Measuring Device for Mixing Station?

[mythesis]

New to hobby and trying to set up a mixing station. First pass will be a 2-brute-trashcan connected similarly to all the other ones I see on here via PVC tubing & pump in the middle.

But --- since it's 2 trashcans, I can't easily see how full either can is without popping off the lid and looking.

I am guessing someone has come up with a clever "float" that will rise with the water level and give an idea of current fill level. I was thinking putting like a small capped PVC tube inside a larger one & line up a hole in the lid so the tube can rise with the water level rises. Presumably it would rise at a predicable level and I could mark 5-10 gallon intervals to get an idea.

Anyone have something they've used & would suggest?

 

[EricR]

Is the goal just to monitor levels while transferring water from the RO/DI bin to the saltwater mixing bin without removing lids, or something else?

 

[mythesis]

Is the goal just to monitor levels while transferring water from the RO/DI bin to the saltwater mixing bin without removing lids, or something else?

Yes that, and also knowing when I need to make more salt/rodi.

I will use a real auto shut off to stop the rodi from overflowing, this system isn't for that part, no.

 

[PapaFishRocks]

On old school Harley’s, we would put a 90 at the top of the tank and another near the bottom, and put clear tubing between the 2. Easy way to tell what was left in the tank.

 

[mythesis]

On old school Harley’s, we would put a 90 at the top of the tank and another near the bottom, and put clear tubing between the 2. Easy way to tell what was left in the tank.

That is a perfect idea, thanks!

 

[EricR]

On old school Harley’s, we would put a 90 at the top of the tank and another near the bottom, and put clear tubing between the 2. Easy way to tell what was left in the tank.

That's a cool idea and pretty easy to emulate on Brute cans, vertically.
Personally, I don't see the need in this scenario but to each his own.
*my opinion = if you're doing it visually anyway (not automated), sliding lids back a bit is already minimal effort,,, but that's just me

 

[mythesis]

That's a cool idea and pretty easy to emulate on Brute cans, vertically.
Personally, I don't see the need in this scenario but to each his own.
*my opinion = if you're doing it visually anyway (not automated), sliding lids back a bit is already minimal effort,,, but that's just me

I'm likely going to elevate them a little to make it easier to fill a bucket and provide storage underneath.

Making it awkward to see over the edge to the bottom.

 

[mythesis]

Success! Thanks for the ideas!

(The hose bib is behind that left cabinet, so needed to elevate the stand so I can reach it more comfortably)

 

[PapaFishRocks]

Looks great! I like the setup.

If you run into issues with air entrapment blocking the site tube from working properly, replace the top 90 with a T and a short section of open tube/pipe that extends just a wee bit past the top of the drum. That’ll create a vent.

 

[mythesis]

Looks great! I like the setup.

If you run into issues with air entrapment blocking the site tube from working properly, replace the top 90 with a T and a short section of open tube/pipe that extends just a wee bit past the top of the drum. That’ll create a vent.

Overthinking things here...

But would you run the inlet tube (that goes into the top of the right saltwater can) all the way to the bottom to help stir up sediment, or stop it at the top to aerate the water as it fills / mixes?

 

[JayM]

Success! Thanks for the ideas!

(The hose bib is behind that left cabinet, so needed to elevate the stand so I can reach it more comfortably)

It's also helpful to put a small plastic ball (make sure it floats) inside the clear tube to make it easier to see the level.

 

[mythesis]

It's also helpful to put a small plastic ball (make sure it floats) inside the clear tube to make it easier to see the level.

haha, I was trying to do that actually! I couldn't find one small enough so it wouldn't get stuck against the tube. I think this is 3/8" ID tubing, and the bead I found was 1/4" and would get "stuck"

 

[PapaFishRocks]

Overthinking things here...

But would you run the inlet tube (that goes into the top of the right saltwater can) all the way to the bottom to help stir up sediment, or stop it at the top to aerate the water as it fills / mixes?

Hmm, now you have me overthinking it too. LOL

I think either way is fine.

 

[BryanS]

On old school Harley’s, we would put a 90 at the top of the tank and another near the bottom, and put clear tubing between the 2. Easy way to tell what was left in the tank.

I swear I saw a reefbuilders video where Jake did the exact same thing with clear PVC fittings and tubing

 

[PapaFishRocks]

I swear I saw a reefbuilders video where Jake did the exact same thing with clear PVC fittings and tubing

I think you’re right. I remember it too. But I am getting a wee bit less ‘remembery’ these days. LOL