Sprinkler solenoids?

[IBMGeek]

Anybody ever tried to make an oceanmotion replica with something like this


Its just a 4 way manifold with 4 sprinkler solenoids. The solenoids parts are made with stainless steel, so I dont see a problem there. The only problem I see is the noise factor. The solenoids make a clicking sound when there switched on.

I might try making one for my tank since I can get the plumbing parts cheap (solenoids the most expensive part). I have to see if I can hear the clicking from the solenoid inside my hood.

Those oceanmotions are just way too expensive (There small and I heard they work good, but if I can save money and have the satisfaction of doing something myself then that's a win win situation)

[R34dawn]

I don't think i could afford them, so I be keeping it simple. but if by somehow you ever do let me know...lol Perhaps will a good little project to get into

[wildreef]

Originally Posted by IBMGeek

Anybody ever tried to make an oceanmotion replica with something like this


Its just a 4 way manifold with 4 sprinkler solenoids. The solenoids parts are made with stainless steel, so I dont see a problem there. The only problem I see is the noise factor. The solenoids make a clicking sound when there switched on.

I might try making one for my tank since I can get the plumbing parts cheap (solenoids the most expensive part). I have to see if I can hear the clicking from the solenoid inside my hood. Those oceanmotions are just way too expensive (There small and I heard they work good, but if I can save money and have the satisfaction of doing something myself then Ill do it)

Well' you penny'...LOL , I'm thinking though those solenoids are made to for the use of "FRESH WATER" only.

Hence the salt water will just gum up the valve/s and/or make those soft little O'rings in there go bad.

[IBMGeek]

You can get a unit like the one above for 130 with all the solenoids and plumbing made, you would still need something to control it. I wont obviously buy the unit above because its not cost effective but I can probably make everything for less than 100 buck compared to an oceanmotion 4-way $390.00.

[IBMGeek]

Im thinking for the controller something like this would work. A small motor (1 rpm or less) would spin the disk in the middle which in turn would toggle the micro switches on and off which in turn controls the solenoids. I also made sure there is one solenoid open while the next solenoid is opening.

Very basic drawing

[IBMGeek]

Originally Posted by wildreef

Well' you penny'...LOL , I'm thinking though those solenoids are made to for the use of "FRESH WATER" only.

Hence the salt water will just gum up the valve/s and/or make those soft little O'rings in there go bad.

I looked at the seal and it looks fine too me, Its not really an o ring. The seal is built into the diaphragm.

[TritonsGarden]

I'd check into the stainless steel. I've seen SS heaters that were advertized as freshwater only.

[IBMGeek]

The solenoids are advertised as freshwater only but I think thats more because of warranty etc. But if its stainless steel it should technically be able to work in saltwater.

[wildreef]

Oh Geek im sure it would work, i wont deny that but with a rubber diaphram ? that will likely get real hard/brittle in a short time.
I'd like to see the inside of one , my thinking though they wouldint last long in our salt tanks.

That salt's some corrosive stuff !.

But you have a great idea there i think.

[IBMGeek]

Yeah I got to see how the rubber holds up in saltwater. Ill try and take a picture.