autotop off above fish tank level

[bawla47]

hi, i plan on running a float switch setup with a powerhead as my topoff.

my problem is im going to be having my top off tank, 5 ft above my sump level.

how would i go about running my water output from the powerhead to my tank, so that it wouldnt keep flowing water once the powerhead is off.

is some type of shutoff solenoid my only option? my dad brought up some type of u shaped design, but i just cant grasp it too well.

anyhow, thanks in advance for your help

Jaymie

 

[Simms142]

umm you would need to use a mechanical float switch for that. If thats the case then drill a hole in the bottom of the container and plumb it down with the float switch will shut things off, much like a toilet fill. If you are using electrical, you would want to incorporate a big siphon break. IE if you are using 1/2 pipe, drill a big hole in the pipe above the pump and waterline so when the pump turns on, it can barely push water out of the container because most of it is coming out the hole, then when the pump stops, you will have no siphon as well. Any reasons for not putting you container on the ground instead of above the tank?

 

[bawla47]

no space really. the topoff tank is actually going to be on the opposite side wall of my tank, above my refrigerator. i have a dual switch electronic setup so it turns on the powerhead when the switch is used.

do you think this would work fine?

putting a T at the top. i can probably set the pump output low enough so it doesnt go shooting out the top you think?

what do you guys think?

 

[DirkG]

why not put a 90 deg elbow at he top of your holding tank pipe. then a tee facing down with a cap on it with a small hole drilled in it for siphon brake, ( water will run back into holding tank when pump is on, when pump shut off this should stop the water flow) then just follow the rest of you drawing.

This works in my head, not sure on your tank!:smokin:

Hope this helps,
Dirk

 

[DirkG]

 

[DirkG]

like this

 

[Kathy55g]

why use a pump when gravity will do. Just use a float valve in the sump. Set up a siphon or tap an inch off the bottom of your top-off container.

 

[rick s]

I second the gravity feed. That's how mine is set up. Simpler is better when it's an option.

 

[ktkreegs]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6622162#post6622162 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kathy55g
Set up a siphon or tap an inch off the bottom of your top-off container.

could you explain more on this or show a picture? I thought gravity would be easier and was thinking of doing the same.

 

[daytonians]

Where can you get a Float Valve?

 

[JER-Z]

a dosing pump does not allow back siphoning...another option