Lets see those top off systems.

mpoletti

mpoletti

You'll never walk alone
Premium Member
I might be backwards here, but I am finally getting around to installing a float valve and and a auto top off system.

Since my RODI system is in the garage, I always have a 5 gallon jug(you know the ones) next to my tank.

If I install my float and run a small air pump to my jug, when the eater level drops, the pump then delivers water to my sump. This would mean more stablity in my salinity and no more adding a gallon in the am and a gallon in the pm.

I am a prisoner to my tank. I thought about it today. There is no way in hell I could leave town overnight right now. That sucks. True, Our tanks are our babies, but I need to get some of these nagging tasks taken care of before the warmer weather. Hence the evaporation will incease as well.

What do you think? Show me how you guys do yours. And for you lucky ones that just run their rodi straight to the sump, I am envious enough, please do not mock the rest of us by showing the easiest way possible, J/K. Lets see them all.

If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Thanks
 
But then they automate the crap out of them, forget about daily maintence, let it slip.....next thing you know.........there is a tank for sale.

I found that this winter with the lack of humidity, my tank used just as much water than in the summer if not less cuz the A/C is on.

Currently My ATO is me/myself/and I....am considering it, but have heard a couple horror stories and like the hands on approach.

I just leave the girlfriend at home to take care of the tank for me while I go and play!!!! Shes wonderful!!!!

Perhaps you could take that jug and hook a float to it where you only have to change it out every few days which will semi automate it.

I may do that with the cube and hopefully will put the mechanicals in the garage, a much smaller version of Steve Weasts, the one that was just lost. I love that layout and thought to functionality.
 
That is what I plan on doing Doug. I really wan to be able to set a 5 gallon jug there, be able to go to Tahoe or Monterrey for the weekend and not have someone come over every morning and evening to top off MY tank.

How the hell can I got SF to watch all star weekend if I have to top off my tank. Now to think about it, My tank is starting to sound like more fun.
 
I had thought about getting a group of fishnerds together to do some tank sitting for each other..........though you may be a few frags short when you get home........

Maybe I should offer to watch yours now that you have all those goodies you just got......been thinking about an Invader like I said.......hmmm
 
Here is some crappy thread on my first ATO.
Didn't take pics till it was done.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=833666&highlight=ATO
Then there was this describing the above thread with no pics.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=832987&highlight=ATO

Then I moved up to this controller
my second one..
NICE pics etc..
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=892753&highlight=controller

Then my latest was this controller
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1017295&highlight=ATO

ALL 3 systems are STILL in use on all 3 of my tanks.
If you need help with an ATO I can help ya out no prob.
Just depends on how much else you want to control, and how much ya want to spend.

My first one was the cheapest, least amount of work unit so far.
It still works great.
 
Doug- I have a tank full of small stuff, or should we say, corals that are finding themselves. I know you have been eyeing that invader. Lets see what it does over the next month, It is a bright standout green right now. You are first on my list.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9612569#post9612569 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by funman1
Here is some crappy thread on my first ATO.
Didn't take pics till it was done.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=833666&highlight=ATO

Then there was this describing the above thread with no pics.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=832987&highlight=ATO

Then I moved up to this controller
my second one..
NICE pics etc..
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=892753&highlight=controller

Then my latest was this controller
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1017295&highlight=ATO

ALL 3 systems are STILL in use on all 3 of my tanks.
If you need help with an ATO I can help ya out no prob.
Just depends on how much else you want to control, and how much ya want to spend.

My first one was the cheapest, least amount of work unit so far.
It still works great.
Click to expand...

Thanks Steve. That is great. I know I should probably just get the controller now, but the easiest one would probably be the best bet for right now. I have not really looked into controllers and what they control. Maybe we could get together so I can check out and iscuss in person. Thanks for the help.
 
Hey Mark,

I run a very similar setup like you are describing. A mechanical float in the sump attached to a aqualifter with the other tube in a 5 gallon bucket of RODI that I fill every 3 days or so. I leave the aqualifter on all the time and as the level drops it sucks the water in to bring it back up. The cool thing with the aqualifters is that they actually stop pumping when there is back pressure so its not like the motor is in their turning while there is no water being pumped. It has worked well for me.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9612974#post9612974 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MrMikeB
Hey Mark,

I run a very similar setup like you are describing. A mechanical float in the sump attached to a aqualifter with the other tube in a 5 gallon bucket of RODI that I fill every 3 days or so. I leave the aqualifter on all the time and as the level drops it sucks the water in to bring it back up. The cool thing with the aqualifters is that they actually stop pumping when there is back pressure so its not like the motor is in their turning while there is no water being pumped. It has worked well for me.
Click to expand...

Aqualifter? I might have to look into these. Thanks
 
I've used the auto topoff.com dual float switch with a simply small pump in a 5 gal bucket. Works perfect. About $75 with switch, pump and shipping.
 
I don't run/ never will run a direct source of water to my tank. Just WAY too dangerous IMO. I've thought, and thought and thought about the idea, but just decided to try something different.

Right now I have a bucket on a stand next to the tank that I fill with fresh water. I have a bulkhead and a ball valve with a hose at the bottom of the bucket. When the water gets low, I turn BV and do it maually.

This summer I'll hook an RODI to a lager storage tank in the garage, then connect the storage tank to the sump with some hose and a BV. Same idea, but if the FV ever gets stuck, I'll just have water in the garage, and not an overnight fresh water set up :lol:

DSCF3689.jpg


Here it is before I installed the BV and BH to the bucket.


This is just my opinion. I'm not knocking anyone for running an AT system. I just choose to not. One cool thing about this hobby is the variety of different methods reefers use :)


Cheers,

Jim
 
I have a pretty good idea and there are so many variations of this process. I have a Kent Float switch laying around from an old RODI experiment. But I think there are some better ways to do it.

What float valve are you guys using? I know there was a group buy a while back and there are mixed reviews on that. Who is happy with theirs. Thanks.
 
the auto topoff.com double switch float valve has a second float switch for this reason. If the bottom main float gets stuck or fails for some reason, then the second valve cuts off the power when the water reaches the float. I researced this equipment and discussed with several who use it here in RC and none had ever had a problem. Some were into 5 plus years of use. I would highly receommend it. I've had mine set up for over a month and boy it makes life better for me. I would think that you might not be able to keep up with the evap if you were using fan(s) for evap cooling or such which I am. I blow through 4 to 5 gallons in as many days. Total pain IMO to fill up each monring and evening, whcih is what I was doing.
 
I have a tsunami AT-1 top off switch hooked to a small pump in a 5 gallon tank under my tank next to the sump. It goes for 56.95 at aquacave.com - doesn't include the pump. I have used this for almost two years - I need to add water every couple of days. I haven;t done this yet but If I want to go away for a while I can just wheel a garbage can of RO/DI water in and have a larger reservoir.
 
Hey Mark

I've opened up the AquaController auto top off DIY to a general auto top off DIY, no AC required. The cost for the parts will be about $40. You can buy one for around $60.

If you have an AC with an input port the price drops to around $25.

Adding a 2nd float switch for redundancy adds $20 to the price.
 
Brian- Great, I am in. I might not have my controller by then, but I can still get everything ready.
Thanks
 
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