Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

normal solenoid valves require 70kpa to work (the ones sold for irrigation in Aus), the pressure requirement becomes a problem for smaller pumps or gravity feed.

zero pressure operated sol valves are not cheap

Daniel is working on his "outer flouter" but that is not perfected to the stage of sequential feeding as yet

Someone else was working with auto door actuators, this requires water level sensing devices and all sorts of wonderful gadgetry

The other option that has been discussed is using smart relays, but this ran out of puff when it required solenoid valves

So, Just tossing around ideas .. this is so nice to see so many ways to solve a problem...

I am guessing ... the best way to do this is .... may be ..


One ... 12 V Solar panel that feeds a

12 V Motor control unit (Not really sure why you need this gadget???) that feeds ..

Some type of solar powered sequential timer 15 min on 45 min 0ff per each of 4 channels ..

feeding

One small 12 V pump and small 12 V air pump per each of four flood and drain growbeds in turn.

For now, maybe lets us assume that the fish can do OK without any circulation overnight. (or if they need it, I can set a timer to airate one big blower to service all tanks every now and then).

So we are thinking a daylight only scenario.

There must be a $ 25 4 channel , stand alone, solar powered, sequential switch that can do this ..

Also , please can you enlighten me regards the need for a "controller" that sits between the solar panel and motor... (something to do with start up and shut down maybe?)

(My general physics is OK, but my electrical knowledge sux!)

Thanks guys... I am only talking about one metre of lift .... and am not even near first base when it comes to understanding what is needed when using small 12 or 24 DC motors / pumps when powered by a cheap solar panel.

As I understand it , it is not just a matter of wiring up a small 12 V pond pump to a solar panel directly.

Thanks lads and ladies!

I would hook it up via a cheapo, battery charge controller and a small (~14AH) SLA battery. That way you have some power stored. I would hate to think what would happen when the sun goes behind a cloud in the middle of a fill/drain cycle.