Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi Guys,

I'm looking for a 1" high flow valve that can be controlled from an irrigation controller. It will be running from a gravity fed source, so standard solenoid diaphragm valves are pretty useless as they just trickle. I really need something like an electric ball valve. Has anyone got any ideas that wont cost $200 per valve Because that's all I seem to be able to find :'(

Cheers,

Kenny.

Good luck... last time I looked around for something like that... it was way dearer then $200...

Might have to make one. Set up a solenoid to push up the plug would be the easiest. Just have to have a U shaped rode doing the pushing so the solenoid does not get wet. Or if you have access from the top connect it to a plug, similar to how a toilet works. Old washing machines have some interesting flow direction solenoids for the sud save mode.

A 1" Stainless Steel Ball Valve will cost around $120 by itself (a 2" one is $192.12)

This can be actuated by a 24v truck central locking servo.

More mechanical things in an AP system = more fish deaths.

lucky it's for my grey water system I have 40 fruit trees on 3 tiers, I have my grey water system setup so it waters each tier in sequence. I had it working with simple ball valve timers, but they got blocked after a while, but did work well when they were working, I only paid $8 for a twin pack of timers I just find it hard to believe that I can't find anything for my application that's not so expensive, I mean there's no pressure, just needs to have a big opening.

+1. I have converted 2 - 3/4" 12 volt irrigation valves to low/no pressure open/shut - but eventually - I probably will not use them.
kenour - - remember the K I S S principle

SteveS is using valves - check out his thread.

One of the problems is - the surface of the diaphragm needs to be absolutely CLEAN to shut (and not to leak).

Need to have really good filtration - not always possible in AP

or grey water

Hi kenour.........can you install a grease trap/sediment tank before your ball valve timers?

I know - it might not be possible without using a pump.

I pumped all gey water into a galv. tank - to let it settle and then gravity feed to the trees - unfortunately the tank rusted so quickly.
I'm pumping direct to the trees now .....problem is the drippers block

I've got it filter now... some idiot just decided to 'test' his system with the $4 tap timers before putting the filter in... anyways Now I have the irrigation controller looking after it, it's all good, just need valves to match!

The way I've it set up is all 3/4" poly, with T's where the tree's are, and the poly cut off at the same height (waterline) so that when to valve opens, it distributes to all the tree's fairly evenly... well... that was before the valve saga began!

Try ebay for similar valves

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Motorized-Ba ... Swa~BYaxi5