Auto top off system

[b86]

So I was searching online for a cheap top off system or diy. A lot of ppl have diy setups running from their sinks or through the floor, into the basement.

I have a 29 gallon w/ sump and I'm thinking I can set a 5 or 10 gallon bucket beside the sump with a cheap water pump in it, attach tubing with a shut off valve, get a $4 outlet timer which can turn the pump on for 30minutes and shut it back off once a day or maybe every other day, and it should work. Of course I'll have to play with the shut off valve, being that the cheap timers I've found can only be set in 30minute increments.

Is there any reason I can't do it this way?

 

[coralsnaked]

Don't think you will be successful with a timer. However a simple float switch in the sump will work and generally run $20 and up on EBAy

 

[b86]

Don't think you will be successful with a timer. However a simple float switch in the sump will work and generally run $20 and up on EBAy

I just looked at some float switches on eBay. I'm now confused how to connect the such to a power source, being that they all had two wires coming out and that's it.

 

[dkeller_nc]

Generally speaking, "cheap" and "auto top off" isn't a good combination. The consequences of the pump not shutting off are dire, both for the life in your tank and your interior décor.

If you must go really cheap, I'd strongly suggest a drip jug parked above your sump instead. They're easy to make with a milk jug and a plastic air flow needle valve.

If you want to go the DIY route, and are willing to spend a little more, but not what a fully electronic system like the Tunze Osmolator costs, you might want to peruse the offerings by autotopoff.com.

 

[Redman88]

a couple of these

http://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Wire...8&qid=1414869310&sr=8-4&keywords=float+switch

one of these

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0087ZTEBG/ref=sr_ph?ie=UTF8&qid=1414869375&sr=1&keywords=relay

one of these

http://www.amazon.com/Amamax-Wall-A...d=1414869850&sr=8-9&keywords=12v+power+supply

and a container, pump, fill line and finaly a bracket of your choice for the float swtiches

 

[RocketEngineer]

If you already have the pump, One Of These has all the parts you need plus an enclosure to keep things protected.

 

[Sk8r]

A dual float switch with an 'up' limit and a 'down' limit can trigger electricity to a pump that will deliver exactly the right amount of topoff. I use the Avast topoff sensor, which is tube-based, and clamps on with a magnet.

 

[explorer07]

I have a mechanical ato and it works fine for me. No worry of a sensor going bad.