How To Measure Water Depth In Tank?

[Metal Head]

Hi,

We have a 2000 ltrs "Downpour" water tank outside the house. The only problem is there is no water level gauge, so it is hard to know how much water is in the tank. I phoned the company the other day to see if I could put a sight hole (in the top section) with an acrylic cover but they said no as it would invalidate the warranty. So I asked what he could suggest something instead - after all I don't think I would have been the first to ask the dumb question - he suggested getting a foam ball and put a measuring rod in it and have it coming out of the central hole. Not a bad idea I thought but does anyone have a better idea that they wouldn't mind sharing with us?.

Cheers
David

[felixe]

Tap on the side of it, if it rings hollow it's empty, when you hit water it will sound heavier, that's what we used to do when we lived in the country.

[Ashore]

Put a "T" connector between the tank and the tap , connect a clear plastic tube to the "T" and run it up the side of the tank to the top, this should show the level in the tank . A small piece of foam on top of the water in the tube makes seeing it easier.

Rgds

[atregent]

I've got a small water tank in the greenhouse that I rigged up an external water level indicator to, because I got sick of having to climb up and take the lid off to have a look inside.

Basically a piece of clear tubing that runs up the side of the tank and connects to the water output pipe. The water level in the clear tube is at the same level as the water in the tank.

[Big Shed]

I use an old toilet cistern float with a string attached which runs over a little wheel mounted on the top of the water tank, with a counter weight on the end of the string. The string is roughly twice as long as the depth of the tank. The counter weight is adjusted so that the float floats on the water and the string is tight. As the water rises the counterweight comes down, the lower the counterweight on the outside, the higher the water level on the inside and vice versa.

Alternatively, you can build an electronic one:

http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_30607/article.html

But that might be overkill for a 2000ltr tank!

Fred

[Stuart]

I like Fred's suggestion.

As to the electronic method - Dick Smith and Jaycar sell kits for stuff like that.

[Barry_White]

A rough quick method is to feel the side of the tank on the sunny side and the part below the water will be cooler than the part above the water. Admittedly this is difficult if it is on a high tank stand.

[TassieKiwi]

Polystyrene or other floaty thing. connect a stick a bit longer than the depth. When full, you can see lots of stick. Farmers use this method, with a bright ball on the end, so they only have to come within sight distance to check remote tanks.

[Metal Head]

Thanks for the replies lads - I was amazed to see so many ideas in such a short time. I suppose it depends on how much money (and time) I want to invest in the method. The suggestion by Fred looks great but I have never done electronics so I would have to buy one and I'll bet they aren't cheap. Are the kit(s) that Stuart spoke about can only be tackled by those with plenty of experience or do they have instructions to make them that the village idiot (that's me) can follow?.

The guy who set it up for us did fit a T connection (with another tap attached). But as mentioned I could invert that and attach the tubing to it.

At least it gives me food for thought in the coming days.

Thanx once again to those who contributed - much appreciated.

Regards
David

[ptc]

Ladder and dip stick.

[Ekim]

Some Aussie made products:

http://www.yaktek.com.au/products.html
<O
I’ve got the “Level Devil” – works well.

[Grunt]

Same as Barry's idea except you pour a small amount of boiling water down the side and feel for the cool bit.

This works for LPG gas bottles as well.

[Simon3]

Hi All,
I have these fantastic water level gauges
They work with a float inside the tank connected to the gauge.
Can measure 0 to 250cms, or change the dial around for 0 to 150cm.

Screw a 1.5" BSP thread into the top of the tank, lower the float in and your away.

RRP approx $50

cheers
simon

[MurrayD99]

There is a float/indicator thing you can get from the tank manufacturers. A long aluminium rod slides inside a tube fixed to the top of the tank. Flag or other bright object on top. Water low, bright object low.... Tank full.... you get the picture. The good thing is you can see it from far away - if that is an issue.... Otherwise - Simon3 has a better idea.... and less cost too

[oldbones]

simple problem - keep the solution simple.....
(usually = reliable too).
i recon some good ideas above.
if you go for the clear tube method then make sure you support it well.
if not the weight of the water will pull the floppy tube down and duh-dong - empty tank.