Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

sequencing valve,

lord knows Iam still learning and trying to build a simple system without it all going pear shaped and loosing all enthusiasim, but i was looking at sequencing valves and then ebayed,.... holey moley jack $600 stuff that but brain kicked in and Ive established enough auto lawn/garden irrigation systems so I was thinking (yeah I know scarey!)

but if you need a sequencing valve why not use a bank of irrigation solenoid's instead? Do the same thing and bugga all expense.

They will work, I think the issue is does your pump build enough pressure to open & close the valves? That's why the aquaponic indexing valves have a different spring(weaker) then the same valve for irrigation.

The main issue with solenoids is that they don;t like dirty water, even the "dirty water " solenoids don't perform so well with AP water. They have very small holes internally to do with the way they switch on and off and these can get blocked very easily.

If you want a simple system I'd bypass both ideas, they tend to NOT simplify a system.

Another issue you may encounter is buildup inside the valve seats. solenoids, & diaphragms. I know in reclaimed water, this can be an issue, as we use "scrubber" valves that are designed for "dirty water". They are, of course, more expensive then regular valves. Indexing valves have fewer working parts, but still require a certain water pressure to 'switch' zones. You can get irrigation indexing valves and timers for under $200.00, but I have no idea if they would work with your pump. TCLynx is the "Queen of indexing valves". Check her out- she is always very informative.

Dont worry I am not ready to go down this path, it was just another brain snap... I'll crawl back into my corner

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Rotary Ball Valves'..
I bought some stainless steel ball valves on ALIBABA for about thirty bucks.. each
Only issue then is producing the electrical device to do the sequencing...
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most solonoid valves require pressure to open and close
Many have fine ports inside - thats how they work on such low current
Id suggest they wont work for long BUT a lot of sequencing valves need a break in water flow to move position......often a solonoid valve used.

This is the valve that I used.. 24V but happy at 12V..

Practical to use a relay that normally leaves reverse DC on the device (closed) and then reverse the voltage when the relay is activated..

Oh and they have gone up in price... put them on your Ali' wish list and wait for a price reduction..
( I suspect they get notes of folk with a wish list and use a reduction to get you moving)
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