Mixing Station Build

[Bfragale]

Mixing station Approx $400 to build.
Used RO/DI 7 stage - came with new media $100
A few extra parts to hook up ro/di $40
Used little giant pump $40
Used food grade 30 gal barrels $40 each
Misc Plumbing etc. $100
Used stand $40

I had the idea based off a few I saw online but wanted it to be more “contained” since it’s in my office. This is where I came up with a fish tank stand to hide pump and pipes.

The 7 stage ro/di unit has TDS meters, Pressure Gauge, and auto shut off switch. Also float switch in freshwater barrel.

here’s some photos before - during - and after. I used clear glue for a clean finish.

once I was all done/glued I realized I missed one part. Can you see what I missed?

 

[mike550]

@Bfragale that’s an awesome build! I’ve been thinking about draining through the bottom of the tank but haven’t seen it done. Making me rethink my plans.

 

[Bfragale]

@Bfragale that’s an awesome build! I’ve been thinking about draining through the bottom of the tank but haven’t seen it done. Making me rethink my plans.

Thanks man, I have not filled it for leak test yet, and I need one more valve on the line returning to salt barrel, but I’m excited for no more hauling water upstairs!

Take care man and happy reefing.

 

[Snoopy 67]

Where is the handle for the door?

 

[Ratherbeflyen]

I'm betting that the T fitting leaks, or you forgot what ever you had planned to put on top of it. Or maybe it's just a strange looking elbow...

 

[Bfragale]

I'm betting that the T fitting leaks, or you forgot what ever you had planned to put on top of it. Or maybe it's just a strange looking elbow...

It’s a strange looking elbow lol.
I forgot a valve to the return to the salt tank. Same lone your refering to needs a ball valve lol. Should go on tonight then will hook up and leak test.

 

[Bfragale]

Where is the handle for the door?

i was thinking about a knob but decided to leave it without. The door sits on the surface and can easily grab the edge. But I may still as a handle to the door.

 

[mrbluewildcats]

This looks awesome. I still need to build a mixing station and this looks like a great design.

 

[Bfragale]

Thank you man,

 

[samnaz]

This is super nice.... great work.

 

[homer1475]

Great idea going out the bottom of the barrel with a bulkhead, instead of out the side with a uniseal.

 

[User1]

Nice job. Looks nice.

Do you fense by any chance? Thought I saw a few in one of the pictures.

 

[Peace River]

Nice work - the stand makes it look very clean! What is the flow rate of the pump?

 

[Bfragale]

This is super nice.... great work.

Thanks you

 

[Bfragale]

Great idea going out the bottom of the barrel with a bulkhead, instead of out the side with a uniseal.

Thanks, I thought coming out of the bottom would allow there to be almost no water left in the barrels when I empty. And the flat surface seemed better for the bulkhead and didn’t have to get the barrel kind.

 

[Bfragale]

Nice job. Looks nice.

Do you fense by any chance? Thought I saw a few in one of the pictures.

Lol. No I don’t. But would probably be a lot of fun lol. My father collected swords and stuff. Those in the photo was his that I kept as a keepsake.

 

[Bfragale]

Nice work - the stand makes it look very clean! What is the flow rate of the pump?

The flow rate is 1100 for this pump. I wanted to go a bit bigger like 1300-1500 but I found this pump used for $40 so I went with it.

I started filling for first time today, I have not really used pump yet other then Testing that it worked. I hope it’s enough flow, I should find out tomorrow. I’ll be mixing my first batch of saltwater tomorrow and Saturday will be doing a water change. I’ll update this if I run into any issues. So far no Leakes but curious to test under pressure with the pumps.

 

[Bfragale]

Just an update. NO LEAKS! I’m mixing some saltwater as we speak. So excited to have it complete and not have to haul water from LFS and up stairs- life just got a bit easier

 

[Peace River]

Just an update. NO LEAKS! I’m mixing some saltwater as we speak. So excited to have it complete and not have to haul water from LFS and up stairs- life just got a bit easier

That's awesome! Congratulations and good work!