Mixing Station Plans

[JimCali75]

Hey all, I’m getting ready to put together a saltwater mixing station. Found these plans from a fellow reefer who’s no longer active. Thought I’d post the thread and ask if there’s any changes or suggestions you all might have. I plan to use larger tanks. I’m thinking 35 gallons. Don’t have and experience with mixing stations so I’d appreciate any input. I’m not familiar with the iwaki md-20rt pump. Don’t mind paying for quality parts. Just curious if any of you have experience with this brand or have other recommendations. Thanks in advance!

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/detailed-mixing-station-plan-complete-parts-list.982896/

 

[The Farmer]

it looks like its setup to mix both tanks for saltwater if need be. as for the pump any external pump with good flow would work, unless you want to tie in some tubing for you to run to the tank for water changes any pump big enough to mix the salt should be fine. and if you don't want to do all the plumbing then all you would need is couple tanks and a couple internal pumps for mix and pumping water out to fill buckets or run a good amount of tubing to where you need it.

 

[Terry Le]

How big is your tank? How much do you plan to do water change each time? That will tell you how big a reservoir you need to have that is for a start

 

[Terry Le]

This is my station, they both 40 gallons. I have 375 gallons reef so I do 40 gallons change each time ( a little more than 10%). Valves are your go to. You should be able to shut a valve to separate ro/ di tank from your ro/di with salt mix. It’s is a little bit more than that if you need help to the details let me know

 

[JimCali75]

This is my station, they both 40 gallons. I have 375 gallons reef so I do 40 gallons change each time ( a little more than 10%). Valves are your go to. You should be able to shut a valve to separate ro/ di tank from your ro/di with salt mix. It’s is a little bit more than that if you need help to the details let me know

Thanks for the input… Probably a dumb question but what’s that with all the lines running into it on the shelf? And the switch panel?

Sry, I’m sure these stations are super simple. The only way I’m going to learn is to stumble through it.

I have a 40 gallon breeder for frags set up now and a 50 gallon cube display I’m building. I realize 35 gallon reservoirs are overkill for weekly 10% charges. Trying to leave room for a larger “dream” tank one day.

Thx!

 

[JimCali75]

it looks like its setup to mix both tanks for saltwater if need be. as for the pump any external pump with good flow would work, unless you want to tie in some tubing for you to run to the tank for water changes any pump big enough to mix the salt should be fine. and if you don't want to do all the plumbing then all you would need is couple tanks and a couple internal pumps for mix and pumping water out to fill buckets or run a good amount of tubing to where you need it.

So another dumb question. What about this setup shows you that it’s designed to mix both tanks for salt?

Yeah, I thought about doing as you say with a couple brute trash cans and internal pumps. So much cheaper and simplified. I would like to build a “nicer” setup like the one I linked to. Just means more homework and bugging people smarter than I.. lol

 

[The Farmer]

The return line from the pump is going to both tanks. With the valves you can have one for ro and the other for salt, but if you need more salt you just open the valve for the ro tank and add salt and have the pump
Mix it.

My set up has the larger one for ro and the 2 smaller ones for salt.

 

[JimCali75]

How big is your tank? How much do you plan to do water change each time? That will tell you how big a reservoir you need to have that is for a start

I have a 40g frag tank plus a 50 cube display I'm building. I typically do 10% water changes. I realize 35 gallon reservoirs are overkill. Trying to go big now in the hopes of a larger dream tank one day.. lol.

 

[The Farmer]

I went with the largest setup I can fit.

 

[JimCali75]

The return line from the pump is going to both tanks. With the valves you can have one for ro and the other for salt, but if you need more salt you just open the valve for the ro tank and add salt and have the pump
Mix it.

My set up has the larger one for ro and the 2 smaller ones for salt.

 

[JimCali75]

The return line from the pump is going to both tanks. With the valves you can have one for ro and the other for salt, but if you need more salt you just open the valve for the ro tank and add salt and have the pump
Mix it.

My set up has the larger one for ro and the 2 smaller ones for salt.

Wow! Very nice! Would love to see a pic of your 375.

I doubt I would ever need to mix salt in both tanks but why not have the ability to do so right?

In the linked build he’s using these quick connections for a fill hose correct? As opposed to a simple gravity fed valve/spigot.

1. 1 male thread quick connect cam lever coupling “B” style
2. Male thread quick connect cam lever adapter “F” style
   

 

[The Farmer]

i use hoes quick connect all plastic. from amazon