auto top off

I've been looking for a new top off lately too... I built a nurse style topoff a few years ago, but I started having problems with it leaking air after a while and donated it to the dumpster soon after... hehehee... I have been looking at the systems at http://www.autotopoff.com/ ... the ones at autotopoff seem to have less DIY work...

Jester
 
The aquahub kit is a simple and reliable project. For the relay circuit I would recommend getting a 9 volt transformer (Aquahub should sell them) to replace the 9 volt battery adapter. That way it all can plug in and you never have to worry about changing the battery.

I think using the Aqualifter is a good idea because its a slow pump. You can put the whole thing on a timer so it is only active for a half hour a day: if everything were to fail on you still wouldn't have a flood as long as you look in the sump every day!

Dan
 
autotopoff.com offers a double switch so that if the first one fails to shut the pump off, the second one will do it for you. Mine never has failed yet. Easy DIY and one of the best cheap investments for your tank. Sure does make it easier.
 
They look equivalent to me: they both use the same float switches and probably the same relay. That one has the benefit of already being built, but I'm personally a bit of a tinkerer and prefer to DIY.

It comes down to your personal preferences.

Dan
 
my autotopoff double switch stopped working today!it wont shut off once it turns on.this is my second unit from them. each one lasted about 2 years.i opened the box dont have any idea what to replace:(
 
I also have the aquahub and am very happy... it took me probably 20 minutes at the most to set it all up and this was my first ever electrical diy project. I got the 9v battery and as said I would also recommend the plug.

A question from myself... do you guys think the relay is really needed?? I've seen setups where they just hook the floats to the extension cord.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7846037#post7846037 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by shiby1510
I also have the aquahub and am very happy... it took me probably 20 minutes at the most to set it all up and this was my first ever electrical diy project. I got the 9v battery and as said I would also recommend the plug.

A question from myself... do you guys think the relay is really needed?? I've seen setups where they just hook the floats to the extension cord.
Click to expand...

Yes, The reed switches might work like this for a while but the current capabilities and voltage capacity will cause it to fail early, probably very early.

I would always use the relay. When an electrical switch is thrown there is an arc between the contacts that occurs before the metals make contact. It might be instantaneous but this arc causes corrosion on the metal contacts. The contacts are designed with a specific arc in mind. An arc caused by a 9v battery is significanly different than an arc caused by a 125 volt source.

You are depending on the reed switch to let you know when the water is too high low. Be kind to your reed switch. Always have a backup system. Reeds fail at 9v too. Sometime they will fail. The question is will there be a flood at the same time as the failure.
 
While, I personally don't like that type of float switch ( because usually when they fail or stick it is in the on position. It could take years or just months but always the risk and IMO even with double switches ).

As long as you limit your max water supply ( like you mention 5g ), where the worst case it dumps the whole thing without causing a low salinity issue or overflow sump then I don't have a problem with them.

When topping off with Kalk, you also have to worry about not only dumping all 5g but not to dump too quickly and cause PH issues.

As long as you have a well thought out plan for the worst case scenerios, then your good to go and can definately make this type of topoff suitable. Many people don't think of them until it happens unfortunately.
 
I made my ATO with float switches from Graingers. Float switches are widely used with condensation pumps in the HVAC industry.
I did use the two switch design to prevent a possible overflow. By all means use a relay. I used an old 12v charger rather than a battery. I did not want to wonder when the battery went dead. I also use the Aqualifter pump.
I think that this is one of the best things that I have done for my tank.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7858381#post7858381 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by David Grigor
While, I personally don't like that type of float switch ( because usually when they fail or stick it is in the on position. It could take years or just months but always the risk and IMO even with double switches ).

As long as you limit your max water supply ( like you mention 5g ), where the worst case it dumps the whole thing without causing a low salinity issue or overflow sump then I don't have a problem with them.
Click to expand...

I use a very slow pump (the 3 gph Aqualifter) and have the entire arrangement on a timer to mitigate this. The relay will reduce the occurence of float switch failures but introduces a possible single-point failure of its own. A timer is a cheap and easy way to reduce the risk, IMO.

Dan
 
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