UPCOMING: Events

Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: auto top off system

  1. #1

    Default auto top off system

    Does anyone have plans for a good water topoff system?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    06-21-2003
    Location
    Austin, Texas
    Posts
    299

  3. #3
    Join Date
    12-09-2002
    Location
    San Antonio
    Posts
    1,998

    Default

    The one i use is a variation on one from a reefcentral thread called "DIY auto-topoff with solenoid" or something like that. The thread has at least 100 posts. It's worked very well for me.

    Here's an article about auto top offs:
    http://avdil.gtri.gatech.edu/RCM/RCM...illSystem.html

    Keep in mind that most auto top-offs are VERY prone to failure and there are common stories about tanks getting ruined by auto top offs gone wild. I have a solenoid, float switch, and timer; for a variety of reasons, my set up is not likely to fail open. This is more important to me than if they fail closed; if that happens, the worst thing is that your sump runs dry and burns out the return pump. If it fails open, you've got a mess on the floor and a brackish water tank!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    10-18-2002
    Location
    Largo, FL
    Posts
    877

    Default

    In sump, or in tank?
    Look at all those live rocks on the beach at Florida's state park!

  5. #5

    Default diy auto topoff tips

    in sump

  6. #6
    Join Date
    10-17-2002
    Location
    Cedar Park TX
    Posts
    3,152

    Default

    Tunze osmoregulator.
    Tim Marvin
    (512) 336-7258

  7. #7
    Join Date
    10-24-2003
    Location
    San Marcos - Wimberly, Texas
    Posts
    510

    Default

    I like the Air driven top off system. Thats too easy. I'm gonna make one very soon now. I can feel it. LOL

    P.S. My wife will love you for it too. Just dont let her find you.
    Johnny

  8. #8

    Default

    I looked arround at variuos plans and I ended up using a float valve, kinda like the one in the toilet tank. I got an aquarium safe one from Kent:
    http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...;N=0&Nty=1

    I then got a small container (2G jug from Target) and placed it on top of the sump and connected it to the float valve. Whenever the water level dropped in the sump, the float valve opened and gravity did the work of bringing the water to the sump. I like this method because it has not electrical parts and it does not require suction of vaccume to work. You can see my setup at:
    https://webspace.utexas.edu/eleyan/tank/equip_page.html
    72G bowfront reef
    175G bowfront cichlid tank

  9. #9

    Default

    This might give some ideas.
    ::Pete::

Similar Threads

  1. Auto top off
    By KyleV in forum General Reefkeeping Discussion
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: Thu, 31st May 2007, 07:33 AM
  2. auto top off
    By purplesprite in forum Equipment & Do It Yourself
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: Sun, 18th Dec 2005, 01:38 PM
  3. RO-DI Auto Shut Off?
    By ::pete:: in forum Equipment & Do It Yourself
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: Sat, 26th Feb 2005, 12:09 AM
  4. Auto top off????
    By pilot_bell777 in forum Equipment & Do It Yourself
    Replies: 28
    Last Post: Mon, 11th Oct 2004, 09:25 PM
  5. CHEAP Auto Top Off System
    By OldSalty in forum Equipment & Do It Yourself
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: Tue, 1st Jul 2003, 11:03 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •