Hey jl,

Nice sketch.

I bought the Kerick mini float valves here:

http://www.thevalveshop.com/menu/manual/kerick/kerickm.html

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They worked out to about $9.85 ea. when you buy 2 or more. They did come with the compression fitting and everything needed to hook up to 1/4" o.d. tubing:

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I was concerned that as I tightened the fitting, the flexible tubing would collapse - - but hand tightening did the trick and no leaking.

My big challenge (as best illustrated by your drawing) is to try to fit the unit directly under the aeration bench, and have it mounted within the 1 inch air gap between the water in the reservoir and the bottom surface of the aeration bench. I want to keep the water reservoir at a constant 3" depth, and with the wicking basket 4" tall, I somehow need to engineer it into this one inch space. If the float assembly takes more vertical space, then the water level may only be at 2.5" or so.

The neat thing about the mini-float valves is that unlike the EarthBox AWS (which I REALLY like), is the fact that the mini-float valves can be fed from a gravity system like an elevated rain barrel. The EarthBox AWS needs a water pressure feed from your house.

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Above is the EarthBox AWS (on the left) and on the right, my adaption to the deeper EarthTainer and 3" water reservoir level.

Both AWS systems cost about the same installed, and for my home system, I prefer the EarthBox AWS, but for those in rural locations or developing Countries like Haiti etc. the mini-float valve AWS has an advantage with its gravity fed capability.

Raybo

Here is a link that might be useful: Mini-float valve

The valve looks to be identical to the one I purchased through US Plastics. I am glad now that I went with the 1/2" MPT though. The orifice is super small and it could take days to fill up if the container got low enough using a rain barrel. I'm thinking of just using PVC now instead of my drip line.

jl,

My thoughts exactly re: 1/2" connector especially in a gravity fed system like a rain barrel. They do offer a 3/8" size, so that may be a better compromise.

While I am sure the 1/4" would work, it would take some time on the initial fill. Keep us posted on how you mechanically fit it in and maintain a water level of 3" or so.

Raybo