Water top off

[johnehr]

I am lazy and don't want to do daily top offs. I dont have a lot of space, so I'm looking for easy solutions. I was thinking of getting a float valve to stop the water from falling into the sump once it reaches a certain point. What can I use to attach this float in my sump? I don't want to drill unless I have to. I don't want to empty my sump unless I have to... Does anyone have any DIY experience?

 

[cookiemn]

Instead of a float valve I bought an top switch from Blue Sierra. It has a tube like device which is atached to the sensor thru an air hose. The tube is placed in the water. You have to adjust it at first to get the right water level setting, but this only took a few minutes. Anyway, as the height of the water increases, the air pressure in the tube is affected, setting off the pump attached to the top off switch. I liked this switch because it doesn't use a float switch which can jam. The device costs $90, but I have found it cheaper on the net for $60.

Erwin

 

[mojoreef]

John the only way to attach it with out drilling would be to take a peice of acrylic and drill a hole in it for the valve stem to fit through, then glue that to the inside of the sump at the level you desire, another way would be to attach the valve to a clip and put it over the top of the sump wall, becarefull that it is attached verywell either way.


Mike

 

[johnehr]

What kind of glue would work best?

Also, does anyone have any suggestions for a reservoir that I can drill so I dont have to siphon? Just get a tupperware tub and some 1/4" tube?

 

[DonW]

Is this something you plan on putting above the sump. Have you seen a nurse type top-off. Uses no floats.

Don

 

[Llarian]

Sounds like the Nurce-type topoff would probably be the best bet as well.

Just uses a sealed container and barometric pressure to keep the level constant, so there's no additional hardware, and its using a constant siphon, so it doesn't need to be above the sump necessarily.

There are some DIY plans out there for that type I believe if you're interested, but one of us could probably give you a quick rundown on how they work, its pretty easy. (I would now, but I'm running off to work)

-Dylan

 

[Angelscrx]

I am waiting on this one Nurse top off sounds interesting.

 

[DonW]

The easiest way to explain a nurse is. Picture a water jug, put a cork in the top, drill two holes in the cork. Drop a hose all the way to the bottom in one hole and hang it into your sump under water. In the other hole put in another hose just above the water level in the bottle. Then hang the other end in your sump this is the water level. So where ever the end of this hose is thats your water level.

Hope this makes sense, BTW the container and fitting need to be air tight.

Don

 

[johnehr]

Something that fits over my sump would be perfect. Does anyone sell premade nurse style top offs? I guess I should google for it...

 

[DonW]

I dont know how big of one you need but I'm sure I have an acrylic one lying around.

Don

 

[DonW]

On the left side is my old one. Three gallons if I remember right. I'm sure its around somewhere.

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1172

 

[Katchupoy]

I was able to fit this one to my 10 gallon sump.
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=KM1675

Here is my setup...

Hope this helps.

 

[Llarian]

I believe the company that originally sold the Nurce style top-off is no longer in business, or at least not selling them anymore.

I'll do up a quick Photoshop diagram when I have time if you want, although that probably won't be today.

-Dylan