Do I need a "Top-Off Rez"?

Rebuilding my RDWC. I see a lot of prebuilt systems have a separate top-off-reservoir for plain water.

Could I just put a float valve and run the line straight into my main rez? Or do I really need a separate rez for plain water? (I don't see the purpose for a separate rez.?)

My alternative would be to float valve an empty bucket, then use pumps to move the water back and forth every few days.

Joint Monster said:

Rebuilding my RDWC. I see a lot of prebuilt systems have a separate top-off-reservoir for plain water.

Could I just put a float valve and run the line straight into my main rez? Or do I really need a separate rez for plain water? (I don't see the purpose for a separate rez.?)

My alternative would be to float valve an empty bucket, then use pumps to move the water back and forth every few days.

Click to expand...

If you wanna top off with Just water, afloat valve on a direct ro live is fine.
I got one add full strength nuts water to my top offs. That's why people have rezs.

Airwalker16 said:

If you wanna top off with Just water, afloat valve on a direct ro live is fine.
I got one add full strength nuts water to my top offs. That's why people have rezs.

Click to expand...

Oh okay that makes sense.

Yeah I'm fine with just plain water top offs.

It usually doesn't dilute the water enough to make a huge difference (adding just plain water). I can always add a little nute mix to the rez if I need to bump it up.

Joint Monster said:

Rebuilding my RDWC. I see a lot of prebuilt systems have a separate top-off-reservoir for plain water.

Could I just put a float valve and run the line straight into my main rez? Or do I really need a separate rez for plain water? (I don't see the purpose for a separate rez.?)

My alternative would be to float valve an empty bucket, then use pumps to move the water back and forth every few days.

Click to expand...

You can do this a couple ways, depending on your situation. If you are able to place a reservoir higher than the system, then gravity feed will work. But, if you can't, or want to be able to have your res away from the system, or at ground level, then you can use a water pump and a powered switch.

JSB99 said:

You can do this a couple ways, depending on your situation. If you are able to place a reservoir higher than the system, then gravity feed will work. But, if you can't, or want to be able to have your res away from the system, or at ground level, then you can use a water pump and a powered switch.

Click to expand...

BTW, when I say "powered switch", I'm talking about a level sensor switch, that goes in one of the buckets, that turns your pump on when water isn't touching it. They're cheap. Click the link. That one's only $3.95 with free shipping. Personally, I'd go that route. It gives you many more options, as far as location, size, and you can use a ball valve and a tee, giving you the ability to drain your reservoir. That's always handy to have.