Best auto top-off system?

[jmaschh]

Looking at getting an auto top-off system. What would be your recommendations?

Thanks,
Justin

 

[akrimmel]

have trottman fetch the water for you when you need to top off!!!

 

[Nanook]

Perhaps the safest auto-topoff would be to determine your evaporation rate and use a dosing pump to deliver that amount back to your tank over a 24hr period.

After that, I think a float valve from a reservoir with a limited amount of water would be next in safety. You just want to make sure that when your auto-topoff goes astray, which they will from time to time, that the amount of water does not nuke your tank by dropping the SG too low.

Float switches are just not dependable, IMO. I have used them, but will not chance it on my new system...if I ever get it done.

dave

 

[Shooter7]

I've got my eye on a Tunze osmolator.

 

[jmaschh]

What dosing pump do you use?

 

[akrimmel]

farmer gave me one but doesn't know who the manufacturer is or where he hot it from, works great. black tube with a clear smaller tube hooked to it with a small pump. i will look to see if i can find any info on it, works great.

 

[DrBDC]

I use a litermeter for mine. It can only dose so much per day that you set. I've found out the hard way that if the electricity goes off/on a few times like in an electrical storm that it too can stick on. They also have a secondary float switch device which plugs right into the side of the unit which gives one extra level of safety.

 

[chadfarmer]

akrimmel that is a sunami AT1

i use dual float switches and run through a relay

 

[spongebobby]

I started using a dosing pump and it works excellent. I am wanting to buy a Geo Kalk reactor to top-off all evap water with kalk. I use a nautilus 2 from here www.innovativeaquatics.com haven't used it long but so far so good.

 

[besl]

I use a JBJ ATO and am very happy with it.

 

[azgard]

kent float has worked for me with out flaw for many years.

 

[caesura]

Any opinions on the spectrapure units? I am thinking about one since it doesn't have to have a reservoir. I was thinking I could put it on a timer so it is only available once or twice a day for an hour or so as added protection. Plus it has the ability to control a water change vessel.

 

[akrimmel]

i use a tsunami AT1 works great, not sure where to get one. i need another one if someone konws where to get one please reespond back here.

 

[beaker77]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7689556#post7689556 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by akrimmel
i use a tsunami AT1 works great, not sure where to get one. i need another one if someone konws where to get one please reespond back here.

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=254

 

[akrimmel]

thanks beaker, anyone use these as well. if so i read about a mod to make it less sensitive. anyone?

 

[astrea]

I second www.innovativeaquatics.com used it for over six years with no problems. Just get the pump that connects to the float switch. Using food grade lubrication meant for commercial yogurt machines on the peristaltic part and your tubes should last about six months before falling apart or you can change it sooner. Also if you get the the pump from ebay I can help you disable the alarms and wire it for float swith use. Another good thing about this is setup is to adjust the tension on the pump or get a smaller tubing so in a 24 hour period if the float switch fails you just have enough water to fill your sump.These things are great fo kalk and the float switch keeps your water within a few millimeters.

 

[Im Lon 2]

This is what I use from www.autotopoff.com . I have had it for 2 years with no problems and it has a 2nd float incase the first float was to get stuck for what ever reason.. So far have not had to use the 2nd float.

 

[rs2208]

I have used a Litemeter for the last 6 years and it is one of the best pieces of equipment I have ever bought. No float valves to get stuck.

 

[akrimmel]

rs2208
care to inform me what a litemeter is.

 

[Markk96]

http://www.spectrapure.com/St_prec_p0.htm

This should help you out.