JeffersonReef
New member
I am trying to find an auto top-off that would work for my situation. If you have pics or a links to examples, that would be even more helpful.
-TJ
-TJ
Lets see those auto top-offs!
- Thread starter JeffersonReef
- Start date
HALCYONanima
New member
i have a 30 gallon tub hooked up to my 20gallon long by a powerhead that lasts me about 3 weeks and a 5 gallon container that i have hooked up to my 24NC for the past 6 months and has only used 1.5 gallons so far. I'll get some pics later today.
All Delight
New member
tagging along
Frankysreef
Active member
check the DIY section, I got the plans for mine there... You need a relay ( radioshack.com ), a cell phone transformer ( 3-500 ma ), a float switch or 2 ( floatswitches.net ), I used a one gang box with receptacle and cover, and used spade connectors and wire nuts to put the whole thing together...
I just plug the powerhead into the receptacle, and when the water drops the pump goes on, I also made a bracket for my sump out of acrylic.
Been working for almost 2 yrs now. total cost about 16 dollars in parts not counting the powerhead.
I just plug the powerhead into the receptacle, and when the water drops the pump goes on, I also made a bracket for my sump out of acrylic.
Been working for almost 2 yrs now. total cost about 16 dollars in parts not counting the powerhead.
JeffersonReef
New member
Unfortunatly, I cant run a RODI line... I have to use a resivoir that I will need to manually fill every once in a while.
Frankysreef
Active member
I ran a line directly under my kitchen to the tank, but I manually fill it with a switch... maybe 100 feet.
JeffersonReef
New member
^^
JeffersonReef
New member
OK.... I think this would work. Someone tell me if I am missing something.
I looked at Marc's design:
http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html
I think I will try something similar. The only concern I have is that he says that if the water level in the resevoir is higher than that of the sump, it will overflow it. Would that still be the case if I used this:
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=SP5113&CartId=
???
I looked at Marc's design:
http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html
I think I will try something similar. The only concern I have is that he says that if the water level in the resevoir is higher than that of the sump, it will overflow it. Would that still be the case if I used this:
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=SP5113&CartId=
???
gcarroll
Active member
if you want the best, go with this. It has everything you need for top off from a reservoir. Water level will be perfect 24/7 since it adds approx 1 cup of water at a time via an infrared eye. If you like running kalk you can add the calcium dispenser for another $100. It also has a back-up float switch that sounds and alarm and shuts the system down, just in case the water level gets too high. I have never seen or read about this system contribute to any catastrophic failure.
Frankysreef
Active member
Heed the warnings.... that is why most people use a relay, and a 3-500 milleamp transformer...
The voltage will weld the switch ON over time. Especially Spiking voltage and AC current.
This is why most people use DC at .3-.5 amps it wont melt the connections.
The voltage will weld the switch ON over time. Especially Spiking voltage and AC current.
This is why most people use DC at .3-.5 amps it wont melt the connections.
i have two units from this guy.... http://www.topdose.net/
work as advertised. i have the s+ with an extra float switch for each and it cost less than a benjamin shipped.
it has a timer to keep from over filling if the float sticks and the extra float goes in the reservoir to kill the pumps from running dry if the water level falls too low.
surprising thing about this purchase was the owner sending an e-mail a week later checking that my install of his product went well.
highly recommended for quality, as well as customer service!
work as advertised. i have the s+ with an extra float switch for each and it cost less than a benjamin shipped.
it has a timer to keep from over filling if the float sticks and the extra float goes in the reservoir to kill the pumps from running dry if the water level falls too low.
surprising thing about this purchase was the owner sending an e-mail a week later checking that my install of his product went well.
highly recommended for quality, as well as customer service!
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