gravity fed auto top off system

[senji]

does anyboday have a simple plan for 1 i need 1 for my 20g frag tank. any info would be much appreciated thnx fellow reffers. this will be also temporary untill tunze releases ther nano osmolator.

 

[Derbird]

I have a simple one and love it. A float hooked up to a water tube, then to a bucket. Looks a bit getto but works flawlessly

I think your LFS can order one from E-shoppes for about $20 (bucket not included)

 

[user 26995]

A tank that I was taking care of for the past year, has a pretty effective and simple gravity fed top off system. Will you be at the PSAS meeting this month? I can really explain it in writing.

 

[senji]

i will be in chahalis at a medieval event i will make 1 soon i hope.

 

[user 26995]

August 18th from 1:00-4:00 PM

The Puget Sound Aquarium Society • Portal

Half way down the page is info on the meeting. Its on DIY ATO

 

[Katchupoy]

If you have a sump... this is what i did.

More reading here....






.

 

[Katchupoy]

Now if you dont have a sump, then you can recreate this with a smaller water jug. Maybe a 3 gallon or a 1 gallon. The concept is the same, just based your water line on your Display tank instead of your sump... It needs to be located as same level as your DT. So if you can do it nicely then thats your ticket.

BTW, using this for two years now.

 

[Saltwater Stu]

This works? I'm in, I guess just finding a way to dress it up would be nice. But simple is better!

 

[Katchupoy]

The idea was taken from those water dispensers.

 

[Skimmy]

AquaDose - 1.4 L

20 bucks,
done and done


the other thing you could do is just have a pump on a digital timer come on once a day for one minute,
you would just have to meter the output so that it didnt pump too much.

 

[Katchupoy]

skimmy, tried that for several years....but not automatic though..
You have to guess the dosage. Your water level where your skimmer is relying upon will not be consistent.

 

[Skimmy]

i wouldnt guess anything...
test it out first and set to correct levels before putting it in action.

with the auto doser, pretty easy, you just set the drip rate to empty the water container at whatever rate you want,
just test and figure amount vs. time.

also, if you are going to try a bucket/pump/timer combo, having the pump be slow enuf is important, this way it gives you a bigger level of adjustment via timer.
Store Water Pumps Additives Doser Pumps | Additive Dosers

the biggest thing is you need visual verification for a couple days to make sure its all kosher before you leave it unattended.
plus, this is temporary, inexpensive fix untill tunze nano top off.