auto top off suggestions and questions

[Isaacs55]

Hey guys I've come across an issue with my 40 breeder tank build. My stand has only enough room to fit my 20 long sump...I actually had to further customize it to fit my sump in the stand. Anyways I was thinking of incorporating a 20 gallon brute as my auto top off container in a whole different room... but not sure how to do that? It would be about 15-20 feet from the tank. Just wondering what kind of pump to use for that or how would I go about doing that? If i did this I will be drilling a 1/4 inch hole in my wall where my sump is so it could fill up there I presume. Which I'm totally fine with.

Or if there's an easier way I'll be glad to take that advice as well.
Thanks guys

 

[JammyBirch]

I run a smart ATO which would probably work for your application if the wires are long enough. Look it up, it's great and has built in alarms, well worth the $150.

The other option is more DIY, run a float switch to a relay that will control a small pump such as an eheim compact 600 or so. That way you have plenty of power to move the water to the sump. Let the switch control the level.

 

[Shawn O]

Can't help on the pump, unfortunately. Are you thinking of using vinyl airline tubing for the run? It couldn't hurt to add a check valve at both ends of the tubing run (both in direction of flow) to keep the line primed. I'd imagine keeping the brute at a lower level than your sump would be best but the check valves may provide enough back-pressure to prevent siphoning if it's higher than the sump.

 

[Isaacs55]

I run a smart ATO which would probably work for your application if the wires are long enough. Look it up, it's great and has built in alarms, well worth the $150.

The other option is more DIY, run a float switch to a relay that will control a small pump such as an eheim compact 600 or so. That way you have plenty of power to move the water to the sump. Let the switch control the level.

Yes I will definitely look into that smart ATO see what that's all about. I was leaning more towards the DIY you suggested...Unless the smart ATO is better of course lol
Thank I'll check it out

 

[Isaacs55]

Can't help on the pump, unfortunately. Are you thinking of using vinyl airline tubing for the run? It couldn't hurt to add a check valve at both ends of the tubing run (both in direction of flow) to keep the line primed. I'd imagine keeping the brute at a lower level than your sump would be best but the check valves may provide enough back-pressure to prevent siphoning if it's higher than the sump.

I will Probably use the pex pipe or the same that we use for our RODI units...Unless of course vinyl will be better...not worried about algea growing in the tubing as it will never see light...except when it hits the sump.

 

[Sk8r]

If you're ever going to use kalk, use Eheim. If it's on the same level, no climb, doubling the pump size you think you need would probably do it. Topoff pump doesn't have to run a long time, just eventually get the water there. I have my input line reduced to a 1/4 inch.

 

[Isaacs55]

Can't help on the pump, unfortunately. Are you thinking of using vinyl airline tubing for the run? It couldn't hurt to add a check valve at both ends of the tubing run (both in direction of flow) to keep the line primed. I'd imagine keeping the brute at a lower level than your sump would be best but the check valves may provide enough back-pressure to prevent siphoning if it's higher than the sump.

Oh and your check valve idea is genius btw lol

 

[Isaacs55]

If you're ever going to use kalk, use Eheim. If it's on the same level, no climb, doubling the pump size you think you need would probably do it. Topoff pump doesn't have to run a long time, just eventually get the water there. I have my input line reduced to a 1/4 inch.

Yes thank you for the great advice! I'm going to go with the Eheim because I will incorporate Kalkwasser. What if I put it directly under the sump? Like in my crawl space? It's pretty big crawl space I think I can fit my 20 brute down there?

 

[Shawn O]

That would should work fine if you're willing to climb under there to refill it regularly. You'd be a better man than me, I'm so lazy I don't even like to reach under the kitchen sink to get the stuff at the back. If there is any chance that regularly over-filling the brute could wash away footings or the foundation it would be a risk to seriously consider before attempting.

 

[Isaacs55]

That would should work fine if you're willing to climb under there to refill it regularly. You'd be a better man than me, I'm so lazy I don't even like to reach under the kitchen sink to get the stuff at the back. If there is any chance that regularly over-filling the brute could wash away footings or the foundation it would be a risk to seriously consider before attempting.

Haha hey me too man lol I would have to add another line from my RO unit to run it to the brute can with a shut off valve most likely. That or time it every time I need to refill it. So I know exactly how much water is going in.

 

[JammyBirch]

Haha hey me too man lol I would have to add another line from my RO unit to run it to the brute can with a shut off valve most likely. That or time it every time I need to refill it. So I know exactly how much water is going in.

Dude you got it now...float switch in the sump and a float valve in the Brute for RODI refill...sweet setup.

 

[Isaacs55]

Dude you got it now...float switch in the sump and a float valve in the Brute for RODI refill...sweet setup.

Yea once I get things going. This will be how I'm going to to do it. Don't know which kind of float valve and float switch but I'll figure it out.

Thanks for the help guys!