Solenoid Switches

[Quigs]

I would like to operate a solenoid switch on the water supply to my calcium reactor, therefore allowing the water to be switched off at the same time as the CO2 switching off.

The reason why is that my Ph plummets once the main lights are switched off and this is not helped by the fact the reactor is still sending low Ph water into the tank even know the CO2 has switched off. I dont want to switch the CO2 off any earlier as I also battle with keeping my calcium levels up aswell!

:idea: So if anyone has any ideas as to:

1) where I can get a simple solenoid switch from?
2) where I would get the attachments in order to connect airline/RO pipe size tubing to the solenoid. They must be available as the solenoid on the CO2 regulator has an airline size attachment on one side.

Any help would be appreciated.

[kim]

I bought my solenoid from RS Components (http://rswww.com), but mine is used for RO, careful with seawater and your tank.

To connect the RO, you need a straight connector as made by John Guest, and you need to choose a solenoid with a thread that matches the connector. Here's a list of the John Guest fittings available:-

Altec Connectors (http://www.altecweb.com/home.asp?cat=Subcategory14110)

Altec are good for these odd little bits that are hard to find in Homebase !

You just have to trawl. Note that you can't match 1/4" RO tube to every thread size, so you do need to select your bits together.

Otherwise, one of the RO suppliers (eg RO Man) may sell solenoids with the connectors already included, but again make sure that it is fit for saltwater.

kim

[Quigs]

Thanks Kim - again!

Never thought of the salt water thing, perhaps Ill just opt for a williamsons pump and be done with it.

[arch]

Hi

I thought the low ph of the calcium reactor output could be countered by allowing the output to filter through a second container filled with reactor media before returning to tank/sump.

Archie

[pavlo]

Do you want the water in your reactor sitting stagnant for that long?

Why not start the reactor a few hours before lights on and turn it off a few hours before lights off. It will take a few hours for the pH to drop when it is turned on, by which time the lights are on and the algaes are keeping the pH high.

[weegaz22]

Originally posted by arch@Oct 14 2005, 13:51
Hi

I thought the low ph of the calcium reactor output could be countered by allowing the output to filter through a second container filled with reactor media before returning to tank/sump.

Archie
yep, thats what i would do, specially if you have a little spare room under your cabinet

[kosh42]

Originally posted by pavlo@Oct 14 2005, 15:06
Why not start the reactor a few hours before lights on and turn it off a few hours before lights off. It will take a few hours for the pH to drop when it is turned on, by which time the lights are on and the algaes are keeping the pH high.
This is the approach I take, as it takes a few hours for the CO2 to build up in the reactor...

[MarineManMercer]

Hi Graham,
I bought my solenoid from STM which is a great job.

PS,That 600s was as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike but not your fault,thank god i changed to korallin.