Mixing Station Build

Bfragale · Mar 4, 2020

Mixing station Approx $400 to build.
Used RO/DI 7 stage - came with new media $100
A few extra parts to hook up ro/di $40
Used little giant pump $40
Used food grade 30 gal barrels $40 each
Misc Plumbing etc. $100
Used stand $40

I had the idea based off a few I saw online but wanted it to be more “contained” since it’s in my office. This is where I came up with a fish tank stand to hide pump and pipes.

The 7 stage ro/di unit has TDS meters, Pressure Gauge, and auto shut off switch. Also float switch in freshwater barrel.

here’s some photos before - during - and after. I used clear glue for a clean finish.

once I was all done/glued I realized I missed one part. Can you see what I missed?

mike550 · Mar 4, 2020

@Bfragale that’s an awesome build! I’ve been thinking about draining through the bottom of the tank but haven’t seen it done. Making me rethink my plans.

Bfragale · Mar 4, 2020

mike550 said:
@Bfragale that’s an awesome build! I’ve been thinking about draining through the bottom of the tank but haven’t seen it done. Making me rethink my plans.

Thanks man, I have not filled it for leak test yet, and I need one more valve on the line returning to salt barrel, but I’m excited for no more hauling water upstairs!

Take care man and happy reefing.

Snoopy 67 · Mar 4, 2020

Where is the handle for the door?

Ratherbeflyen · Mar 4, 2020

I'm betting that the T fitting leaks, or you forgot what ever you had planned to put on top of it. Or maybe it's just a strange looking elbow...

Bfragale · Mar 4, 2020

Ratherbeflyen said:
I'm betting that the T fitting leaks, or you forgot what ever you had planned to put on top of it. Or maybe it's just a strange looking elbow...

It’s a strange looking elbow lol.
I forgot a valve to the return to the salt tank. Same lone your refering to needs a ball valve lol. Should go on tonight then will hook up and leak test.

Bfragale · Mar 4, 2020

Snoopy 67 said:
Where is the handle for the door?

i was thinking about a knob but decided to leave it without. The door sits on the surface and can easily grab the edge. But I may still as a handle to the door.

mrbluewildcats · Mar 4, 2020

This looks awesome. I still need to build a mixing station and this looks like a great design.

Bfragale · Mar 4, 2020

Thank you man,

samnaz · Mar 5, 2020

This is super nice.... great work.

homer1475 · Mar 5, 2020

Great idea going out the bottom of the barrel with a bulkhead, instead of out the side with a uniseal.

User1 · Mar 5, 2020

Nice job. Looks nice.

Do you fense by any chance? Thought I saw a few in one of the pictures.

Peace River · Mar 5, 2020

Nice work - the stand makes it look very clean! What is the flow rate of the pump?

Bfragale · Mar 5, 2020

samnaz said:
This is super nice.... great work.

Thanks you

Bfragale · Mar 5, 2020

homer1475 said:
Great idea going out the bottom of the barrel with a bulkhead, instead of out the side with a uniseal.

Thanks, I thought coming out of the bottom would allow there to be almost no water left in the barrels when I empty. And the flat surface seemed better for the bulkhead and didn’t have to get the barrel kind.

Bfragale · Mar 5, 2020

saf1 said:
Nice job. Looks nice.

Do you fense by any chance? Thought I saw a few in one of the pictures.

Lol. No I don’t. But would probably be a lot of fun lol. My father collected swords and stuff. Those in the photo was his that I kept as a keepsake.

Bfragale · Mar 5, 2020

Peace River said:
Nice work - the stand makes it look very clean! What is the flow rate of the pump?

The flow rate is 1100 for this pump. I wanted to go a bit bigger like 1300-1500 but I found this pump used for $40 so I went with it.

I started filling for first time today, I have not really used pump yet other then Testing that it worked. I hope it’s enough flow, I should find out tomorrow. I’ll be mixing my first batch of saltwater tomorrow and Saturday will be doing a water change. I’ll update this if I run into any issues. So far no Leakes but curious to test under pressure with the pumps.

Bfragale · Mar 6, 2020

Just an update. NO LEAKS! I’m mixing some saltwater as we speak. So excited to have it complete and not have to haul water from LFS and up stairs- life just got a bit easier

Peace River · Mar 6, 2020

Bfragale said:
Just an update. NO LEAKS! I’m mixing some saltwater as we speak. So excited to have it complete and not have to haul water from LFS and up stairs- life just got a bit easier

That's awesome! Congratulations and good work!