Low input daily coco feeding Idea (Reservoir) - Feedback?

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Aqua Man

Aqua Man

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bunkerking said:
@Aqua Man

You may know if this could work. I cant find any decent cheap pumps that i can "really" trust to run without going dry.

Could you just run a T off the outlet of a pump? So anytime the waterline gets below it (aka the low level line)
The path of least resistance becomes that point, until it goes back above it?

It should still push out some water into the drain bucket, but the least resistant path should be up and out.

The design would never totally empty the drain bucket, but it would never let it overflow or go dry.
Click to expand...
Nope... a float switch is the easiest.
https://www.amazon.com/Superior-Pum...5?keywords=float+switch&qid=1576092014&sr=8-5
 
bunkerking

bunkerking

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darn, the waste management is going to cost the most. @Enforcer how do you deal with your return pump dry run protection?

just buy cheap ones, get it close with timing. At most its going to run dry for a few minutes a day? Replace every now and again?
 
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Aqua Man

Aqua Man

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bunkerking said:
darn, the waste management is going to cost the most. @Enforcer how do you deal with your return pump dry run protection?

just buy cheap ones, get it close with timing. At most its going to run dry for a few minutes a day? Replace every now and again?
Click to expand...
Most pumps don't do well running dry. the water is actually part of the cooling system for them and if impellers are run dry they usually end up damaged.
 
bunkerking

bunkerking

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and you cant always expect X amount water to come out every event - need some wiggle room. Just not sure where to find it. (without spending $$$) I dont think those float valves will work in my tiny little tote?
 
bunkerking

bunkerking

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@Aqua Man - my other thought was a airlift pump. Doesnt matter if its running dry.
 
Aqua Man

Aqua Man

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638
bunkerking said:
and you cant always expect X amount water to come out every event - need some wiggle room. Just not sure where to find it. (without spending $$$) I dont think those float valves will work in my tiny little tote?
Click to expand...
how big is the tote?
 
bunkerking

bunkerking

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Aqua Man said:
I'm Canadian but use standard also :) That cheap one should work in there
Click to expand...

lol ~ Oh really hmm... Ok well. That isnt an awfully expensive solution then.

$10 pump x 2
$5 1/2" drip tubing.
$8 Fittings for tubing
$24 float switch
$14 timer with second options for events.
$5 tough totes x 2

~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ $80-$100 for a complete auto feeding & drain setup.
 
Enforcer

Enforcer

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bunkerking said:
darn, the waste management is going to cost the most. @Enforcer how do you deal with your return pump dry run protection?

just buy cheap ones, get it close with timing. At most its going to run dry for a few minutes a day? Replace every now and again?
Click to expand...

Yup, that’s pretty much it. I just buy the cheap $10 pump on Amazon. It’s on a timer so if it does run dry, it won’t be for that long. I haven’t had an issue with it yet.

However, a float switch would be ideal.
 
bunkerking

bunkerking

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you are da man. yah i kind of worry about mounting the float switch. On the upside - it would brace the tote super well. Maybe 3d print something like https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3547377

Drilled out the holes in the lid. That was a task lol. Being its auto feed. I dont need "that" big of pots. These #1s should be fine. Just have to bump up events as they get older.
 
o3XRV9B
bunkerking

bunkerking

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this one is abit more money but..

www.homedepot.com

Basement Watchdog Universal Dual Float Switch with Controller BWC1 - The Home Depot

The Basement Watchdog Universal Dual Float Switch and Controller is the most reliable float switch in the industry. It will activate your primary sump pump when rising water lifts either float by 1/4 in. The float switch has not one but two large floats both in a protective cage. Should one...
www.homedepot.com

has a backup switch - only takes 1/4" to activate it. Gets a 10 second run after the water drops below the switch. Really the most ideal setup for us i think. Only $15 more. Wouldnt have to worry/mess with shit. Plus get a fail safe to prevent floods. 2 year warranty.
 
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Enforcer

Enforcer

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