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Anonymous Poster

Two Indoor Stock Tanks - One Filter

09/16/2010 8:48 PM

I've set up two 150 U.S. gallon stock tanks in my basement to be used as indoor ponds for the winter months.

Here is my dilema....

I'm running two pumps (1 from each tank) to the single large filter which fills up with water then flows out pvc on each side back into each pond. Flow changes constantly from filter media blocking full flow out one side or the other so one tank will fill more while the other is draining.

What I need is two electronic floats of sorts to shut off pump in tank "A" or tank "B" if it is too low (which will allow the level to increase due to the fact no water is being removed from tank via pump). Once desired level is hit, pump is reactivated drawing out water again into the filter.

Any ideas on how to set this up? I know how to make a circuit turn on at low level, but what I want to do is turn circuit off at low level.

Thank you
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lyn
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#1

Re: Two stock tanks - one filter

09/16/2010 9:11 PM

Well, if you can turn one on, you can turn one off.

All you need is a float switch and solenoid for each tank.
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Tornado
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#2

Re: Two Idoor Stock Tanks - One Filter

09/16/2010 9:13 PM

(L1)---(NO upper float)-----------------------------↓

(L1)---(NO lower float)---(NO pump relay contact)---↑---(Pump relay coil)---(L2)

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kramarat
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#3

Re: Two Indoor Stock Tanks - One Filter

09/17/2010 5:59 AM

I think off the shelf sump pumps operate just the way you describe.

These are submersible pumps for removing water from basements, etc.

They pump when water is high and shut off when water gets low. Fairly inexpensive too.

Sump pumps are intended to be operated in fairly shallow holes though. You could mount them on the bottom of your tanks, dismantle the floats and run a length of lightweight plastic or brass chain between the floats and the actuating levers on the pumps, allowing the floats to remain on the surface.

Then it would simply be a matter of adjusting the chain length to maintain desired water levels.

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PeterT
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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Two Indoor Stock Tanks - One Filter

09/17/2010 2:04 PM

There are (relatively inexpensive) replacement, aftermarket float switches for sump pumps available, that have a 3-prong plug that just goes in line with the pump's electrical cord/plug. You fasten the float in the sump at a level where you get the desired switching action (high vs. low). This would be an easy solution for the OP, if his pumps are just standard 120VAC plug-in pumps.

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kramarat
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#5
In reply to #4

Re: Two Indoor Stock Tanks - One Filter

09/17/2010 2:29 PM

True, my post would be more apt if he was starting from scratch. Since we don't know what type/voltage of his existing pumps all we can do is guess.

Sump pumps would have worked great, if he had started with those.

As always, pictures and details help immensely.

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Rorschach
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#6
In reply to #4

Re: Two Indoor Stock Tanks - One Filter

09/17/2010 10:50 PM

Could you direct me to one? I could use such an animal for a problem I've been fighting as well.

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Garthh
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#7
In reply to #6

Re: Two Indoor Stock Tanks - One Filter

09/18/2010 3:50 AM

I may still have a [gasp] mercury switch http://www.mcmaster.com/#sump-pump-switches/=8wa989/

Easy to use, will stand up to grey water [many chemicals]
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Ric Bennett
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#9
In reply to #6

Re: Two Indoor Stock Tanks - One Filter

09/19/2010 8:30 PM

Home Depot sells one it is a float switch that you plug in then plug the pump into it.. Works like a charm.. Runs about $35.00.. Also, have you thought about installing a pipe to connect the two tubs together thus eliminating the float for one of them... If the pipe were big enough you could eliminate one pump and recycle the water to the one without the pump... Just an idea.. Good Luck..
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hotwater
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#8

Re: Two Indoor Stock Tanks - One Filter

09/18/2010 9:33 AM

Could you put a equalizer pipe between the two tanks, that way should one side of the filter stop up you would not over fill either tank.

For your problem of no flow in one pipe or the other, just install flow switches in each filter pipe.
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