Idea: Is it mine? Auto fill reservior using tiolet tank float?

[Noatec]

Has anyone ever thought of using a toilet tank float to auto fill your DWC reservoir? I've searched the threads and haven't found anything.

Noatec Reviewed by Noatec on 01-11-2010. Idea: Is it mine? Auto fill reservior using tiolet tank float? Has anyone ever thought of using a toilet tank float to auto fill your DWC reservoir? I've searched the threads and haven't found anything. Rating: 5

[LOC NAR on probation]

I have not seen it on individual buckets but that is how a control rez and a rez tank keeps the level in all that is hooked up to it.

I would be interested if you come up with something.

[Noatec]

I've got four plants in an 18 gallon Sterilite. My mom-in-law gave me three 30 gallon tubs today she couldn't use. I never put fresh tap water in my grow rez. I always let it sit in a separate 18 gallon for at least 48 hours before I use it. After 48 hours I pop in a bubbler to keep it aerated.
The full idea is run a supply line to my prep rez with a tank float and then put a float in my grow rez that triggers a pump from the prep rez. No more bucket filling.

[SpaceNeedle]

I have a float on my reservoir. I think I paid $6. Just go to your local farm supply store, like Cenex or others. and tell them you have a trough in your barn that you need on an automatic fillup. For me, I just drilled a 3/4" hole near where I wanted the water level, mount the float and then you can hook up a garden hose to it.

sn

[Noatec]

Thanks SN,
There is a Tractor Supply nearby. Do you happen to have a brand or model number to look for?

[SpaceNeedle]

Thanks SN,
There is a Tractor Supply nearby. Do you happen to have a brand or model number to look for?

Try not to get the kind that clip onto the top edge of your "watering trough."
The one I have is very similar to this one:
Google Image Result for http://www.made-in-china.com/image/2f0j00mBLTNSyMMPqUM/Hot-Water-Float-Valve-DN15-.jpg

[Noatec]

That looks perfect. The only I've found so far is the one with the side mount. The pic helps tremendiously thanks !!!!

[Noatec]

Can/Should I run tap water directly into the rez? I've read that it should sit for at least 24hrs to be rid of chlorine floride and any other chems that would be harmful to the ladies.

[Prodaytrader]

This is perfect. Thanks OP for opening this topic. I was logging on today to find a solution exactly like this. In my case I am installing my second res on a shelf above the first res. I will use some sort of float valve to control a gravity fed line to the res below. To get water to the top res I will use a mag drive pump capable of head pressure of at least 6 feet to pump the water upward. I think I will also install a timer to cycle the water every hour or so. I think a float valve is exactly what I need to make this work. I was also thinking along the lines of using a toilet float valve but hadn't yet figure how to make that work. Some how the bottom tank needs to have this float valve attached and I'm not sure how to make that happen. It didn't occur to me to think along the lines of livestock water tank valves.

[Noatec]

This is the one I'm looking for online.
This site is out of china. I tried to purchase online, but when you "add to basket" your adding to an inquiry basket and they want a bunch of info just to send you info.
A guy on another forum site said he found this one at a farm supply store.
Hot Water Float Valve
The gravity thing is a great idea. I may try that.
I was thinking this evening that a 90degree elbow adapter could be used to secure the toilet tank float to the side, rather than the bottom of the tank.