level rises. it goes down my waste pipe from drum waste tray. To drains.
Photo 1 inlet top up.
Photo 2 waste tray
Photo 3 out let.
Hope this gives you some idea.
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09-03-2020, 10:14 AM #4
Thanks Fred.
So you are basically just keeping a continuous feed going in and you have an overflow on drum?.
I did think about doing this but being on a meter I did not want to just chuck water down the drain.
I may just do this for a short term solution I’ll have to try and fine tune the flow to match.
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09-03-2020, 10:23 AM #5
Thanks Gary, I have seen the proline still overpriced I think. It’s just a probe and solenoid
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09-03-2020, 11:34 AM #6
Yes that's right. I still do a 10%water change as well as running the trickle in and out. Not on meter
Up until this year I ran it all year round.
This winter I turned it off.
Reasons I run trickle in and out. Is for my water levels that's th main reason. Evaporation of water level for drum.
Also when heavy feeding comes into play.
Just time how much you put in a 2pint jug for gallonage of pond. Per minute.
In my case. I run at 450ml a minute in the jug. And when heavy feeding. I up it to 600ml a minute. My pond is 4700 gallons.
And add ST 2 teaspoons every 2 days.
To counter chlorine. I still run through 3 stage pod dechlorinator pod. But don t trust them. So I add st to make sure.
Fred
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09-03-2020, 11:55 AM #7
which profi drum is it,ive just had a look at a photo and seems theres some room on side to put one of these, https://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/...B&gclsrc=aw.ds all i use in my pond is a torbeck valve on inlet to nexus,,,,,andi
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09-03-2020, 01:35 PM #8
It’s the profi premium gravity I think you have about 40-50mm of room on one side. I just don’t think is doable.
I think that I could do something with these 2 items and cost is under £5
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10-03-2020, 12:48 AM #9
Hi
i went to screwfix an just bought a toilet torbeck vavle
cost 9 quid works off an adjustable float
works fine for me as the water comes after my 3 stage filter so its at considerably lower pressure but I installed the high pressure seat on it just in case.
had no problems so far .
Jim
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10-03-2020, 10:35 AM #10
i take it your only using one inlet,why not use one of the others to stick a simple float valve into,,,,,andi
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10-03-2020, 10:38 AM #11
Hi Andy.
Thanks for the suggestion. You are correct I am using just 1 inlet. I’m not clear how I would add a float value via an inlet please share
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10-03-2020, 10:54 AM #12
The float valve in your picture is type 1, it would be illegal to connect that directly to your water supply, depending on how things are connected further back. A double check valve could address that.
Water regulations.
Or use a type 2 valve and a double check valve would still be a good idea.Last edited by Simon Fish; 10-03-2020 at 11:00 AM.
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andikoi Thanked / Liked this Post
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10-03-2020, 11:24 AM #13
drums usually have a wash counter on them, reset it then check the counter the next day, run a clean and see how much water is used in the cycle, then work out if that x7 is at least 10% of your pond thats your water change so just trickle in that much.
ive had so many valves like that fail inside the house with clean water id not chance it outside in the elements
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10-03-2020, 03:10 PM #14
Yes either use a 90 bend and a straight pipe to take above pond level or use a T on an inlet already used and do the same. I have a trickle in on the outlet in the same way.
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10-03-2020, 05:35 PM #15
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andikoi Thanked / Liked this Post
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10-03-2020, 05:37 PM #16
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andikoi Thanked / Liked this Post
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10-03-2020, 05:39 PM #17
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10-03-2020, 07:21 PM #18
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11-03-2020, 12:26 PM #19
ok heres my daft idea,its actually how i have our chickens water feeder supply done lol,attach a pipe from one of your inlets to a small coldwater loft tank,https://www.toolstation.com/water-st...BoCHU4QAvD_BwE make sure the tank top sits a couple of inches above pond water level,maybe level with your drum top,then fit a float valve into the tank and stick a hose on the inlet for it,then when drum cleans the water level in tank will drop and float valve will refill until water level again,,,,,andi
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12-03-2020, 02:25 PM #20
Thanks andi.. that would work but don’t really want to have a tank.
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freddyboy Thanked / Liked this Post
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