DIY Auto Top Off

[RayAllen]

I had a Ultralife Reef Auto Top off that just stopped working two weeks ago and im pretty sure it was a bad wire or something. Well I didnt want to turn around and pay between $40-75 bucks for a new one depending on what brand etc..

Since then ive been topping off by hand:thumbs_down:

So I got on http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html website and used his instructions with what I already had here at home. I unwired the float valve from the Broken Ultralife Reef top off, split a extension cord wired it up and it works perfect. Actually it works better than the Ultralife Reef ever did. Im stoked about this, I just saved myself some cash (spent $0 dollars) and it was super easy.:)

[jc]

Can we see some pictures?

[RayAllen]

Didnt take any in the process, but I can take one of the finished product. Give me a sec..

[Darth-Tater]

a secs up Ray. Where's the pics.:wink_smile:

Santa Tater

[clone]

wow super easy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UmT2rV0iYE
do you think they have a float here in town?

[RayAllen]

Ok here you go, I can make these for anyone who needs them at a small fee of corse ;) Only thing you will need is a pump. Im using a maxi jet 600. You simply plug the extension cord into a outlet or surge protector then the pump into the extension cord. That simple; works perfect.

1.) Float switch i removed from old top off
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0637.jpg

2.) Float switch wired into extension cord
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0638.jpg

3.) All together now
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0639.jpg

4.) Wrapped connections in plastic and electrical tape to keep out moisture
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0640.jpg

5.) In the sump and ready to go
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0642.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0643.jpg

[RayAllen]

wow super easy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UmT2rV0iYE
do you think they have a float here in town?

Should be able to find them at HD or lowes.

[Mr Cob]

Very nice job Ray! Thanks for sharing.

[clone]

i went over to Homedepot and they didnt have it.
any other ideas?

[Darth-Tater]

I order my switches from here

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

The switches work real nice. I have made two for school.( couldn't afford apre-built) I use maxijet 600 too.

David

[Bill S]

Folks, just a word of warning. Wire TWO in series. That way, if a float gets stuck up, it won't flood your house. Most of the commercial ones have a backup built in.

[RayAllen]

I dont worry about flooding my sump because my topoff resivor is only 5 gallons and the sump can hold another 10g.

With that said I know im safe but for others where the water volume is more id take precaution. There are more tips on melvesreef.com for a fail safe switch.

I also occassionally take out the switch and clean it with fresh water to remove any salt deposit that may cause it to get stuck.

[RayAllen]

i went over to Homedepot and they didnt have it.
any other ideas?

I found one on their website but its not what you want. Sorry for the misinformation on the stores. Im going to check out my lowes to see if they have any sometime in the next few days. My uncle works as a manager for HD and told me that every stores inventory is diffrent depending on the demand in the area so you never know.

The link David provided has great switches.

[wwarriner]

I did something like this as well and it works great.

[puretexn]

That's a cool DIY. I don't have room for a bucket next to the tank, so I rigged up a "south of city lights ingenuity" top off. lol
http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/9250/img0758xr6.jpg

PT

[dustint21]

I just put one of these on my 90g and it works great! Tanks for the link to the switch! I wish I would have ordered 2! Im going to order another to use as a fail safe!

Thanks again!
Dustin