ally07 Posted November 27, 2011 Report Share Posted November 27, 2011 Hi all I'm thinking about setting up an automatic water changing system for my 750L. Henward has described his set up to me and it sounds cheap/ simple enough to set up but it involves drilling a hole in the sump. This I'm not entirely keen on simply because I'm unsure whether or not I will be able to continue the automatic water change system in the long, long term. So I thought I'd keep it really simple. One pipe siphons water out of the sump at X litres/hour (regulated by one of those pipe twist taps that LFS use during water changes). An elevated water barrel siphoning water into the sump at X litres/hour (also regulated by a pipe twist tap). If I do my homework and tested the siphon flow rates, is there any reason why this system would not work? Specifically, I'm considering worst-case scenarios such as 'dry sump' and 'sump overflowing'. Any input would be appreciated, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted November 27, 2011 Report Share Posted November 27, 2011 Siphons are not easy to keep working and if it fails your filling system will still be working and you will get a flood. The idiot proof system is to have a filling system and an overflow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R32GOTMLK Posted November 28, 2011 Report Share Posted November 28, 2011 hi ive got my siphon on a water timer, and it hasnt broken siphon since ive set it up, about 2 years now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueether Posted November 28, 2011 Report Share Posted November 28, 2011 I have a partial syphon system, with a drip feed, but you could use a ballcock. http://www.fnzas.org.nz/fishroom/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=52072&hilit=overflow I have modified if further so if the tank gets too full it turns to a full syphon with a separate inlet. will draw a pic soon. Ballcock on the in flow of new water will stop the flood potential. Edit: Not to scale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ally07 Posted November 28, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2011 Thanks for the replies. Not sure if I fully grasp your design, Blueether, lol but I don't think it would work for mine because it's a tower sump.. or will it?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueether Posted November 29, 2011 Report Share Posted November 29, 2011 Just place where you were going to put the syphon, in the return chamber? The design is easy enough once you have seen it working Correct URL here http://www.fnzas.org.nz/fishroom/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=52072&hilit=overflow Water is sucked in the partial syphon (short black fitting under water on left) Water flows out the pipe to the right, this sets the tank or sump water level The open pipe on the right stops a full syphon forming. In the newer design (the one I drew badly) this open pipe has anothe2 2 90deg bends so is back inside the tank, above the normal water level. If there is an emergency (say the ballcock sticks open and the tank starts to full too quickly) and the water level gets to above this open end the whole thing will turn into a full syphon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke* Posted November 29, 2011 Report Share Posted November 29, 2011 niiiice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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