Auto top-off suggestions

[LotR Clown]

Hello all,
Looking for a new top-off system for a new setup. Please share your experiences and recs for any you are running. Place you ordered etc. would be appreciated.

Thanks

Kevin

 

[Lytehouse]

Kevin,

Are you tying to an ro/di unit,
or just a container that you refill?

 

[cjilge]

i'm using one from aquahub.com its not bad for a DIY. My rodi is too far from the tank and through a wall so that wasn't an option for me. i got the container from tankdepot.com and the pump from aquariums of edmond. I had space restraints so using another reguler tank was out of the question. so far mine works like a champ it does have two switches and you can get a third for the resivoir if you want to.

 

[Lightsluvr]

The Tunze Osmolator is hard to beat, especially with the new magnetic switches that fit on your sump. It has no problem keeping my 500G system topped off, replacing about 4-5 gallons a day.

For a reservoir, I use a heavy duty 27G rectangular container from Lowes http://www.lowes.com/pd_44066-51438...d_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1&facetInfo= Then I ran a 1/4" tube from the RO/DI filter to fill the reservoir. I am still using the Tunze I bought almost two years ago, and a spare pump from Tunze is very cheap. Tunze has outstanding customer service, too.

Something like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkxgDx8GCMM

LL

 

[shawne]

I also had one from aquahub used it for several months, no problems at all. Now I just hooked up a float to my reefkeeper and let it do the job, feels a little more safe as you can program a delay in it. Mine now will only run the pump for 2 seconds every 4 hours as needed, so the chance of something getting stuck and over filling is far less.

 

[LotR Clown]

Thanks for the suggestions. Yeah I thought of tunze since I don't think it uses floats. I'll be using a 5gallon jug, so overfill issue will not be too bad.

Kevin

 

[cody6766]

I've been using a dual float, in-sump model from autotopoff.com. I bought it used 2 years or so ago and it's still working great.

 

[TimV]

Been using the Tunze system for 7 years. I did have to replace my first one after 6 years after it got a little testy and I didn't trust it when I would be out of town. I think the control part may have gotten wet one too many times. Obviously, since I did, I'd buy one again if I needed it.

 

[insomniac2k2]

Do you have a controller already? If you do, I feel that the best answer is to use a double float system w/ whatever pump you want. The benefit of using your controller is that you can create topoff windows for a 3rd line of defense. I only allow my pump to go off 3 times a day for 15m each. That 45m a day almost exact matches my evaporation rate. It is nearly impossible to overfill my system at this point. That peace of mind is priceless to me.

If you feel the need to use different kinds of switches, there are a ton of posts on the forums about other switches (names elude me right now) that you can run as well.

For me, 2 floats and evaporation matching is cheap and efficient.

 

[LotR Clown]

No I don't think I'll run a controller on this system. So a stand alone would be best for this situation. I've looked at the autotopoff.com system too and it looks decent. I like the tunze now that the magnets hold the eye. Choices are numerous for sure.


Kevin

 

[FILTERDAQUATICS]

Tunze's are great for stand alone units but the cost of the tunze would force me to do something like this instead.

http://www.marinedepot.com/MarineDe...ums-Digital_Aquatics-DA11311-FITEMOMI-vi.html

Now all you would need in addition is the two float switches and you get all the added benefits of a reefkeeper!

 

[Lightsluvr]

Tunze's are great for stand alone units but the cost of the tunze would force me to do something like this instead.

http://www.marinedepot.com/MarineDe...ums-Digital_Aquatics-DA11311-FITEMOMI-vi.html

Now all you would need in addition is the two float switches and you get all the added benefits of a reefkeeper!

I guess I don't understand the reasoning, considering that the complete Tunze system (with sensors and magnets) can be bought for around $190.
(I know - I am missing something obvious LOL)

LL

 

[Russ Braaten]

Hi Kevin, I used a double, actually triple float switch setup with a bucket of top off water and a cheapy (like $8) pump and it worked great for a lot of years. I still have the setup sitting in my garage and you can have the float switch setup I made free. I used three switches in case my sump emptied all the way for some reason to shut off the little pump to stop any fire chances but it was too redundant. 2 works fine. (Just for Kevin folks)

Email me direct since I rarely come here if you want it.