Random Aquarist
New member
What kind of container could I use to attach a bulkhead and tubing to w/out modifying it? I'm not a very good DIYer, so can someone help me out?
Gravity-fed Auto Top-off System
- Thread starter Random Aquarist
- Start date
Just about any container will work. I use a 5 gallon bucket that has a fitting like this, though I bought mine at Home Depot and scored a couple O-rings that fit the MPT for free, which is just connected via 1/4" poly tubing (also HD) to a float valve in my sump. I drilled a hole just slightly smaller than the MPT and merely screwed it in, with an O-ring between the fitting and the bucket.
No electricity, just physics.
Cheers,
Marty
No electricity, just physics.
Cheers,
Marty
Random Aquarist
New member
Can you please translate that into Stupidian for me please?
Can you please find an example on HomeDepot.com for me. I don't know much DIY jargon.
Can you please find an example on HomeDepot.com for me. I don't know much DIY jargon.
Random Aquarist
New member
Maybe I should just get a container, drill a hole in it, and epoxy/glue the tubing to it. I'd then add on the float valve.
HippieSmell
Occupy Reef Central
Don't glue the tubing in, it will fail eventually. Use a uniseal. http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/8600/cid/2009
I also use a 5 gal water jug from walmart, pvc, and a ball valve. That's it. The jug is exactly like this one:http://cgi.ebay.com/5-GALLON-WATER-...3032842QQihZ008QQcategoryZ48318QQcmdZViewItem
I also use a 5 gal water jug from walmart, pvc, and a ball valve. That's it. The jug is exactly like this one:http://cgi.ebay.com/5-GALLON-WATER-...3032842QQihZ008QQcategoryZ48318QQcmdZViewItem
cotter4601
New member
What kind of float value did you use?
HippieSmell
Occupy Reef Central
There is no float, just gravity.
cotter4601
New member
How do you get it to stop and start when it's needed?
HippieSmell
Occupy Reef Central
Fill a sink with water, submerge a cup, flip the cup upside down under water, slowly lift cup out of water. Same principle.
cotter4601
New member
Could you post some pics of the design. It sounds interesting and I would to see how you did it.
Type slowly.
HippieSmell
Occupy Reef Central
I'll see if I can post some photos to clarify.
marino420td
Premium Member
You can see my gravity fed ATO system on this page of my tank thread.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=867050&perpage=25&pagenumber=10
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=867050&perpage=25&pagenumber=10
I am using a siphon and a float valve. Kent float valve at most aquarium supply places. Drill a 5/8 inch hole in the sump, or the holder you want to use, thread the valve on, attach tubing, and start a siphon from the raised bucket to the sump. It will shut off when full, and open as water is evaporated.
cotter4601
New member
Thanks, now I have to add this to my list of DIY projects.
Random Aquarist
New member
Me too.
It is a sealed air-tight container above the waterlevel whether of the display or sump. It will have 2 hoses/lines from the container to the water level. Both lines should have some kind of shut-off.
One line will be longer than the other in the container but not as deep in the sump/display. A rigid tube is best because this needs to be as high into the container as possible. This will be for air intake.
Second line will be deeper into the display/sump and just barely into the container. This will be for the water transfer.
Fill the container and place it into the final location. Place the air intake at a little below maximum water level in the display/sump. Then place the water transfer tube 2 or 3 inches or more lower than the air intake.
For the first time don't put a lot of water into the container. (in case of leaks) Open the valves and as the air intake sucks up air it will displace water from the container through the water transfer line into the display/sump. As the air intake is covered by the new higher water level it will stop displacing the water in the container and the flow should stop until the next time the intake is exposed.
The reason I said to put the air intake a little lower than the max waterline was even with the air intake coverd a little transfer will still happen until some water is in the air intake.
At this time the check for leaks. It is preferred that you use some type of mechanical uniseal not silicone because as stated earlier they will eventually fail.
If you have no leaks, GREAT (it took me 3 tries to get this right). Siphon some water out of the display sump and make sure everything is working right.
One mod you could do is put a fill valve on the top so instead of removing the whole container and lines you can shut the valves and open the fill hole and seal it afterwards.
One line will be longer than the other in the container but not as deep in the sump/display. A rigid tube is best because this needs to be as high into the container as possible. This will be for air intake.
Second line will be deeper into the display/sump and just barely into the container. This will be for the water transfer.
Fill the container and place it into the final location. Place the air intake at a little below maximum water level in the display/sump. Then place the water transfer tube 2 or 3 inches or more lower than the air intake.
For the first time don't put a lot of water into the container. (in case of leaks) Open the valves and as the air intake sucks up air it will displace water from the container through the water transfer line into the display/sump. As the air intake is covered by the new higher water level it will stop displacing the water in the container and the flow should stop until the next time the intake is exposed.
The reason I said to put the air intake a little lower than the max waterline was even with the air intake coverd a little transfer will still happen until some water is in the air intake.
At this time the check for leaks. It is preferred that you use some type of mechanical uniseal not silicone because as stated earlier they will eventually fail.
If you have no leaks, GREAT (it took me 3 tries to get this right). Siphon some water out of the display sump and make sure everything is working right.
One mod you could do is put a fill valve on the top so instead of removing the whole container and lines you can shut the valves and open the fill hole and seal it afterwards.
Random Aquarist
New member
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