any one got a water top off system that easy to build

[mnewby]

any one got a water top off system that easy to build

my friend wants me to build one for him whats the low down on this hes dont like the manul system of packing a five gallon bucket in every three days how do i add some thing to that system like that

 

[Llarian]

I built mind with an aquamedic dosing pump, a trash can, and a float switch from autotopoff.com. Works like a charm, is simple, and has a failsafe in the form of a second cutoff switch. I do plan to add a kalk reactor inline eventually, but the current setup works like a charm for the time being.

-Dylan

 

[BobinCovington]

What do you think your cost was on the system?

 

[DonW]

You can also use what I use, essentially the same.

2-float switches (floatswitches.net) $20
1-aqualifter $15

Some believe you need a relay to switch the pump but this is not necessay, no more risk than a powerhead in the tank. The aqualifter is only draws around 5w. Has run flawlessly for 2 years.

Don

 

[thereefgeek]

I made one out of a simple air pressure switch (3 amp rating) which controls either an electrical outlet (version 2.0) or my new one (v3.0) which opens a solenoid valve directly off my DI unit.

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/photos_members/showphoto.php?photo=3829&cat=500&ppuser=6431

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/photos_members/showphoto.php?photo=3828&cat=500&ppuser=6431

There is a tube mounted in the sump and when the level drops, the pressure switch closes and turns on a powerhead or in the newest version opens the solenoid valve. The red light is the power on lamp and the green means the powerhead/solenoid is energized. Works very similar to this one: http://www.automatedaquariums.com/lv_plc.htm
I think it's safe to say this device isn't patented since A.A.S. ripped off the concept from Tsunami: http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=AT-1&Category_Code=Dosers

After a major top-off catastrophe, I'll never go back to the float switch again!

 

[thereefgeek]

Let's try tagging the pics right into the post:

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/photos_members/showphoto.php?photo=3829&cat=500&ppuser=6431

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/photos_members/showphoto.php?photo=3828&cat=500&ppuser=6431

edit: the

tag isn't working. grrrrrrr

 

[RandyStacyE]

You can simply elevate a container that will hold enough water to replenish your tank for about a week or so.

Make your own bulkhead fitting like shown below. In this case you would want to drill some holes in the fitting that goes into your container so that it will be able to drain completely (optional).

Install a simple and cheap float valve at the level you want to maintain your water level. Some float valves are adjustable.

Connect your container to the float valve, fill the container with your RO/DI water and your ready to go (at least for about a week or until the container needs refilled).

 

[nasher8860]

Ah... thereefgeek...a local..hmmm. I'm in Orangevale, pretty close.

 

[thereefgeek]

Nasher, I used to live in O.V. (27 years to be precise). You ever been to a MARS meeting? www.marineaquarist.org

We meet at the Round Table Pizza up by Ralph's 3rd Friday every month.

 

[nasher8860]

Haven't been to one yet..I work up at Aqualife though. I should check one out,but have been lazy from working.

 

[daytonaconnecti]

i have a float switch set at the water level hight, witch turns on a air pump, there is a air line from the pump that goes into a rubber stopper, that i put into my 5 gal water jug, that i put ro/di water in,their is another tube that runs out of the jug that goes into the top of my tank, when the air fills the jug, it pushes the water out and into my tank.. i have two holes in the rubber stopper... i will get pics soon...

 

[godofthewaves]

I use a water cooler . Just make sure there is two outlet so you can have cold water for yourself too.
Plug a tubing from the room temp outlet and run it directly in sump. Works great.
Just have to refill 5 gal bottle and cheap. ( I use Glacier water from publix at $1.50 per 5 gal)