Need a simple way to refill your ATO Reservoir? I put this together last night to automatically refill my Top Off Trash Can when it gets close to empty. It functions totally independent of my ATO.
Basically it’s a latching relay circuit. When both Float Valves are down (trash can empty) it opens the valve to let the RODI water flow into the can. As the trash can fills the bottom float valve lifts but since the relay has activated it is now completing the circuit that the lower float initiated (latching relay). The trash can will continue to fill until the upper float is raised, killing power to the circuit and resetting the relay. It won’t open the valve again until the water level drops below the bottom float. I made this to replace the $6.00 float in the sump connected directly to my RODI setup that I’ve had for the last year. Mr. Saltwater said it was dangerous as did many of the RRC members. I was told it was also bad for my RODI unit.
12V Relay & 12V 1/4†Solenoid Valve in a Radio Shack Project Box on top of a Wal-Mart Trash can with an Upper & Lower float valve installed.
Drilled for tubing to pass through
Installed a couple BRS ¼†bulkheads on the top of the trash can. One to the solenoid and the other to my ATO Pump.
Picture of it filling.
With cover installed & Pump
Complete
Wiring Schematic
Parts List
1 Radio Shack Project Box $6.50
Project Enclosure (6x4x2) : Project Boxes | RadioShack.com
1 1/4" Electric Solenoid Valve 12-volt Air, Water $16.00
1/4" Electric Solenoid Valve 12-volt Air, Water: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
1 12V SPDT Relay with Harness
Amazon.com: 5 Pack 30/40 AMP Relay Harness Spdt 12V Bosch Style: Automotive
1 12V 2A Power Supply Converter Adapter $7.00
Amazon.com: US plug AC 100-240V To DC 12V 2A Power Supply Converter Adapter for Led Lights Strips: Electronics
2 Liquid Water Level Horizontal Float Switch for Aquarium $4.50ea
Amazon.com: Liquid Water Level Horizontal Float Switch for Aquarium: Home Improvement
2 1/4" Push Connect Bulkhead Tank Adapter $4.00ea
1/4" Push Connect Bulkhead Tank Adapter - Bulk Reef Supply
1 1/4" Clear Acrylic Tube -16" Long $2.50 - Stiff tube to ensure it pulls water from the bottom of the trash can
1/4" Clear Acrylic Tube -16" Long - Bulk Reef Supply
Comments or questions, Let me know.
Basically it’s a latching relay circuit. When both Float Valves are down (trash can empty) it opens the valve to let the RODI water flow into the can. As the trash can fills the bottom float valve lifts but since the relay has activated it is now completing the circuit that the lower float initiated (latching relay). The trash can will continue to fill until the upper float is raised, killing power to the circuit and resetting the relay. It won’t open the valve again until the water level drops below the bottom float. I made this to replace the $6.00 float in the sump connected directly to my RODI setup that I’ve had for the last year. Mr. Saltwater said it was dangerous as did many of the RRC members. I was told it was also bad for my RODI unit.
12V Relay & 12V 1/4†Solenoid Valve in a Radio Shack Project Box on top of a Wal-Mart Trash can with an Upper & Lower float valve installed.
Drilled for tubing to pass through
Installed a couple BRS ¼†bulkheads on the top of the trash can. One to the solenoid and the other to my ATO Pump.
Picture of it filling.
With cover installed & Pump
Complete
Wiring Schematic
Parts List
1 Radio Shack Project Box $6.50
Project Enclosure (6x4x2) : Project Boxes | RadioShack.com
1 1/4" Electric Solenoid Valve 12-volt Air, Water $16.00
1/4" Electric Solenoid Valve 12-volt Air, Water: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
1 12V SPDT Relay with Harness
Amazon.com: 5 Pack 30/40 AMP Relay Harness Spdt 12V Bosch Style: Automotive
1 12V 2A Power Supply Converter Adapter $7.00
Amazon.com: US plug AC 100-240V To DC 12V 2A Power Supply Converter Adapter for Led Lights Strips: Electronics
2 Liquid Water Level Horizontal Float Switch for Aquarium $4.50ea
Amazon.com: Liquid Water Level Horizontal Float Switch for Aquarium: Home Improvement
2 1/4" Push Connect Bulkhead Tank Adapter $4.00ea
1/4" Push Connect Bulkhead Tank Adapter - Bulk Reef Supply
1 1/4" Clear Acrylic Tube -16" Long $2.50 - Stiff tube to ensure it pulls water from the bottom of the trash can
1/4" Clear Acrylic Tube -16" Long - Bulk Reef Supply
Comments or questions, Let me know.