Float valve - need advice

[Zayde]

We have an Aquascape pond (photo attached). The float valve has broken (second time in four years), and was never very effective in any case. I need suggestions for the most appropriate level control.

Problem is that the water feed inlet, where valves are usually attached, is five inches above the water level, so the traditional 'float on a rod' has trouble generating enough torque to close the valve. The short-stem models hardly even reach the water. A photo of the pump box is attached.

I cannot reposition the inlet lower, because it is already at ground level. The vertical rise valves sound more promising, but I don't know how they would be mounted. The bottom of the box is 30" below the inlet.

Any ideas ?

 

[j.w]

Zayde
Can't help ya w/ the float thingy but someone will chime in soon I'm sure. You have a beautiful pond!

 

[fishin4cars]

very nice looking pond. Have you looked at these?
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp...rchView&ip_categoryId=&ip_mode=&ip_perPage=20
Tractor supply, they work pretty good, I can get away with the plastic model due to we raerly freeze here, Being as far north as you are Ii would recommend the metal one. they are actually used for stock tanks for keep water in the tanks for cattle. You may have to make a plastic bracket for it to work in your application. I used a piece of 3/8 plexi glass as mine is set up under my deck, not in the skimmer.

 

[Waterbug]

I also use the stock tank floats. They don't last forever, but they're cheap and compact. I have one now needing replacement, it lasted 5 years. I supply these from an automatic sprinkler set to run a short time each day. That way when the float sticks the pond doesn't over flow.

 

[Zayde]

Thanks for the suggestion of the stock tank floats. From the pictures I can't see how they would be installed. Presumably the tank has to be below water level, which is about six inches below the water feed.
Does that mean I would have to find some kind of bracket to suspend it from the lip of the tank, and a flexible pipe from the water inlet to

 

[Waterbug]

The ones I've purchased have always come with a U type bracket, 2 arms, for hanging on the side of the tank. Each arm has a thumb screw that screw against the side. For some ponds I've had to straighten out the U bracket.

The water level comes up about an inch or two above the bottom and shuts off. So most of the unit is above water.

 

[fishin4cars]

It should mount very easily to the side of the skimmer. I run straight water hose from the faucet to the valve, but I only crack open the water to allow the pond to fill slowly, i don't use it for constantly keeping the water at an exact level.

 

[Catfishnut]

Why wouldn't a toilet valve work just as well? You know, the float valve in the water closet of your toilet?

Maybe it looks ugly, but you could camoflage it or hide it in a corner and it would be fairly inexpensive. It's adjustable, easy to set up and easily replaceable. Besides, they last for years, if they don't freeze.

Just an idea to entertain.

Gordy

 

[Mucky_Waters]

Do you really need a float valve?
With your pond, which looks fantastic by the way, you should be able to incoorperate an overflow area which would allow you to just keep your pond topped up all the time to maintain a constant level. You could do that manually, or have some sort of automated drip system just add water to the pond constantly.
My last pond I simply relied on the automatic sprinkler system to add water daily, the excess would simply exit the pond via the lowest overflow point. The overflow point determines your water level. I plan to use the same method to maintain the level in my new pond.