Best selonoid valves according to redditors

It's actually super easy. Bought everything off amazon.

• ice line kit, attach to your water line under sink
  
  
• Solenoid Valve 1/4", splice 12v plug and into a timer or wifi timer.
  
  
• Attach water line inlet to tank
  
  
• Drill hole in tank or use overflow box for water outlet. I made my own
  
  
• Optional, get water filter if your water is chlorinated, check valve for safety, 1 gph drip emitter for better flow control.
  
  I'll make a full guide later

Presumably you mean solenoid?

I bought a couple of these to connect my aquarium to my RO system and maintain the level:


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0743CSRFF/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A1RV0JSTR3O8IW&psc=1

Quite pleased with them several months in and a good price too.

https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Solenoid-110-VAC-Normally-Closed/dp/B007N0J98E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499072073&sr=8-1&keywords=water+solenoid+110v

https://www.amazon.com/Century-Plug-Mechanical-Timer-Grounded/dp/B00MVFF59S/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1499072056&sr=8-6&keywords=timer

+some hoses / tubes / enclosure for your electronics and a few hours of your time.

you should be able to construct a nice system for 50-100 dollar

You're may be paying many times more sourcing "locally" if you can't wait until chinese new year is over next month. On amazon anything that is 'prime' should be warehoused stateside


Search for water solenoid example
Compatible diameter tube for above example
and any relay board example.

Moisture sensors are literality just wires shoved into the soil. But beware of electrolyses degrading the metal, you can used galvanized nails or even pencil lead (carbon rods) instead

You shouldn't need a pump unless using a reservoir, but just in case 12V water pump example--note this has a bigger diameter hose connector you may be able to just shove a 1/4" inside and glue around for seal but look around at the different search results for matching hose diameters all around or possible legit adaptors


And don't forget the 12V power adaptor capable of powerint all that. ~2+A should be fine example

HSH-Flo 12VDC 6W 8L/min 120Kpa... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074W35XZK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share.

Orient Men's Automatic Stainless... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ON8XFSO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Hi! Thanks! Ask as many questions as you like.

The pots are these and the valves are these.

Why not just use a magnetic reed switch and a magnet. This way you wouldn't have to make a hole in the case.
Something like this should work and I am sure you can find them for much cheaper on ebay/aliexpress.

I suppose so. It’s nothing to look at.

It a box with an Esp8266, and 5 to 12v convertor and a relay. It’s all sealed so I can’t show you the guts. Then there’s a wire that connects to the solenoid - I used this one. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Electric-Solenoid-Valve-Water-Air/dp/B00BVESSJY. The power is just from a 5v usb plug that connected to a rainproof socket.

Here’s a picture of the box, solenoid and rain fittings. https://i.imgur.com/SHHyrQ6.jpg

I tend to get my solenoid valves on ebay, because they are cheaper.

This is probably what you are looking for.

https://www.amazon.com/Gravity-Electric-Solenoid-DDB-CD-12VDC-12-volt/dp/B01E0NRNVG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1473960963&sr=8-4&keywords=gravity+solenoid+valve

Ever thought of something like this: http://www.adafruit.com/products/997 with a smaller spout to limit the flow or just this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007D1U64E/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?qid=1373166510&sr=1-7&pi=AC_SX112_SY192 (sorry about links, on my phone).

The issue is the amount of force you need to hold back the ball in the bearing option. You will need a decent amount of current to make a field strong enough to hold that bearing up and hold the fluid back. It is doable but a complete waste of power since this thing will be off 95% of the time.

$10 12V Solenoid valves from amazon. These do the job and it would cost you $640. http://www.amazon.com/12V-Solenoid-Valve-3-4/dp/B007R9U9BM

I'd use 1/2" copper with either a 1/2 or 3/8" solenoid valve. Since you are using metric for flow, you most likely are not in the US so make sure you buy the solenoid valve with the correct voltage. US is 110V, or you could go with 24V. Not sure what you circuit voltage will be based on your motion sensor, etc..... Also valves come either normally closed or normally open. THis refers to if loss of power, it goes to the "normal state".

https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pressure-loss-copper-pipes-d_930.html

​

https://www.amazon.com/BACOENG-AC110V-Electric-Solenoid-Normally/dp/B013LM4T9G/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=solenoid+valve+3%2F8%22&qid=1565455929&s=gateway&sr=8-6

​

Edit: or you could use hose barbs and flexible tubing in lieu of copper soldering.

I think solenoid valve is indeed the way to go.

You could hook up something like this Amazon link to a relay and a 12v power supply. I guess that particular one gets hot if you power the solenoid continuously for hours at a time, so it might not be the best for you project.

Couple of things come to mind, this is one of them: https://redd.it/6p3f85

If you truly want just a valve this should work for you: https://smile.amazon.com/Electric-Solenoid-110-VAC-Normally-Closed/dp/B007N0J98E/

You'll need a few fittings to make it work with the hose, but that should be pretty minor.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KJDK81S/

use the relay contacts to control regular solenoids.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0Q4QYI/

Here is the code for it:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/80k1wg2lsvjmrs0/TriptychCarbonator.ino?dl=0

Here are the parts:

Arduino - https://www.amazon.com/OSOYOO-MEGA2560-Control-ATMEGA2560-16AU-Compatible/dp/B00PD92EJ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1486136759&sr=1-1

Pressure Transducer - https://www.amazon.com/Eyourlife-Universal-Pressure-Transducer-Solenoid/dp/B00RCPDE40/ref=sr_1_1?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1486136841&sr=8-1

Solenoid Valve - https://www.amazon.com/BACOENG-AC110V-Electric-Solenoid-Normally/dp/B01MRC51FD/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1486136934&sr=8-10

LCD - https://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-Serial-Module-Shield-Arduino/dp/B0080DYTZQ/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1486136895&sr=8-6

Relay to switch valve on/off - https://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-2-Channel-Duemilanove-MEGA2560-MEGA1280/dp/B0079WI2ZC/ref=sr_1_1?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1486136997&sr=8-1

Here is the valve I have: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007R9U9BM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I double checked and the direction is correct, still same issue. Is it possible that the pressure from the tap is too high?

https://www.orbitonline.com/site_files/manuals/200%20Series%20valves%20chart.pdf

The minimum pressure for this valve is 15 psi. I am running my drip irrigation out of my rain barrel, with a pond pump. It doesn't make enough pressure to actuate the pilot in this valve.

I have tried the following valves, that only require 3 psi and they work. I wish there was better option that didn't require a minimum presure.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016MP1HX0

1/4" push in compression fittings.

I don't like the dash button idea. I do actually have those setup, but the delays involved would add uncertainty about time.

I found this solenoid, so that could work maybe, but Id have to hard a timer somehow. DIGITEN DC 12V 1/4" Inlet Feed Water Solenoid Valve Quick Connect N/C normall... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MP1HX0/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_aqIczbQ7W75MF via @amazon

Can’t help you with programming but you could eliminate the pump and use gravity feed and a valve like this
https://www.amazon.com/DIGITEN-Solenoid-Connect-normally-Closed/dp/B016MP1HX0/ref=pd_aw_fbt_328_img_3/140-4689437-7402416?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B016MP1HX0&pd_rd_r=7e732eb6-69bd-4334-8901-5ebb49bc7e82&pd_rd_w=UV8Al&pd_rd_wg=BJTUS&pf_rd_p=0bda97b1-9615-4960-b748-b906a3521083&pf_rd_r=0FX3BC956PNFJ3R82N43&psc=1&refRID=0FX3BC956PNFJ3R82N43

Wow Thanks for the descriptive response!


I'm not very great at electronics, but here is the exact switch I'm using.

As for power source, I'm probably going to use 110 VAC to power the 4 ch relay board. http://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-101-70-101-4-Channel-Relay-Module/dp/B0057OC5O8

This is the solenoid I will be using


Thanks! Your post really helped me think it through. Just need to put it to work lol.

it can be as cheap as 45 to 60 bucks i bought quality components and mine ran me about 120$ that was for everything even a few extra parts i didnt end up needing. i recomend buying pid from known supplier like auberins. they even have one with ramp and soak if you want to get supper fancy, i just wanted even control. also dont skimp on the solenoid, buy one that will last like asco red hat

overall im very happy with the set up.

cheapest one I see on amazon $6.86 each

https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Solenoid-Uni-Directional-Normally-Pneumatic/dp/B07N182VG8/

This might be the ticket, because with that type of tubing, I think you want quick connects. I'm not sure about the pressure rating, or if it would be easy to connect to an Arduino.

The push-to-connect fittings that you see listed with your hydraulic cylinder on Amazon are what you want. Even the cheapest brands don't have problems with leaks so don't get hung up on what you buy. The tubing is also quite inexpensive and easy to work with.

Unless you plan on using the cheap, open frame, coffee-maker style pneumatic solenoids you want to make sure you buy direct-acting valves, not pilot-operated valves. The latter require a minimum pressure to operate -- a pressure that will be much higher than you'll want to use. AirTac is a common, inexpensive brand and should be around $10/valve.

The compressor will be a problem. The best you can do on a budget will be a small compressor designed for use with (e.g.) a nail gun, but you need to find one that's under 75 dBA or less. That's still quite loud -- not so loud that you can't talk over it if you speak clearly, but loud. You should probably look for single-acting cylinders with a spring extend or retract so you can cut down on your air requirements.

I use a waterless silicone airlock most of the time.

Like chino said, though, it's basically a check valve. You could just get a barbed aquarium check valve and jam it into the top of a stopper and it'd do the job as well.

I think these solenoid valves require a minimum of 3psi to let water flow, probably no good for gravity feed, they should be able to handle normal mains water pressure when off

heres a cheaper one (but 1/2 inch thread) https://www.amazon.com/HeroNeo%C2%AE-Electric-Solenoid-Magnetic-Switch/dp/B00PXU7DVG

Solenoid before your regulator should work, I think. Maybe somebody can correct me if I'm wrong.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C2DVD2W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YdXTAbP7WJ28G

Get a new, working solenoid or repair your old one. They‘re not that expensive.

Would this be acceptable? http://www.amazon.com/12V-Solenoid-Valve-3-4/dp/B007R9U9BM

Timer and pump or [valve] (http://www.amazon.com/12V-Solenoid-Valve-3-4/dp/B007R9U9BM/).

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007N0J98E?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

You can use a valve like that and control with a wireless relay such as a sonoff basic or a Z-wave switch.

If anyone is interested... I did experiment with one and it worked rather well for the test.

This is the valve I used

They do make automatic top offs for aquariums which could be modded for this. it is meant however to control a pump from a reservoir to fill up the aquarium instead of from the tap. you could buy [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Electric-Solenoid-110-VAC-Normally-diesel/dp/B007N0J98E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373403144&sr=8-1&keywords=water+solenoid+valve+110) and use it with a JBJ ato(one I use for my reef tank.) Or buy this if you want the diy way and hook it up accordingly. There are already cheap options so I personally would choose another project and use whats already available on the market for your hydroponic system

Relay Timer: https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Digital-Switch-110-220V-IDT-E2RH/dp/B008KV65MS

Pressure Switch: https://www.coleparmer.com/i/dwyer-cxa-s3-water-pump-pressure-switch-nc-range-35-150-psig-2-4-10-3-bar/6806346

Pump: https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-58407-aquatec-58-flc-220-pump-with-220-psi-pressure-swich-internal-bypass-12-motor-leads-115-vac.aspx

Solenoid valve: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007N0J98E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Check this out. It's not as cheap as you were hoping, but it is cheaper than what you found. For 64 of them shipping works out to about $18 where I'm at.