Temperature mixer

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Plenipotentiary-at-large
I swear

Can't tell if you're joking or not...if not and with all respect to your Missus, you should maybe hang on to your day job.

Then again it could be it's just so brilliant that I can't see/grasp it....:D
 

verbal

CCA Members
I usually have been running a hose from outside. However in the winter that limits the size of water changes that I feel comfortable making.

The majority of my tanks are in a rec room that is next to my kitchen and 1/2 story down. So to get the temperature mixed water from my kitchen to the tanks, I used a siphon from the pot down to the tanks.

Not really particularly clever, more along the lines of "crazy stuff that fish keepers do".
 

Jeff721

Members
That's actually pretty innovative, does the faucet keep up with the siphon?
I just use an adapter on my faucet with a universal strainer in it.
 

tfoster7189

Members
That is how I use my python. I syphon the water out the window next to the tank and I run a python with the included faucet adapter from my downstairs bathroom to the tank. Basically the same thing that you are doing, but a little more of a direct approach.
 

Tony

Alligator Snapping Turtle/Past Pres
I got all excited when I saw the title of the thread. Spent a few minutes researching thermostatic mixing valves the other day and got frustrated so quit looking.

I thought you had all the answers! :p
 

Scorp1us

Members
I have no idea what is going on here. When I do big water changes, I put the python on the faucet with the faucet adapter. I then take a bobbing thermometer with a suction cut and put it angled into the python and let the water run. It'll tell you the approximate outlet temperature from the sink. I've basically got it figured out to a degree or two that I don't bother to measure anymore.
 

Scorp1us

Members
I work for a "plumbing" company. But we're not toilet fixers. We make thermostatic temperature valves. Unfortunately we have a product that is just out of range at 86 degrees. However I we have internal brainstorms for new lines of business. We could conceivably make a push-button automatic water changer. But I don't know what is out there in the rest of aquaria. What do the big boys use? (pet stores and large tanks - like at Rain Forest Cafe and the Aquarium)
 

AquaStudent

CCA Members
I've been using a digital meat thermometer to get my water temps out of the faucet. I then jam my gravel vac up to the faucet and the "springeyness" of the tubing keeps the nozzel in place.

The 20' (more is attached if needed) of tubing is then run down to a pair of 5 gallon buckets next to the tanks where I can then dechloronate and fill the tanks back up. At some point I want to make a PVC adapter for my powerhead so I can automatically pump water back into the tanks.

We all have our little tricks :D
 

jonclark96

Past CCA President
Most folks who use dechlor (I don't because I have well water) add it to the tank then fill directly from the faucet. Saves a little strength by not lifting buckets.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
I use a low-temp mixing valve to get the temperature right. Is just like the mixing valve for your shower but it works on a lower temperature range. Since I have a tankless water heater, once you dial in the mixing valve setting, it mixes the hot and cold to the precise temperature. In my case, it comes out at 80F. To resolve the initial temperature flutuation as well as neutralze the chlorine, the water would go into a barrel. I then use a peristaltic pump to dispense sodium thiosulfate into the barrel. To figure out what conc. of sodium thiosulfate to use, you will need to call to find out the chlorine conc. being used in the municipal water. I double that conc. to make sure even a temporary chlorine spike can be neutralized (a proper sized tubing for the peristaltic pump is then determined to deliver the correct concentration). Other factors like how many gallon per minute flow rate will also need to be considered, so I also attached an inline digital flow meter that also tell me the cumulative water volume.

Now, to make everything fully automated, optical water level sensors are used to detect when the barrel is 'empty' or 'full' and turn the water/pump 'on' or 'off'. I am planning to evaluate ultrasonic water level sensor that sits out of water (on top of the container) which requires much less maintenance as well as lower failure rate. Ultrasonic water level sensor requires abit more initial setup like calibrating the water levels, as well as issues like tank depth/width limitations that interfere with the ultrasonic waves, sensor placement, condensation issue, etc.
 
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Scorp1us

Members
I use a low-temp mixing valve to get the temperature right. Is just like the mixing valve for your shower but it works on a lower temperature range. Since I have a tankless water heater, once you dial in the mixing valve setting, it mixes the hot and cold to the precise temperature. In my case, it comes out at 80F. To resolve the initial temperature flutuation as well as neutralze the chlorine, the water would go into a barrel. I then use a peristaltic pump to dispense sodium thiosulfate into the barrel. To figure out what conc. of sodium thiosulfate to use, you will need to call to find out the chlorine conc. being used in the municipal water. I double that conc. to make sure even a temporary chlorine spike can be neutralized (a proper sized tubing for the peristaltic pump is then determined to deliver the correct concentration). Other factors like how many gallon per minute flow rate will also need to be considered, so I also attached an inline digital flow meter that also tell me the cumulative water volume.

Now, to make everything fully automated, optical water level sensors are used to detect when the barrel is 'empty' or 'full' and turn the water/pump 'on' or 'off'. I am planning to evaluate ultrasonic water level sensor that sits out of water (on top of the container) which requires much less maintenance as well as lower failure rate. Ultrasonic water level sensor requires abit more initial setup like calibrating the water levels, as well as issues like tank depth/width limitations that interfere with the ultrasonic waves, sensor placement, condensation issue, etc.

I'd be interested in the model of that mixer.
My company makes mixers but the lowest we go is 86F.

There are transducers (http://www.globalw.com/products/levelsensor.html) which will do what you want.
EDIT: Wow, they are pricey!
 
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dogofwar

CCA Members
I just turn the dials on the utility sink to the desired temp ;)

Some tanks get warm water, some cold, some in between!

Matt
 
Low temperature thermostatic mixing valve is commonly available online. Mine is Watts L1170-M2 and is rated from 60F to 120F. Make sure you buy the one with the 'L' in front. I accidently ordered one without the 'L' and had to return it. The one without 'L' is sold in HD/Lowes as well.
 
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