Auto Top Off- Vacation is Coming!

[gofor100]

Hey Guys,

So this might be a very simple question, but I leave for vacation this weekend and want to make sure nothing happens to my tank while I'm away.

So last night I was prepping the tank for "full-automation" for when I leave, and part of that included filling the auto top-off resevoir (one of those rubbermaid 20 gallon containers) with freshwater. The problem I found was that somehow there was a siphon created and once the aqualifter pump turns off, the water continues flowing into the sump (which luckily I caught before there were any issues).

I found it strange that a siphon would be created since the top-off resevoir and the sump are somewhat at the same level (the resevoir is slightly higher, but not by much- maybe a couple of inches) AND that I haven't had this problem in the past (granted, I usually don't fill the resevoir up all the way- could this be the reason that there is a siphon created?).

My current set-up includes placing the aqualifter pump at the bottom of my resevoir and then having a float-switch turn the pump on, pumping the water thru some airline tubing to the sump... so very basic.

My question is: HOW DO I REMEDY THIS BEFORE I GO ON VACATION?!?!? :headwally:

My initial thought (although I have yet to test this and will do so tonight if you guys think it'll work) is to take the aqualifter pump out of the resevoir, and have some airline tubing placed in the resevoir that pumps into the aqualifter, and then some more airline tubing pumping out of the aqualifter into the sump. Would this take care of the siphon problem?

Thanks in advance for any help, :beer:

Chad

 

[LOTUS50GOD]

the correct solution would be to get a parstatic (sp?) pump. Then no siphon can occur ever.. But when your pump is water level is higher in container 1, then you pump to a lower level in container 2, a siphon will occur when both ends are under water

Are both ends under water. If so.. your solution maybe just to elevate the line to the sump so its above the water line of the freshwater container

 

[Palting]

If there is a siphon, what that usually means is that the end of the ATO outlet tube is lower than the reservoir water level. It really has nothing to do with the sump water level itself, nor the relative heights of the reservoir and the sump. You don't have to buy anotther piece of equipment. Try putting the ATO outlet tube higher in the sump, or even as high as the DT. Make sure the tip is out of the water so you don't siphon the other way, and you can also direct the water flow to a wall so it doesn't make a splashing or tinkiling sound. Also, make sure to secure that end of the outlet tube to something rigid so it doesn't fall out. You don't want to come home and find the full contents of your reservoir pumped unto the floor .

Here is a pic the tip of my black ATO outlet tube sitting high up in the sump, with the water flow directed at the blue reactor tubes so the tubes act as a guide and keep the splashing to a minimum:

 

[gofor100]

the correct solution would be to get a parstatic (sp?) pump. Then no siphon can occur ever.. But when your pump is water level is higher in container 1, then you pump to a lower level in container 2, a siphon will occur when both ends are under water

Are both ends under water. If so.. your solution maybe just to elevate the line to the sump so its above the water line of the freshwater container

Well, at least for the time being, I'd prefer to try to work with what I've got (meaning no peristaltic pump), but good suggestion nonetheless.

As for the the line going into the sump, it is not under the water-level of the sump, but it is below the water-level of the resevoir (not sure if that makes a difference).

What do you think of my idea above?

Thanks,

Chad

 

[gofor100]

If there is a siphon, what that usually means is that the end of the ATO outlet tube is lower than the reservoir water level. It really has nothing to do with the sump water level itself, nor the relative heights of the reservoir and the sump. You don't have to buy anotther piece of equipment. Try putting the ATO outlet tube higher in the sump, or even as high as the DT. Make sure the tip is out of the water so you don't siphon the other way, and you can also direct the water flow to a wall so it doesn't make a splashing or tinkiling sound.

Here is a pic the tip of my black ATO outlet tube sitting high up in the sump, with the water flow directed at the blue reactor tubes so the tubes act as a guide and keep the splashing to a minimum:

Well that answers it!!! :beer:

I guess it makes sense, so I'll try it out tonight and see how it works out.

Thanks again,

Chad

 

[Palting]

Well that answers it!!! :beer:

I guess it makes sense, so I'll try it out tonight and see how it works out.

Thanks again,

Chad

I editied as you were replying. Here's my edit: "Also, make sure to secure that end of the outlet tube to something rigid so it doesn't fall out. You don't want to come home and find the full contents of your reservoir pumped unto the floor ."

 

[gofor100]

I editied as you were replying. Here's my edit: "Also, make sure to secure that end of the outlet tube to something rigid so it doesn't fall out. You don't want to come home and find the full contents of your reservoir pumped unto the floor ."

Hahaha... thanks again!

-Chad

 

[kduen]

You can also put a small hole in the supply tube above the water line in the reservoir so it will break the siphon there. I was doing the same thing that you are and set everything about a week prior just to see how it would work. Well 15 minutes before we were to walk out the door it created a siphon and luckily I heard it trickling into the sump.

I ended up cutting a hole about three inches above the water line and checked it a few times to make sure it would work. It would have really sucked to come home to 32 gallons of kalk water all over the floor and probably a tank of death from the PH increase.

 

[gofor100]

You can also put a small hole in the supply tube above the water line in the reservoir so it will break the siphon there. I was doing the same thing that you are and set everything about a week prior just to see how it would work. Well 15 minutes before we were to walk out the door it created a siphon and luckily I heard it trickling into the sump.

I ended up cutting a hole about three inches above the water line and checked it a few times to make sure it would work. It would have really sucked to come home to 32 gallons of kalk water all over the floor and probably a tank of death from the PH increase.

Good trick to know... although, with me using airline tubing to top off, I'm not sure how reliable the hole that small would be (since there could be build up when enough kalk runs by it).

Interesting thoughts though...

 

[Rembee]

Gofor, I also had the same problem with my ATO reservoir. I cut my tubing just above the water line and added a plastic tee fitting that I bought from my LFS. I'm sure you can find one anywhere they sell the air line and the valves. I also crimped the open end of the plastic tee as to not let so much water flow back into the ATO reservoir so enough water flows to my sump.

 

[kduen]

Good trick to know... although, with me using airline tubing to top off, I'm not sure how reliable the hole that small would be (since there could be build up when enough kalk runs by it).

Interesting thoughts though...

I thought the same thing and it was on my mind the 7 days I was gone. When I returned it looked as if I just put the hole there and there was no build up at all.

However I do like the T or even a 90 idea to plug into the hole.

 

[PokerReefer]

My current set-up includes placing the aqualifter pump at the bottom of my resevoir and then having a float-switch turn the pump on, pumping the water thru some airline tubing to the sump...
Chad

Chad am I reading correctly that you have the actual aqualifter pump submerged in water?

If so this is not how it should be ran. The Aqualifter is not a proppeler pump. It actually has an air bladder inside. I run mine with one
Air line tubing sucking water from the Ato reservoir and the second air line tube running to the sump and the end is not submerged . My aqua lifter sits above my ato reservoir. Hth.

 

[markster33139]

I had the same issue with mine, and I put a check valve on my top-off pump, that way water could only flow when the pump was actually on.

 

[LOTUS50GOD]

I had the same issue with mine, and I put a check valve on my top-off pump, that way water could only flow when the pump was actually on.

Check valve would work also.. you can get one at any pet store.
I would set the pump up properly though so you dont have to check to see if its working...LOL

 

[d0ughb0y]

if you are talking about your sump water getting sucked back into the ATO reservoir because the end of the hose is below the sump water level and the ATO reservoir water level falls below the sump water level, then yes, the check valve will prevent that backflow siphon. But that is an incorrect setup to begin with. the hose should never be below the water level, as that is asking for trouble.

 

[gofor100]

Made some modifications and fixed the problem. Thanks guys!

-Chad

 

[gofor100]

if you are talking about your sump water getting sucked back into the ATO reservoir because the end of the hose is below the sump water level and the ATO reservoir water level falls below the sump water level, then yes, the check valve will prevent that backflow siphon. But that is an incorrect setup to begin with. the hose should never be below the water level, as that is asking for trouble.

Nope, this wasn't my problem, but thanks for the input anyways.

-Chad