auto top-off ideas

[matt]

Now that I've moved and set up my new 100 gallon reef, I'm trying to figure out a relatively fool proof auto top off set up. In my old systems, 45 and 10 gallon, i used a terrific gravity feed set up with a 5 gallon jug, but it won't work in this case because: A. I don't have the room for a jug next to the tank, and B. my 45 evaporated 5 gallons of water in 2 days, so the 100 will probably go through 5 gallons a day. Having to fill up and manuever a big jug of water every day kind of defeats the purpose.

The most interesting idea I've read about so far on R.C. uses an electronic float switch connected to a solenoid which is installed directly to an R.O./D.I. filter. Basically, when sump level drops, it triggers the solenoid which allows flow through the filter, which then drips into the sump until it shuts off. Since my tank is near the bathroom, where I have the filter set up in a plumbed closet, I could theoretically run the output of the filter, and the wires connecting the solenoid to the float switch, under the floor (crawl space) back up in the living room and into the sump. I guess I'd put the tubing and wires in a pvc conduit to protect them. Any thoughts on this idea? Anybody care to share what they're using?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

[Henry]

I use two Tsunami Auto Top Off, that are pressure/vacuum operated. One that turns on a small power head to pump water into the sump and then turns it off once the desired level has been reached and also a second one that is a fail safe in case the first one bites the dust, this one will turn off the pump.

[OldSalty]

Matt,
Take a look at the DIY one I use. It's in the DIY forum. I'll help U build it if U like. Very Simple and works GREAT

Later
Kelly