Which solenoid for refilling ATO reservoir?

[Crashjack]

My new tank will have a roughly 12 gallon container as an ATO reservoir, figure a little over 10 gallons with float valve installed. My RO/DI line runs into the tank room. The line will be split with one going to the ATO reservoir, and the other going to my saltwater mixing tank. I will manually control whether RO/DI water goes to the ATO reservoir or the saltwater tank, pretty much defaulting to the ATO reservoir and only switching to the saltwater tank when I want to fill the tank. I want the ATO reservoir to fill automatically, triggered by a Reef Angel pressure float switch.

My understanding is that I'll need a NC (normally closed) solenoid valve. I'll also need 1/4" push connect fittings on the solenoid. Im not very familiar with these types of solenoid valves but have read that they aren't really made to run for long periods of time. It might take a few hours to fill the reservoir so this is certainly a concern. I would also like something pre-wired or simple to wire (110-120v) as I'm always nervous about 110v around saltwater and want to eliminate potential exposure. There are $11 1/4" push connect solenoid valves on EBay, but I don't know if they can hold up to the long fill times, and the connector/connection doesn't look very well protected. Can someone recommend a solenoid valve that's up to the task?

 

[elFloyd]

Used one of these for 2 - 3 years... still going strong.

http://autotopoff.com/Solenoids/index.html

 

[Branespikin]

Im using this one aswell. Works perfect for me!

 

[Crashjack]

Thanks guys! Are you using the polypropylene or stainless?

 

[Branespikin]

I have polypro! I also bought the Low Voltage controller and latching relay with 2 floats. Works like a charm. When container hits low float it turns on solenoid. When it hits high float turns off solenoid. It fills my 5 g container about every 5 days or so.

 

[elFloyd]

I have polypro! I also bought the Low Voltage controller and latching relay with 2 floats. Works like a charm. When container hits low float it turns on solenoid. When it hits high float turns off solenoid. It fills my 5 g container about every 5 days or so.

That's what I do... saves wear and tear on the RO/DI.

 

[Branespikin]

That's what I do... saves wear and tear on the RO/DI.

Yes correct no TDS creep to kill the lifespan of the DI Resin.
This has got to be the best thing i did to my tank. Never lift a bucket again

 

[Crashjack]

I have polypro! I also bought the Low Voltage controller and latching relay with 2 floats. Works like a charm. When container hits low float it turns on solenoid. When it hits high float turns off solenoid. It fills my 5 g container about every 5 days or so.

Thanks. I'm getting the Multi-channel Water Level module with my Reef Angel, which gives you the ability to manage and monitor the water level in four different containers, so I won't need a relay or float switches. I'll use the module to engage and disengage the solenoid, and I'll have the RO output running through a float valve sitting slightly higher in the reservoir for redundancy.