Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Expansion modules and attachments
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paperdesk
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Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Post by paperdesk »

I just got a used water level expansion, The instructions indicate that one should use pvc, but don't say how long it should be. The unit came with about 5 inches of clear 1/2" plastic tubing attached. Is there any reason I should replace it, lengthen or shorten it?
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cosmith71
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Re: Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Post by cosmith71 »

I don't think the length really matters, up to a point (few feet?). Just use whatever length fits your application.

Were they using the 1/2" tubing instead of PVC? I wouldn't think it would matter.
paperdesk
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Re: Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Post by paperdesk »

Yep, 1/2" tubing instead of pvc. It's glued on, so hopefully it will work as is. I'll give it a try. Thanks for the reply!
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Sacohen
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Re: Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Post by Sacohen »

9" PVC is what comes with the unit, but you can use what ever length you need up to about 15 inches then there is some code that you need to add for longer pipe to work properly.

Check this thread.
http://forum.reefangel.com/viewtopic.ph ... ater+Level
rimai wrote:I still have not had the time to test it, but by looking at the libraries, you can try changing the gain.
Line 55 of WaterLevel.cpp
Change this:

Code: Select all

	addr+=0x03; // Programmable Gain
To this:

Code: Select all

	addr+=0x01; // Programmable Gain
Let me know if this helps.
paperdesk
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Re: Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Post by paperdesk »

Thanks for the post, I did a search, but I never bumped into that thread! Very helpful.

Ted
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Sacohen
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Re: Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Post by Sacohen »

No Problem.
The only reason I know about it is because I'm going to be putting a pipe top to bottom in a 20 gallon Brute Trash can.
About a 20" pipe.

I think it's titled "Water Level's Limitation".
paperdesk
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Re: Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Post by paperdesk »

So, if I understand correctly, the idea is you want to place your sensor at the high water mark, and the pipe will go all the way to the bottom of the container.
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rimai
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Re: Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Post by rimai »

Depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
My sump is like that, but the overflow is not. I just want to measure to top end of the overflow, so the pipe never reached the bottom.
Roberto.
paperdesk
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Re: Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Post by paperdesk »

When I was looking around for info on how to set up the adapter/pipe assembly I saw a photo of your overflow setup. Very cool idea!
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Sacohen
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Re: Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Post by Sacohen »

paperdesk wrote:So, if I understand correctly, the idea is you want to place your sensor at the high water mark, and the pipe will go all the way to the bottom of the container.
I'm going to measure full (100%) and empty (0%) in my Brute Trash can.

My RO/DI unit will automatically turn on when level is reaches 0% and turn off when it reached the 100% mark.
paperdesk
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Re: Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Post by paperdesk »

Great idea! Now I just need a half dozen of these things!
How do you connect to Reef Angel Controller? Do you use a long bus cable?
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Sacohen
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Re: Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Post by Sacohen »

1/2 dozen of the Water Level sensors?

Roberto developed a multi Water level senor that has 4 units in it, so that plus the original single unit will give you 5.
That is the max you can have I believe.

I have the units mounted in my stand with all my other equipment and I'm going to use long tubing to the unit to the PVC tube.
paperdesk
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Re: Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Post by paperdesk »

Ah, I didn't know you could extend the 1/4" tubing. Any idea how long it can be?
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Sacohen
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Re: Water Level Expansion: Pipe length

Post by Sacohen »

I haven't tried it yet. I'm looking at about 20'.
I already extended 1 to 10' to reach the 10 gallon ATO tank I have set up now.
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