My Saltwater Mixing Station (Part 2)
by
, 03-07-2011 at 10:28 AM (21521 Views)
Check out Part 1 in case you missed it.
I wrapped up the plumbing for my water mixing station this weekend.
The first thing I did was install the Uniseal on the top barrel for storing RO/DI water. Installing the Uniseal was tough but I learned a trick is to either use warm soapy water or your favorite water based lubricant. I'll let you guess which one I used but it was a lot easier than just trying to jam the PVC through the Uniseal.
I put a ball valve on the outlet so I can open and close it at will. I am using vinyl tubing for now so I can direct where the output goes, whether it be the bottom barrel for mixing saltwater, or into my top off container.
Inside the barrel, I used a 90 degree elbow to siphon as much water as possible out of the bottom when the valve is opened.
I then did a size-fit for the plumbing on my mixing pump and installed two more Uniseals. As you can see, I can control the flow back into the mixing container, or direct the flow out another valve where I will attach a hose. The hose will be used to pump water up to my reef tank in the living room.
Here is a close-up the plumbing.
Finally, I employed the same 90 degree elbow trick on the outlet, as well as extending the input's piping towards the bottom of the barrel. The idea here is that the flow from the pump will disrupt any salt that is sitting on the bottom of the barrel and get it into the water for mixing.
I will post another update after I acquire the right kind of hose or tubing. I hope this helps others with their planning!