SW Mixing Station Plumbing Critique Needed

[Peace River]

I wish I could do an AWC system but our garage is technically detached and about 75ft form the DT/Sump. I'm not sure what other kind of automation you can perform with a SW mixing station. I'm open to suggestions though!

I haven’t added a AWC system yet. My mixing Station currently includes an AquaFX Octopus 6-stage, 200 GPD RODI with booster pump, auto flush, and a 1.5 cu ft carbon tower as well as (2) 65g Norwesco containers, Varios 6 pump, Hydros Control X2, and Hydros Control XS (with 2 solenoids, 2 water sensors, 2 dual TDS meters, leak detector, and temp). It is plumbed directly into the main house water line and is configured so that when the RO drops to the low water sensor, it will automatically flush the RODI and fill to the top water sensor with a safety mechanical float valve. The four TDS sensors are after each of the various types of filtration in the RODI so I can monitor the performance of each filter individually. My next upgrade will probably be digitally testing salinity continuously. I realize this approach isn’t for everyone and maybe overkill for many - I share this info so you can get a sense of what is possible.

 

[427HISS]

Looks awfully complicated for mixing salt. I use a brute garbage can and a couple of power heads but I'm a simple kinda guy. Nice work on the plumbing for sure tho. What size system is this for?

I believe that making things as simple as possible too. I have two Brutes, one for fresh water change the other to hold RO/DI water. My display is a in-wall 125g. backed up to a bedroom that is the ''reef room''. My two Brutes are in what used to be a closet. I removed the carpet and laid down seamless vinyl so spills are easy to clean up. I have the two Brutes on their roller wheels, so I can push them anywhere that's needed, like for a water change. I drilled a hole in the floor next to the tank and installed a 1.5" pvc pipe that goes downstairs to the water drain from the cloths washer. Very easy and simple for water changes.

 

[Eye H8 Empty V]

I haven’t added a AWC system yet. My mixing Station currently includes an AquaFX Octopus 6-stage, 200 GPD RODI with booster pump, auto flush, and a 1.5 cu ft carbon tower as well as (2) 65g Norwesco containers, Varios 6 pump, Hydros Control X2, and Hydros Control XS (with 2 solenoids, 2 water sensors, 2 dual TDS meters, leak detector, and temp). It is plumbed directly into the main house water line and is configured so that when the RO drops to the low water sensor, it will automatically flush the RODI and fill to the top water sensor with a safety mechanical float valve. The four TDS sensors are after each of the various types of filtration in the RODI so I can monitor the performance of each filter individually. My next upgrade will probably be digitally testing salinity continuously. I realize this approach isn’t for everyone and maybe overkill for many - I share this info so you can get a sense of what is possible.

That sounds like a great setup. I’m putting a hydros XS on mine as well. I’ve got the icecap system that has the built in meters for each stage, booster pump, and added the 3 stage DI system from BRS. Right now I’m using an autoaqua marriage saver optical solenoid that’s on a Hydros wifi power strip. I was just looking at the Hydros solenoid. How’s it been working for you? Thanks!

 

[Eye H8 Empty V]

I believe that making things as simple as possible too. I have two Brutes, one for fresh water change the other to hold RO/DI water. My display is a in-wall 125g. backed up to a bedroom that is the ''reef room''. My two Brutes are in what used to be a closet. I removed the carpet and laid down seamless vinyl so spills are easy to clean up. I have the two Brutes on their roller wheels, so I can push them anywhere that's needed, like for a water change. I drilled a hole in the floor next to the tank and installed a 1.5" pvc pipe that goes downstairs to the water drain from the cloths washer. Very easy and simple for water changes.

Post some pics! That sounds like a very cool setup. I would have loved to have done an in-wall.

 

[Eye H8 Empty V]

I did find an error in my plumbing. Because the pump is below the SW tank, it creates a siphon which ends up mixing when I’m trying to just get RO water. I’ve got to rebuild/reconfigure this with a tee and another valve so I can isolate the RO water at a higher elevation. Doh!

 

[Peace River]

That sounds like a great setup. I’m putting a hydros XS on mine as well. I’ve got the icecap system that has the built in meters for each stage, booster pump, and added the 3 stage DI system from BRS. Right now I’m using an autoaqua marriage saver optical solenoid that’s on a Hydros wifi power strip. I was just looking at the Hydros solenoid. How’s it been working for you? Thanks!

I have two solenoids on my mixing station and they both work very well. The Hydros solenoid is on the 1/4” RODI line right before it enters the RODI tank. The other solenoid is at the water supply line just after the manual shut off. Because the RODI piping that runs from the water supply line to the 5’ carbon tower is 3/8” RODI piping I had to use a 3/8” solenoid, which Hydros does not offer, and do some DIY wiring to connect it to the Hydros controller.

 

[BlueFijiWater]

Great looking setup!! I'm getting ready to try and do one very similar to yours. I'll definitely use a lot of yours as a model for mine!

 

[Eye H8 Empty V]

Great looking setup!! I'm getting ready to try and do one very similar to yours. I'll definitely use a lot of yours as a model for mine!

Thanks! If you do stacked tanks like I did, make sure you can isolate your RODI and SW tanks. The big mistake I made want not considering the height of the SW outlet and how it would create a siphon mixing both tanks together when trying to just get RODI water or water flowing through the pump because it’s lower than the tank. Definitely have 2 separate output valves. Use gravity to extract RODI water and the pump to extract SW only when it’s powered on.

Billy