Black water tank level indicator

[Idle]

I don't have a level indicator in my black water tank. I came across to gas bottle level indicator adverts such as Gaslevel and Truma, probably ultrasonic devices. I don't want to get into a sophisticated system. Does anyone have experience with these ? Any other simple solutions other than checking with a stick?

[Rustic Charm]

Mine has an overflow pipe that comes back into the shower sump. It's pretty obvious when it's full

[dlymn]

I think the gas bottle level detectors use temperature sensitive crystals to show the temp. difference between a liquid and a gassy space. They might work. My tank is at waist to head level. I tap the side and get a fair idea if there's an empty space at the top.

[DavefromNZ]

I installed this;

http://www.bepmarine.com/en/ts1

Works very well and can be calibrated to any tank size. I use on my black water, diesel and water tanks. However you need to have this for output;

http://www.bepmarine.com/en/80-600-0022-00

Excellent for liquids info to the nearest 5 ltrs and battery monitoring with a shunt.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[sailormed]

I have a level indicator from Snake River Systems. There are 2 strips of aluminium glued on the outside of the plastic holding tank. It must be working by measuring the difference in capacitance of the 2 strips in function of the water level. Should be easy to install.
Below is front page of manual.

[Dymaxion]

I have a generic RV indicator system, shows level of fresh and black water tanks. Also has switch to run pump. It required drilling four holes into the side of each tank and putting the studs into the liquid, secured by rubber grommets/expansion plugs. Only works on plastic tanks. Only been in for half the summer, and tanks never more than quarter full. Hope it lasts long term.

[jheldatksuedu]

I have a device called tank tender, that allows measuring the level of any tank it is hooked up to by the air pressure to make bubbles in the bottom of the tank. It takes a small dip tube from the top or connection at or near the bottom.

Hart Systems - Home

[ricktara]

I installed a unit from Ferriello Home Page it works perfectly and didnt have to drill any holes in tank. no relation to company, just satisfied customer.

[zboss]

Originally Posted by jheldatksuedu

I have a device called tank tender, that allows measuring the level of any tank it is hooked up to by the air pressure to make bubbles in the bottom of the tank. It takes a small dip tube from the top or connection at or near the bottom.

Hart Systems - Home

Here is two votes for Tank Tender. Basic, mechanical design that just keeps working. Easy install.

[levm]

I am using a system made by "Sensa Tank" designed specifically for holding tanks. It works on non metal tanks only but it can measure up to 4 tanks. The bad news were that it took me quite a bit of fine tuning to get it to work right.
The problem was that the level sensors stuck outside the thank gave either on or off signals regardless of the fluid level.
Sensa tank tech support were full of good intentions but were clueless on how to solve the problem. I ended up using double sided tape until the sensors reached the right sensitivity level.


May the good winds always be with you

[Canibul]

Originally Posted by DavefromNZ

I installed this;

Ultrasonic Tank Sender | BEP

Works very well and can be calibrated to any tank size. I use on my black water, diesel and water tanks. However you need to have this for output;

DC Color Systems Monitor (DCSM) excluding Shunt | BEP

Excellent for liquids info to the nearest 5 ltrs and battery monitoring with a shunt.

How would that work with an odd shaped tank, say, a tank shaped to fit a catamaran keel. Wedge shaped bottom, taller at one end than the other? Does this bounce acoustics off the surface of the liquid and use time of flight to measure distance to that surface?

[bioandy]

Originally Posted by ricktara

I installed a unit from Ferriello Home Page it works perfectly and didnt have to drill any holes in tank. no relation to company, just satisfied customer.

Here's the installation instructions for the External Non-Contact
Fluid Level Sensor mentioned:
http://www.ferriellosales.com/upload...oil_Manual.pdf

I installed this monitor system on a new 20 gal plastic waste water tank two seasons ago and has worked well to date. Pretty straight forward/simple installation, assuming you can access any exterior wall of your tank. Nice thing is, no worry about fouled sensors inside the tank.
I have no experience with other systems, so really can't compare. Just saying this system was perfect for my situation and needs.

[svfinlandia]

What's wrong with a good old W EM a stainless steel sander and gauge? Just like the ones you use for your fuel and freshwater tanks.

[doublewide]

If it is a fiberglass tank, you would like the SCAD Solo tank monitor. It won't work on steel tanks.

[svfinlandia]

Originally Posted by svfinlandia

What's wrong with a good old W EM a stainless steel sender and gauge? Just like the ones you use for your fuel and freshwater tanks.

Sorry guys. The spell checker got me again!
That was meant to be "a good old "WEMA" sender".