diy 3 way valve

[wanareef]

Planning for the next tank - lack of room in a tank that does not offer room to aqua-scape (100aga 72"l x16"x22")

I am a fan of the closed loop. No PH's in the tank and only one pump to do this chore. But who can afford a motorized ball valve with an actuator - easy $300. Dr. Michaelson first came up with the idea of using PVC and a 1 rpm motor to turn a shaft, with holes drilled 90' from each other. So as it turns, one "port" is open and the other is closed. And it just turns 360' 24/7. I had my good friend Dave- in Corvallis machine the shaft for me and I got it back yesterday.

So I have one part of the puzzle for the next upgrade - in-wall 300gal ply-wood tank.

Water intake for the valve is on the bottom. And the exit is on top. Makes sense

[wanareef]

Another shot - the exit to the tank excuse the hand

[wanareef]

This what the shaft looks like, made of Delrin. Thanks again Dave for your help

[RWD]

Cool!! Do you think the holes in the shaft are large enough for the flow of the pump?

[wanareef]

It'll have to be. The shaft is 2" and the holes are 1". I might try and enlarge them a little, but I don't want to weaken the shaft any.


For credit:
Here is the link to Dr. Michaelson valve http://avdil.gtri.gatech.edu/RCM/RCM...ionSystem.html

and here's the one to reefmadien site and her valve http://members.cox.net/reefmaiden/valve_diy2.html my inspiration.

[H2OENG]

What type of motor is that? Seems a little small for the job at hand?
Nice Work, BTW.

[wanareef]

It's a grainger 1 rpm motor. It's all 2" pvc reduced to 1.5" in and out. Yea the restriction will be the shaft ports, but will try to open up a little more without weakening it.

Have another one in the works, so will have 2 of these on the tank.

[RWD]

Opps, I didn't realize the holes were that big. Hard to tell by the pic.

[Jasontkd]

how much does it cost to make? can you give more step by step on building it

[wrang]

How does it goes with the building?

Great ide i plan do do one by my self to mu Deltec 4040 pump

[BLFuller123]

Did this idea ever work out for you?

[Jasontkd]

how about an update?

[VWD]

yes update us. How is it working