Simple valve and controller for WC?

[Jim Miller]

I've got the tank end of my water change system worked out but now would like to consider an electrical means of controlling the drain and fill valve in the basement from a switch near the tank on the first floor.

I'm using a single 1/2" ID line to act as both drain and fill; half duplex.

I need to open a drain line which could be just a simple sprinkler valve like a Rainbird 100-DV-SS. Once I've drained a fixed amount of water (manually controlled) I want to close the drain valve and open a fill valve and (via relay) activate a pump to move the water from the holding tank in the basement to the plumbing of the aquarium.

I think the Rainbirds should be sufficient. Anyone have any idea of what voltage these run from? I assume it's something low like 12v.

Suggestions welcome.

I'm NOT planning to automate any of this. I just don't trust anything not to fail and flood the house! So simple switch activation is all that is necessary. I'm not against using a cheap irrigation controller to do this as long as it can be manually operated.

Thanks

Jim

[Jim Miller]

Did some research on valving last night and discovered that the valves used for irrigation probably won't work. They are of a class called piloted valves and require a significant input pressure to work properly. Further the pilot port would likely get choked with aquarium crud even if it worked for a while.

The good news is that there are a lot of PVC swing check valves which would work fine on the pump output and eliminate the need to control anything there. (<$20)

So the hunt is still on for an electrically operated gate valve or ball valve for the drain.

Suggestions appreciated.

Jim

[Jim Miller]

Gave up on the half duplex thang. Finding an electric valve that won't clog is a challenge.

I'll just drill another hole for a second 1/2" line and use a ball valve under the tank for drain and a check valve for the pump.

Still only one switch to turn on the pump remotely.

Now to get the remaining parts.

Jim