Top Off

[RayAllen]

I really need to add a topoff to my 210g I have to add almost a gallon a day by hand which is getting annoying + its worrysome when im gone for more than a day. Anyone have any recommendation on which to buy. Im not looking for the best; just something that will do the job and work well. I will be using a empty 18-20gT I have as the holding tank. And if anyone has one for sale let me know:shades:

Ray

[erikharrison]

I saw Bill had posted this link. http://www.top-off.com

[apedroza]

A good reliable and cheap way to do it is to use a float valve and a aqualifter pump. I 've used mine for around 3 years and have had no problems

[RayAllen]

Hmmm, apedroza do you happen to have any pics on what your setup looks like? Im assumming floatvalve, tubing, and aqualifter pump is all I need, but i am one that usually needs visual aids.

[erikharrison]

Personally I love my JBJ Ato. It has a loud beep that stays on as long as it is on. That way you can hear if it is going to cause an issue. It runs with my nightlights so I am always about to get ready for bed when it goes off. Peace of mind. Also, it will not fill more than five gallons. It has a feature that turns itself off after 5g. I got a good deal on it from Ernest, and it has definitely made life easier!

[RayAllen]

After thinking about it I wonder if there is a minimum depth for the float valve to work correctly. My sump has 2 diffrent levels as seen in this pic
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_1163.jpg
The float vavle would have to go into the last section seen on the far right where my return pump is.......... Wonder if this will pose as a problem.

[erikharrison]

the only thing I see that would pose a problem is securing the float switch. You could easily epoxy it in place.

[RayAllen]

ok that makes since. I will see what i can do once I actually have it.

[aquasport24]

How about a suction cup to secure the float valve, or a acrylic bracket (glue on the side).Just to make sure you can adjust it ..

[erikharrison]

How about a suction cup to secure the float valve, or a acrylic bracket (glue on the side).Just to make sure you can adjust it ..

GREAT idea. I knew someone else would chime in with a better idea! :)

[aquasport24]

Thanks man, every once in a full moon ,the light would come on..

[stoneroller]

I've got the same float switch-aqualifter pump setup as Anthony. I use plastic blinds (leftover from shorter windows) to mount my switch(es), they bend with a little heat from a hairdryer, drill easy, etc. I set mine over the rim of my sump. I use two switches, one at a higher level, just in case the lower one fails. I tied the switches into an extension cord rather than the lifter power cords. About once a month I pull out the lower switch and soak it in vinegar. Another piece of advice is to put your topoff return line higher than the water level in your reservoir or it will drain by gravity. Another lesson learned.

[technomex]

I use the Tsunami. Works great for me.

[blueboy]

i would NOT trust a suction cup on a float valve. i would glue an acrylic bracket, otherwise, if the suction cup fails, you end up with a wet floor( and a PO'd wife!)

[aquasport24]

mine top-off came with a suction cup and i added one more cup just in case the first one failed, but the bracket is alot safer..

[Bill S]

That's what's nice about the www.top-off.com (http://www.top-off.com) units. Just like everything else, I try to have redundancy built in...

[ou812pezz]

http://www.aquahub.com/store/diygaquarium.html