auto-top off, auto water changes

pentrix2

New member
I haven't done an auto-top off system for my current tank but I want one for my new tank build. Is the stuff from that site, auto topoff . com any good?

also, what system do you guys recommend for automatic water changes? where to buy, how it works, and how much it cost please? I see some at marine depot but its pretty expensive stuff, over $500 for the system is out of my budget... :(

Pen
 
Looks to be pretty standard. Float switches aren't complicated devices. As long as the relay is of decent quality, you won't have any problems. I'm setting up an auto topoff using my Reefkeeper Lite. Since the Reefkeeper package already came with relays in the powerstrips, the float switch itself is cheaper. For the pump, I'm using the BRS aqualifter.

As for automatic water changes, you can make one yourself. You'd basically build a second auto-topoff system filled with saltwater rather than fresh. Install a third pump in your sump to remove tank water and plumb it to a nearby drain. As the water level of the sump decreases, the saltwater topoff will replenish the tank with clean saltwater. Keep the tank circulating and position the lines such that you're not draining the clean saltwater that you just put in.

If you want it completely automated, you'll need a controller. I'm not implementing an auto water changer on my tank so I haven't explored this in detail, but your controller will need to be able to turn off the freshwater topoff, turn on the saltwater topoff, and then turn on the drain pump for a desired period of time at the desired time/day of the week. After the timer expires, it will need to keep the saltwater topoff on for a short period to ensure that it catches up, then finally turn off the saltwater topoff and turn back on the freshwater topoff. I think the Reefkeeper, neptune, and similar systems can do this, but perhaps someone where more experience with these units can confirm.
 
for the auto-top off wouldn't the pump need to be left on all the time? if the pump is on all the time then water will keep going across the tube?

for the water changes makes me thinking. it doesn't have to be fully automated with the timer but i do like the idea of just turning on a ball valve, and turning on the power to the pump for the fresh saltwater...
 
The auto topoff pump would be plugged into an outlet controlled by a relay all the time, but the relay would turn on/shut off power to that specific outlet, depending on the position of the float switch.

A ball valve would certainly work for draining. Just drill a hole in your sump for an appropriate sized bulkhead. Maybe 3/4" with appropriate adapters for a garden hose.
 
As for automatic water changes, you can make one yourself. You'd basically build a second auto-topoff system filled with saltwater rather than fresh. Install a third pump in your sump to remove tank water and plumb it to a nearby drain. As the water level of the sump decreases, the saltwater topoff will replenish the tank with clean saltwater. Keep the tank circulating and position the lines such that you're not draining the clean saltwater that you just put in.


I think your way is much easier than me trying to put it in the display tank. Essentially I will have 3 pumps and 2 auto-top off systems installed.

#1 pump, will sit in fresh water container
auto-top off system sit in sump in same Return Flow Compartment

#2 pump, will sit in sump in Water Flow from the display tank
take out old water to drain

#3 pump, will sit in new saltwater container
auto-top off system sit in sump same Return Flow Compartment

I'm not sure how this will work. If I turn #2 pump wouldn't #1 pump (new fresh water) turn on as well with the #3 pump (new saltwater)?

Since there's two auto-top off systems they would both turn on at the same time once I take out the water...

Pen
 
The float for the water change should be slightly above normal operating level so that it only turns on when the level reaches the float. All of this should be plugged into a controller so that it is powered OFF when not in use.

I use a pump from the salt water vat that is slightly slower then the pump draining the tank. You can also use ball valves to control pump speed to try and get it balanced. You don't turn off any pumps. You add water at the same time as pumping the water out. Don't worry about new water getting drained out, the amount lost is miniscule. I would monitor the tank when doing the change.

If you want to actually automate it to change when your not around I recommend getting a Dual head ReefFiller pump. Otherwise the mentioned setup needs additional failsafes which will add to the cost.

Autotopoff.com is what I use. I trust them so much I set up my new tanks ATO literally 5 minutes before I walked out the door for 6 days out of town. I don't recommend doing it like that but I had no choice. It showed up 10 minutes before I had to leave... I have been using them for years. I suggest going with the low voltage option.
 
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